Dent Puller

Dent Puller

10 steps to starting a paintless dent repair business

Some basic steps on how to start a PDR business.

1. Examine your potential market. Do you have any connections at body shops, detail shops, wholesalers, car dealers, service centers, etc who will let you potentially do work for them?  Think about your demographics.  Are your potential retail customers making decent money?  Create a list of connections, call them all and let them know you are getting trained.
2. Examine your potential competition. How many PDR techs are there in your area, and are they operating in your potential market? What are they charging?  How much rapport does your competition have locally with your potential market?  Keep notes.
3. Find out your states' requirements. You may need business insurance.  You may need a sales license, you may need many things.  Go to a local dealer and ask the office manager what their dealer requires from any of it's vendors (you in the future).
   
4. Register a business name. Go to your state's govermental website and search for info about registering a business.  Go through the process of registration. With a PDR name, it should use words that tie in to the PDR industry.  Dings, dents, PDR, dent repair, etc.
5. Order business materials. You will need business cards, invoices, and possibly some accounting items. 
6. Go get trained and purchase tools. This one is obvious.  You need to get training, and get a basic toolset. You do not need more than a basic set to begin with, as the first couple of months you need to practice, practice, practice.
   
7. Keep your day job! You will be hard pressed to support your family or pay your current bills when first starting in PDR so keep the job you have.
8. Practice on your connections. You need to practice, practice, practice.  I know I already said that, but there aren't many people willing to give you a shot at working on their $40,000 BMW unless you are pretty sure of your skills.  If you know someone who owns a body shop, or wholesales ask them if you can practice on their cars "for free".
9. Start selling YOU to your connections. They have a lot of options already for PDR.  The difference you can make for them initially is that it is you performing PDR for them, even if it isn't the best they could get.  Sell them on how every day you are getting better, and that this is YOU that they are dealing with.....
10. Finalize the legalities of doing business. Wrap up any loose ends with regard to doing business as a vendor to dealerships and body shops.

About the Author

The dent puller is a great way to get started in PDR.

3m Dent Puller Locking Suction Cup 956 $25.56 Dent puller suction cup

Dent Puller And Slide Hammer $35.95 The largest selling and most economical body shop dent puller in the industry. 3lb. slide weight is mounted on 12'' plated steel shaft. Famous blue vinyl hand grip over steel handle reduces sting on technicnian's hands and provides 100% grip. Broached hex in nose cone locks pulling screw in place...ends breakage. Supplied with two hardened pulling screws and ''L'' puller hook fabricated of aircraft quality steel. Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2''-20.By Tool Aid.

Tool Aid TA81600 Taper Slide Hammer Dent Puller $30.28 Taper slide hammer dent puller. Manufactured to the highest quality available. Meets the standard of excellence. Latest technical development.

Dent Fix Paintless Dent Repair Glue Puller Kit. Each $263.58 Manufacturer: Dent Fix. Each. Features Benefits: Pro glue gun 2 types of super sized bonding adhesives 10 t-pullers 5 small 5 big pull nibs Cone cross bar and tripod puller and special release agent into a strong, plastic carrying case Offers two diff

Suction Cup Dent Puller $4.99 Made of heavy duty molded rubber Lift and carry plate glass Pulls out many shallow dents without drilling holes Fingertip pressure release Attaches to plastic or any smooth-surface sheet material

Dent No More $1.99 Fixes auto dents quickly! Incredible suction puller removes minor dents with its powerful vacuum action. Just place over the dent and gently pull. It's that easy! Won't harm car's paint. Plastic. 5" wide.

H & S Auto Shot Dent Killer Dent Puller Attachment. Each $148.99 Manufacturer: H & S Auto Shot. Each. Features Benefits: Works great to restore body lines Works with all UNI-SPOTTER stud welders Quick easy to use Lightweight and portable for out-of-position pulls Customers also search for: Discount Dent Killer Dent

KD Tools KDT2761 6 Inch Dent Puller Suction Cup $43.45 Features and Benefits: Puller also functions as a glass holder Supertough rubber cup No hole drilling Works on the dents on noncreased sheet metalPuller easily pops dented hoods doors and fenders into place. 6 diameter suction disc with steel handle and steel support plates enables strong pull. It works on nearly every dent where the sheet metal has not been creased. Lift edge to release suction. This suction cup dent puller is one of many top quality items in the Auto Body Repair department.

