For beginners, we recommend starting with a basic PDR tool kit that is not too expensive an that includes rods, hand tools, knockdowns, and a small light.
We do not have a special starter package, but as an example of what you might need as a starter, we have made a small selection for you below. There is no need to start with a really large set. Better earn some money first and then buy the items you need, extra.
The choice of a toolset to start with is really very personal and different for every mechanic. We advise not to buy too much the first time. Just experience the tools and then you will know better what you need and what to buy next.
Our advice is a small set with these products:
Each country has its own delivery time. You can view the expected delivery time to your country here: https://www.denttoolcompany.nl/en/service/verzending/
If the item you want to return is still new, then that is no problem. Send an email to [email protected] with your customer number and/or invoice number, no later than 14 days after you have received the items. We will then send you a return form as soon as possible. After receiving your return, we will assess the returned items and refund the credit amount to you as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, you cannot order something that is currently out of stock. Go to the relevant product page in our webshop and leave your email address under the 'Notify me' button. You will immediately receive an email as soon as the item is back in stock.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a technique used to remove dents and dings from vehicle panels without affecting the original paint. It involves using specialized tools to gently push or pull the metal back into its original shape from behind the panel.
Dent removal without spraying is therefor a good and cheap way to have small dents in vehicle sheet metal removed. The condition is that the paint is still intact and that the dent is not too big.
The dent is pushed out from the inside using special tools, or gluing technology is used. With gluing technique, a special glue adapter is glued into the dent and the dent is withdrawn in a measured manner.
Dent removal / repair without spraying is very suitable for smaller dents, such as parking dents, transport damage or dents caused by an opening door. However, the greatest use of dent removal without spraying is done in case of hail damage.
Advantages:
Almost all tools have an American thread, which is standard in PDR: 5/16-18 inch.
All product specifications, for both the interchangeable tips and the tools, state which screw thread applies.
Please note: there is a small number of so-called "skinny tips". These are especially for tools with a narrow diameter and therefore have a narrower deviating thread. This is always explicitly stated for the interchangeable tip and for the narrow tool.
Brace tools for paintless dent repair are very useful tools to have in your PDR kit bag.
You generally use them to get in behind braces or in through limited access areas where we can't get a bigger dent tool into the access point: for smaller holes in the bonnet panel and in side panels.
These brace tools come in different lengths, shapes and handles depending on area and if you need it on the left or right.
The small access holes are around a lot of panels so when you open up doors especially on the lower edges and you can't get in through the top by their access from the window, there are normally small drainage holes that allow the rainwater to run out and then these useful little brace tools cab get in those tiny drainage holes and then you can still leverage out the dent from the inside.
Aluminum interchangeable tips are suitable for aluminum panels. Metal interchangeable tips can sometimes be too hard for the softer aluminum and therefore cause high spots in the metal panel.
A line board is a useful tool for assessing and repairing dents in a panel by observing the reflections of lines on the surface. The basic principle is that the reflected lines on the panel should be straight and parallel if the panel is smooth and undamaged.
When you have a low spot or dent in the panel, the lines in the reflection appear further apart and become wider. This deformation is noticeable when you apply pressure to the panel. When you press a specific point, the lines around that point spread out, indicating a low point. This is useful for identifying the exact location and size of the dent.
Conversely, if you have a high spot on the panel, the lines in the reflection will be closer together. This happens when pressure is applied to the area, causing the lines to come together. High spots are often called stress points or crowns and indicate areas where the metal is lifting.
The purpose of using a line board is to restore the panel to its original, smooth condition. For low spots, apply pressure from the bottom of the panel to lift the dent until the lines in the reflection become straight and parallel again. For high spots, press the raised area until the lines read correctly and the surface is flat.
By carefully observing the reflections and making precise adjustments, you can effectively repair the panel and ensure that the lines are straight and parallel again, indicating a smooth and flawless surface.
Start by heating the panel to protect the paint and ensure good adhesion. Use a lightweight aluminum impact hammer with a metal glue tab and cold glue. Before first use, allow the adhesive to adhere to the tab for 10-15 minutes before removing dents.
Apply the adhesive tab to the panel with a light twisting motion and tap it lightly to secure it. Pull gently to reduce the dent. Remove the adhesive with a circular motion and remove any residue with rubbing alcohol/ethanol.
Check the dent after each pull using a line board to trace remaining high and low spots. Reapply the glue as necessary, using a circular motion to promote adhesion and tapping lightly before each pull.
If there are any high spots, use a knockdown (with a leather tip) to gently tap them down, which will release the tension. Constantly reassess the panel as tension can shift to different areas.
Continue using the cold glue to pull up the remaining low spots. If there is still tension on the panel, further 'open the dent' by heating the metal. Finish the repair with precise tapping and blending to remove any minor imperfections.
Problems with the glue not sticking are a common problem that many people struggle with. Here are some tips to help you get the best results when using glue.
Different scenarios can arise when using glue on a panel:
If you've tried the preparation steps and are still having problems, check the temperature as a final troubleshooting step. The glue needs a reasonably warm environment, around room temperature or slightly warmer, to harden properly. If the panel is too cold or too hot, the adhesive may not cure properly and lead to failed pulls.
Overall, the most important things are to make sure you allow enough time for the adhesive to set, thoroughly clean both the tab and the repair area, and maintain the proper temperature throughout the process.
