No matter how small they are, dents can make any sleek vehicle look unsightly. They lower the resale value of your car, and they can also be pretty costly to repair. If you’re up for the challenge, however, you can always fix those ugly dents yourself by using a dent puller.
A dent repair kit, or a dent puller, is a tool that can remove dents and dings from a vehicle’s body. There are different types of dent pullers, but most kits come with a suction cup puller, a metal rod, and a pulling mechanism.
Keep in mind that medium to large dents are hard to pull out, so dent repair kits won’t always work on them. Also, if there’s any chipped, cracked, or split paint, the kit isn’t going to work well.
Medium to large dents are hard to pull out. If there is also any chipped, cracked, or split paint, the dent removal kit is not going to work well.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Using a dent repair kit for the first time can be scary, but it’s actually a pretty fun DIY project once you get the hang of it. Here are some helpful tips on how to use a dent puller:
It’s always best to start with a clean surface, so go ahead and give your vehicle a good rinse. Then, go in with a microfiber towel and warm, soapy water. As you gently scrub the dirt away, make sure to rinse the cloth every now and then to get rid of particles that might scratch your car’s paint.
Make sure you’re using a dent-pulling tab that’s close to the size of the dent. A small tab won’t work on a large dent, so compare the sizes before you stick it onto your car.
Using a glue gun, apply a thin layer of adhesive onto the suction pads. Warm up the glue first, but make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Using hot glue on your vehicle’s body can cause your paint to chip and pull off.
Five minutes should be enough for the glue to set, but don’t rush to pull the tab off just yet. Touch the glue to check if it’s ready. If it’s still soft to the touch, you’ll need to wait for a few more minutes until the glue is completely hard. Shielding the glue from direct sunlight can also help it set better.
Once the dent-pulling tab is secured over the area, slowly squeeze the handle. Keep going until the dent is no longer noticeable. You might have to use a smaller dent-pulling tab until the dent becomes flush.
Dent-pulling tabs typically leave behind glue residue when you detach them from your vehicle. Whatever you do, do not scrape them off with your fingers. Just spray rubbing alcohol on the edge of the glue, and use a plastic scraper to peel it off.
You might end up with some high spots if you’re using a DIY dent puller kit. To fix this, use a dent hammer and a plastic tap-down tool to gently flatten them.
Most dent pullers work by sticking threaded studs and pulling tabs on the dented surface. Then, a pulling bar or bridge is attached to the pull tabs, while a metal rod is inserted through the pulling keys with a gripping tool. This gripping provides a reverse pulling force that allows you to pull the dent out.
You’ll find all kinds of dent puller tools on the market, but here are the most basic categories:
This style is typically used to fix superficial dents that haven’t damaged the paint yet. It makes use of tools that attach to the dent, such as pulling tabs.
Tapping style kits are most useful for cases where you can access the backside of the dented body panel This kit typically requires you to use a hammer to gently tap the dent from behind to push it out.
Rod-style kits are for more complex dents in tighter spaces where a hammer won’t fit. The kit comes with a long rod that you’ll have to slide behind the body panel to push the dent gently.
Hiring a professional to fix your vehicle is almost always the best option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. There are even some advantages to using a dent puller on your own, such as the following:
By using a dent puller to fix your own vehicle, you don’t have to deal with long queues at repair shops anymore. It’s also a relatively quick process. You can buy a dent repair kit in the morning and repair your car on the same day.
Hiring a professional to fix the dents on your car can be costly, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of damage. If you’re on a tight budget, a dent puller kit is a great way to fix your car that won’t break the bank.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.