Midi-Weight Slide Hammer Dent Puller $54.95 Provides excellent balance with 5lb. slide weight on plated, solid, 5/8'' shaft. Exclusive soft cushion vinyl grip with ''Hang-It'' hole absorbs shock. Broached nose cone locks puller screw firmly in place. Supplied with body hook of heavy duty aircraft steel for pulling out curled and creased edges and panels. Helps in aligning hood and trunk hinges. Heavy duty puller screw is extra long. Designed for that in-between job where the 10 lb. Slugger slide weight is too heavy and the pullers with 3 lb. weights are too light. Nose cone and shaft threads are 5/8''-18.By Tool Aid.

Dent Fix DENPK100 Paintless Dent Repair Glue Puller Kit $352.69 Features and Benefits:Pro glue gun2 types of super sized bonding adhesives10 tpullers5 small 5 big pull nibsCone cross bar and tripod puller and special release agent into a strong plastic carrying caseOffers two different adhesives allowing you to select for shallow dents and depressions or a high tack adhesive for deeper depression higher ambient temperatures or higher humidityUse only on OEM baked finishesWill not damage factory finish

120 Volt Portable Dent Puller .. $827.15 Manufacturer: Lenco. Each. Features Benefits: Primary voltage: 208/230 single phase 60/50 Hz Line fuse: 30 AMP Size: 11-1/2"H X 15"W x 16-3/4"L Power input cable: 25 , No. 12/3 wire Cable assembly length: 7 ground, 7 power Maximum welding capacity: 20

H & S Auto Shot Glue Puller Paintless Dent Removal. Each $358.3 Manufacturer: H & S Auto Shot. Each. Features Benefits: The most efficient way to remove dents without damaging the paint Lightweight duel lever dent puller Two sizes of pulling knobs Two strengths of specialized glue Nylon knockdown to finish the work

Tool Aid TA 81400 Dent Puller and Slide Hammer $39.17 The largest selling and most economical body shop dent puller in the industry. 3lb. slide weight is mounted on 12 plated steel shaft. Famous blue vinyl hand grip over steel handle reduces sting on technicnian s hands and provides 100 grip. Broached hex in nose cone locks pulling screw in place...ends breakage. Supplied with two hardened pulling screws and L puller hook fabricated of aircraft quality steel. Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2 20.

OTC Body and Fender Dent Puller. Each $47.88 Manufacturer: OTC. Each. Features and Benefits: 17" long Pyralin handle grip Removes dents without removing the interior panels and upholstery Replaceable self-tapping screw Often, the biggest time-consuming part of dent removal is the removal and instal

SG Tool Aid SGT81400 Dent Puller and Slide Hammer $48.44 Features and Benefits: 3 lb. slide weight is mounted on 1/2 plated steel shaft Famous blue vinyl hand grip over steel handle reduces sting on technician s hands and provides 100 percent grip Broached hex in nose cone locks pulling screw in place...ends breakage Supplied with two hardened pulling screws and L puller hook fabricated of aircraft quality steel Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2 20The largest selling and most economical body shop dent puller in the industry.

KD Tools 6" Dent Puller Suction Cup. Each $27.4 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Puller also functions as a glass holder Super-tough rubber cup No hole drilling Works on the dents on non-creased sheet metal Puller easily pops dented hoods, doors and fenders into place. 6" diameter su

KD Tools Slide Hammer Dent Pulling Puller Set. Each $41.98 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. Tool pulls dented sheet metal back into place. To use, drill a hole in the deepest part of the dent, insert the hook or self-threading screw tip and tap lightly with the 2-1/2-lb slide hammer to remove the dent. A 13 -long sh

Dent Fix DENDFHD0140 Flexible Fender Puller with Pull Ring 1.5 Ton $138.59 Features and Benefits Flexible fits any wheel well or lipped panel 1.5 ton rated more than enough power and strength Allinone tool Easy to use spring loaded hinges hold clamp in position 1 year warrantyThe flexible fender puller can be bent to fit any fender shape no need for multiple clamps. Perfect for head and tail light openings and bumper pulls. You adjust the curve and pull. The puller features an eye hook for fast easy connection.

