Glue-Pulling Repairs
Glue-pulling is a fairly recent aspect of PDR that has quickly gained in popularity thanks to advancements in equipment and the quality of the glue. If done correctly, it can be used to remove dents in areas that tools can’t get to, such as the edges of panels or along roof rails. A glue gun is used to melt the glue, which is then applied to a tab that is placed directly onto the center of the dent. After the glue sets, it can then be manipulated with a specially designed tool that snaps the dent out. Often times the area is pulled high when the tool removes the tab, at which time the technician uses a plastic tap-down to restore the metal’s original form.
Because the technician is working the dent from the painted side, the condition of the paint is a very important factor. The paint must be its original factory finish with no chips or scratches in the dent.
We generally use this technique only when we can’t get a tool on the backside of the dents. It’s especially effective for hail damage. Other factors that make glue pulling difficult is the sharpness of the dent and any irregular shapes to the dent.
