How Do We Repair Dents?

August 10, 2022

Here at Lord of the Dings, we repair dings, dents, and hail damage cars using the paintless dent repair process, or PDR for short. Now you may not be familiar with paintless dent removal, and that is totally fine. By the end of this post, I will hopefully have explained it well enough for you. To have a better understanding of how we repair dents.

Repairing Dents, Dings, and Hail Damaged Cars Using Metal Rods or Picks

PDR uses metal rods and picks to “push” or massage the dents out from the inside of the damaged panel. The PDR process starts when we gain access to the underside (backside) of the vehicle’s skin.

The access is gained starting with the Removal & Installation (R&I) process of the repair. R&I is unscrewing and unfastening the hardware holding up your vehicle’s trim or upholstery (i.e., headliners and door panels). Doors, hoods, and deck lids (trunks) can be removed from the vehicle and placed on a stand for easier maneuverability. Headliners, liftgates, and other interior/exterior parts may be removed to gain access. In return, by gaining better access to the underside of the panel, the technician’s repairs are of a higher quality. In some cases, R&I is not required.

We may gain access by rolling down a window. Inserting a window wedge and a stainless-steel window guard to safely gain access to the underside of the panel. We then use door tools to remove a dent in the door skin. While using a L.E.D. light on the outside of the vehicle’s panel to look at the reflection of the dent.

A thorough PDR repair does not strictly consist of repairing the outside of the damaged panel. It is also protecting the underside. We use rubber, nylon and plastic-tipped tools, and also, when necessary, we tape the tools to avoid scratching the underside of a panel.

When we must put metal on metal, the Lord of the Dings repair technicians will spray corrosion protection to the back of the panel to make sure that your vehicle is properly protected after your repairs have been completed.

Repairing Dents and Dings Using Glue Tabs, Mini-Lifter, Slide Hammer, Knock Down, and Hammer

Another way we repair dents is with the “glue pulling” process. Also, referred to as glue-puling dent repair, or GPDR. With this method, the same L.E.D. light that we used for PDR. Will be used on the outside of the panel as a reflection reference. To properly fix the car door dent.

We use the GPDR process when the ding in the car or hail dent. Is in a location where there is no access to the underside of the panel. For example, the “roof rail” or “sail panel.” That is the panel that runs above your doors. If you are driving a car that is not a convertible. That panel runs along the side of your windshield as well.

When the car dent is in that location. We will use a glue tab with special PDR glue affixed to the tab. Then the tab will be placed on the outside of the panel. While using the reflection from the L.E.D. light for proper placement of the glue tab. We will use a slide hammer or mini lifter to pull the dent out from the outside.

If glue tab or PDR glue still remains. We will use alcohol as a releasing agent to release the tab or glue from the panel. Then, we will proceed to look at the dent in the reflection of the L.E.D. light. Then use the hammer or knock down to tap down the inverted or high dent until level in the L.E.D. light.

Repairing Door Dings, Dents, and Hail Damage Using Electromagnetic Induction and Frequency

The third option on how we repair dents and dings is electromagnetic induction for auto panels that are made out of steel. Another name for such a device is a “hotbox.”

The tool consists of a coil that generates an electromagnetic field, which then induces heat directly into the panel.

The heat causes the metal to expand slightly, and when the heat is applied quickly to the dent, it can pull the metal outwardly making the dent or ding inverted or a high spot on the panel. We then use a L.E.D. PDR light to see this high spot and continue to knock the high spot down with knock down or hammer.

This process helps in repairing minor dents without having to use traditional methods like body filler or sanding, making it a relatively clean and efficient technique.

Lastly, using frequency to remove or repair dents and dings on aluminum auto panels. The aluminum version “hotbox” uses frequency. It quickly changes frequency to match the correct type of aluminum and locks onto it, the frequency vibrates the molecules therefore heats it up and pulls the dent out.

 

Lord of the Dings Repairs Dents Using the Paintless Dent Repair Method

Dents will happen. With this explanation on how we repair dents, we hope you have a better understanding of how we use our paintless dent repair to repair dents, dings, and hail damage to cars. With a better understanding of how we repair dents, you will be able to make an informed decision on what dent repair facility to use when you choose to get your brand-new car dent removed. And as always, give Lord of the Dings a chance to earn your business today!


 Over $40k in paintless dent repair tools to repair your dents on site!