Slide Hammer Puller Kit by Wilmar Tools $113.99 Best method of hub removal;Includes slide hammer with internal and external puller fingers;Locking pliers adapter, puller hook and dent puller;Sturdy storage case included

SG Tool Aid Dent Puller and Slide Hammer. Each $31.79 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features Benefits: 3 lb. slide weight is mounted on 1/2" plated steel shaft Supplied with two hardened pulling screws and "L" puller hook fabricated of aircraft quality steel. Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2" - 20

SG Tool Aid Midi Weight Slide Hammer Dent Puller. Each $50.95 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features Benefits: Provides excellent balance with 5 lb. slide weight on plated, solid, 5/8" shaft. Exclusive soft cushion vinyl grip with "Hang-It" hole absorbs shock. Broached nose cone locks puller screw firmly in pl

SG Tool Aid SGT81200 MidiWeight Slide Hammer Dent Puller $72.85 Features and Benefits: Provides excellent balance with 5 lb. slide weight on plated solid 5/8 shaft Exclusive soft cushion vinyl grip with HangIt hole absorbs shock Broached nose cone locks puller screw firmly in place Supplied with body hook of heavy duty aircraft steel for pulling out curled and creased edges and panels Helps in aligning hood and trunk hingesHeavy duty puller screw is extra long. Designed for that inbetween job where the 10 lb. Slugger slide weight is too heavy and the pullers with the 3 lb. weights are to light. Nose cone and shaft threads are 5/8 18.

Dent Fix Paintless Pro Glue Puller Kit $274.95 Includes everything you need to pull rounded dings and dents from car panels Does not require training to use, it is simple and straight forward; Glue and pull with the specialized pulling devices Double wall panels, whenever access to the back of the panel is impossible, this kit is your only solution for paintless repair The glue is easily removes using rubbing alcohol When used in conjunction with the PDR rods, you will be able to repair all hail and parking lot dings   Kit Includes: 5 small, 5 large T-pullers Assortment of different size and shaped pulling nibs Cone Bar Tri-pod pullers 10 Sticks high strength glue Heavy duty glue gun Storage case

KD Tools KDT2290 Puller Set Slide Hammer Dent Pulling $60.02 Features and Benefits:. Pulls dented sheet metal back into place. 13 long shaft enables high pulling force. Slide hammer shaft has a 1/2 13 UNC thread. Handle length: 3.75 . To use drill a hole in the deepest part of the dent insert the hook or selfthreading screw tip and tap lightly with the 21/2lb slide hammer to remove the dent. . Replacement part: 229070 Hook and Screw Package. Replacement part: 229076 Nose Nut

Lenco 230 Volt Portable Dent Puller. Each $827.15 Manufacturer: Lenco. Each. Features Benefits: Primary voltage: 208/230 single phase 60/50 Hz Line fuse: 30 AMP Size: 11-1/2"H X 15"W x 16-3/4"L Power input cable: 25 , No. 12/3 wire Cable assembly length: 7 ground, 7 power Maximum welding capacity: 20

Lenco LNXLP2000/120 120 Volt Portable Dent Puller $1165.32 Features and Benefits: Primary voltage: 208/230 single phase 60/50 Hz Line fuse: 30 AMPSize: 111/2 H X 15 W x 163/4 LPower input cable: 25 No. 12/3 wireCable assembly length: 7 ground 7 powerMaximum welding capacity: 20 gauge Autobody steelWeight: 64 lbs. (29 kg)

Lenco LNXLP2000 230 Volt Portable Dent Puller $1165.32 Features and Benefits: Primary voltage: 208/230 single phase 60/50 HzLine fuse: 30 AMPSize: 111/2 H X 15 W x 163/4 LPower input cable: 25 No. 12/3 wireCable assembly length: 7 ground 7 powerMaximum welding capacity: 20 gauge Autobody steelWeight: 64 lbs. (29 kg)

H And S Auto Shot HSA7500 Glue Puller Paintless Dent Removal $491.38 Features and Benefits:The most efficient way to remove dents without damaging the paintLightweight duel lever dent pullerTwo sizes of pulling knobsTwo strengths of specialized glueNylon knockdown to finish the workProfessional glue gunNo holes to drill and no interior panels to be removedWorks on panels where conventional tools will not reachNo limitations by unseen restrictions behind the panel

Sunex SUN3911 Slide Hammer Puller Set $156.55 Features and Benefits: Jaws can be set up for 2 or 3 jaw internal or external pulling Included in a heavyduty steel carrying caseThis professional slide hammer puller set eases removal of flangetype axles oil seals bearings and other press fit parts. It s made with the quality and durability to last This set includes the following: 5 lb. heavy duty slide hammer 8 function internal or external 3 jaw puller Internal or external 2 jaw puller Puller hook Rear axle puller Dent puller and Special grip wrench adapter.

