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Feature
A+ Add-Ons
Products that Bring Profit to AGRR Companies
Looking to add to your skill set or expand your business? The expertise
you’ve gained in windshield repair and/or replacement standards can be
applied to taking up additional auto trades that require an extra degree
of finesse. Over the next few pages, you’ll find a few of the latest tools
that can help you get started on a lucrative new path. (For more ideas,
be sure to learn about how to expand your scratch repair business with
the article on page 20.)
Paintless Dent Repair Tools
Glass technicians with the patience for working out a chip may want to
learn more about paintless dent repair (PDR), a practice of removing dents
and dings from a car’s exterior without disturbing the finish. A number
of specialized tools exist for applying pressure to the backside of the
panel to remove surface imperfections from small dings to large dents.
Other tools allow a tech to bond a "tab" or other device to the exterior
of the panel and pull the dent out from the exterior. Read on for a sampling
of the tools available to get you started in this field.
Dentcraft Offers Strong Tools in a Set
Dentcraft Tools L.P. in Oklahoma City, Okla., offers a 16-piece starter
PDR sets for technicians new to this process; a 38-piece tech set full
of the most commonly used tools for removing minor dents, dings and hail
damage from automobiles; and a 72-piece flagship tool set. The manufacturer
reports that its tools balance strength and ergonomics to satisfy any
tech’s needs. The tools’ high strength-to-size ratio is the result of
using high carbon, hard-tempered spring steel. Color-coded handles allow
for quick identification among varied size and length tools.
The company provides a lifetime guarantee against breakage on any PDR
tool it makes with a ?/16-inch diameter or larger.
www.dentcrafttools.com
Ultra Dent Stocks Answers to PDR Questions
Riverside, Calif.-based Ultra Dent Tools sets out to offer everything
a technician needs to get started in PDR. From stainless and spring steel
tools in kit sizes ranging from four to 40 pieces, to software for job
tracking and training to get started, this company is aiming to answer
all of techs’ questions about PDR. For the savvier technician, this company
says it can manufacture any custom tool to its customers’ specs.
The manufacturer’s tools are available through Hail USA.
www.ultradenttools.com
Manufacturer Highlights New Designs for Quality PDR
With the introduction of 2013 vehicles, Quality PDR Tools in Newport Beach,
Calif., has likewise introduced new designs in its PDR tools. All of the
company’s PDR tools are designed by its own team of PDR techs, and are
available in a variety of lengths and diameters to provide complete vehicle
access. The manufacturer says its tool tips have been tapered and configured
to allow for repair to any type of damage on any kind of vehicle. The
stainless steel tools are ergonomically crafted, color coordinated and
guaranteed for life.
www.qualitypdrtools.com
A-1 Manufactures Onsite for Quick Tool Turnaround
Through its A-1 Machine Division, A-1 Tool Inc. manufactures its hand
tools and rods as well as DentMasters, slide hammers, knockdown hammers
and other tools and accessories on site in Bolivar, Mo. The manufacturer
says it uses only the highest quality steel available to produce more
than 400 standard—and custom—PDR tools.
With 15,000 tools in inventory, the company is able to ship standard
tool orders within 24 hours.
www.pdrtool.com
Protect Your Dent Tools with PDQ’s Latest
For getting the specialty tools needed to massage the minor dents and
dings in sheet metal back to its original shape, PDQ Tools in Stilwell,
Kan., offers plenty of variety—including tools for protecting your PDR
tools. For example, the company’s latest, CP-VCAPS, safeguards tools from
scratching and high spots. These colorful vinyl caps are available in
seven sizes. The D-WG01 is a thin and durable sheet of molded Lexan designed
for scratch protection when working down the window.
The company provides a wide variety of knock-down and glue-pulling equipment,
practical items such as seats and tool storage, and training materials
for the new PDR technician.
www.pdqtools.com
Airbag Repair
Glass professionals know that the windshield is a critical safety device;
with that focus on safety, some may want to take a look at airbag repair.
Suppliers are helping technicians to install OEM, never-deployed airbags
for a variety of makes and models. With the right scan tools, a tech can
reset the airbag’s computer module as well, getting the customer back
on the road quickly and safely.
Get Fast Access to Any Airbag
Dallas-based Airbags-OEM.com reports that it has immediate access to more
than 5,000 auto airbags and secondary access to more than 25,000 additional
automobile air bags through its partner program. The manufacturer offers
all makes and models of never-deployed car air bags and airbags for trucks.
Technicians can get the complete airbag system, airbag module, airbag
cover or the airbag alone.
In addition, the company says it can help repair blown airbag computer
modules.
www.airbags-oem.com
Bilingual OBD II Scan Tool Reads Airbag Codes
OTC in Owatonna, Minn., says techs can take the guesswork out of airbag
repairs with the 9450 OBD II scan tool and code reader. The tool was designed
to diagnose the SRS airbag malfunction indicator lights, as well as the
check engine and ABS lights, quickly and accurately. The scan tool can
read, display and erase airbag codes and definitions for most domestic
vehicles made between 1996 and 2008, and can be updated online for newer
models. It includes a code library feature and retains the most recent
vehicle scan. The tool also features optional battery power for saving
data, a detachable cable and an easy to read backlit display.
www.otctools.com
Paint Protection
Auto glass techs who have covered a vehicle in the past to
protect it from scratches during the repair and/or replacement process
already know how much stock some car owners put into protecting their
paint job. Why not take that a step further by learning to apply a clear
paint protection film that can protect a vehicle’s most common chip-prone
surfaces?
ClearMask Supplies Film and Application Supplies
According to ClearMask in Trinidad, Texas, a squeegee for removing application
liquids is only one part of the tools a professional needs to apply paint
protection film. For techs looking to branch out in this area, this company
provides a kit that includes all the tools needed to get started, as well
as the film. In the kit are two 32-ounce spray bottles with professional
spray heads designed to deliver the volume of liquids required to prevent
the adhesive from being damaged; a professional quality squeegee with
the proper durometer to apply thin urethane films without marring; a hard
card for insuring the film edge is sealed to prevent edge peeling and
dirt contamination; a sharp snap-off blade razor type knife for minor
trimming; and a professional installation CD and written instructions.
www.clearmask.com
Paint Protection Reaches the Nano Level
Among the paint protection films offered by Pro-Tect Film in Las Vegas
is the Nano-Fusion Protection from Avery Dennison, a patent-pending clear
paint protection film technology that protects against stones, bug acid,
winter salt, sand, minor impacts, road debris, scratches and more. This
clear film provides a barrier for paint's surface against harsh, environmental
elements and everyday wear. The supplier says this flexible, clear film
is easily installed and provides strong resistance to discoloration and
cracking caused by UV. Precision computer-cut designs are available, as
is a limited lifetime warranty.
www.pro-tectfilm.com
Get Started in Paint Protection
San Antonio, Texas-based XPel Technologies Corp. offers two ways to get
technicians started in the paint protection arena. The first option allows
for the purchase of pre-cut paint protection film to be shipped to the
technician, while the second option involves the use of the company’s
Design Access Program (DAP) software and a supply of the company’s film
for manufacturing kits at the user’s location “on demand, in real-time,”
as the manufacturer says. Either way, the company is able to supply installation
training as well, and the tools needed to get started applying this new
product.
www.xpel.com
Thin Film Designed for DIY or Pro Install
The Rshield paint protection film wrap from New York-based Rvinyl.com
Inc. is a universal sheet that can be trimmed to fit just about any car,
truck, SUV or motorcycle, the manufacturer reports. The 4-mil thick heat
conformable paint protection film is thinner than comparable products
as it’s geared as much to the DIY installer as the professional technician,
making it suitable for windshield technicians just coming into this area.
The clear film can be applied to a car's hood, bumper, fenders, pillars,
trunk and roof to provide protection from sand, debris, weather and salt.
www.rvinyl.com
© Copyright 2012 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.
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