Dent Killer Attachment For Uni-Spotter Stud Welders $156.95 ? Upgrades any Uni-Spotter Stud Welder to a Studless Lever Action Dent Puller ? Quick and easy to use. ? How it works: The DK1000 is welded to the panel surface using your Uni-Spotter Stud Welder. The dent is levered out using only the required amount of pull to leave a flat surface. The Dent Killer is then rotated around the weld to release the electrode, leaving a flat workable surface. Larger or longer dents are pulled progressively. Pulling is started at the center of a dent or end of a crease. ? Lightweight and portable for out-of-position pulls. ? Adjustable feet for attaining best positioning on small and large dents, or body lines.By H & S Autoshot.

Simoniz Pops-A-Dent Repair Kit $22.95 The Simoniz Pops-A-Dent Repair Kit is the easiest and most cost effective way to repair those ugly dings and dents from your vehicle. This do-it-yourself repair kit is the one that professional auto body shops use. The Simoniz Pops-A-Dent Repair Kit was developed and is used by professional auto-body repair experts. Now you can have this same dent removal tool right at home. The cost savings are incredible! Unlike similar products Pops A Dent has a patent-pending arched bridge design which eliminates the chance for any additional damage to your car. Other systems without this feature have been known to actually add additional dents to the surface. The bridge tool features a flex-n-pull design that allows the tool to flex providing maximum pulling power. Easily remove dents caused by hail, car doors, shopping carts and more without damaging the surface of your car. The patent-pending adhesive design guarantees dent removal without the need for solvents or the messy residue left behind by many other dent removal products. The Simoniz Pops-A-Dent Repair Kit includes 1 dent puller, 2 dent removal stems for different size dents, professional glue gun, double super-size glue stick (enough for a dozen applications), knockdown tool and complete instructions. Features: Develop and Utilized By Professional Auto Body Experts. Have The Same Dent Removal Tool Right At Home. Do-It-Yourself and Save Money From Having To Visit The Body Shop. Repairs Dents In Almost Any Place On Any Vehicle. Unique Patent-Pending Arched Bridge Design Eliminates The Chance For Additional Damage. (other systems without our arched bridge design are known to actually add dents to a car) Patent-Pending Adhesive System Design Guarantees Dent Removal without The Messy, Sticky Residue Other Dent Repair Systems Are Known To Leave Behind.   Do-It-Yourself In 3 Easy Steps: (1) Stick (2) Twist (3) Done Kit Includes:   Dental Removal Stems (accommodate many different size dents) Professional Glue Gun (enough glue sticks for dozens of applications) Knockdown Tool Complete Detailed Instructions

OTC OTC4579 Stinger 9 Way Slide Hammer Puller Set $122.83 Features and Benefits Internal and External Jaws provide a variety of combinations to pull bearings gears and seals Pulls Flangetype rear axle and most front wheel drive hubs Set includes grip wrench adapter and dent puller Two and threeway cross blocks and cone provide perfect jaw configuration for many jobs Packaged in a blow molded case for easy storageThis 9 way slide hammer puller set is designed for use with other OTC 5/8 18 thread slide hammer attachments. Includes 2 way cross block front hub puller internal 3 jaw puller external 3 jaw puller rear axle puller internal 2 jaw puller external 2 jaw puller grip wrench adapter dent puller and puller hook. 5 lb. hammer in polished chrome finish.

OTC Silver Slapper - 10-Way Slide Hammer Puller Set $351.95 Includes:? Slide hammer with 5 lb. hammer? Rear axle pulling attachment? 3-way cross head? Cone? 2-way cross block? Puller hook attachment? Pulling jaws(3) for internal or external pulling jobs? Puller hook attachment? Grip wrench adapter with single lead (wrench not included)? Dent puller attachment? Internal/external pulling jaws (3) 6-1/2''? Internal puller jaws (3) 2-3/8''? Front hub puller assembly? Forcing screw? Sleeve? Blow molded case

OTC OTC7948 Silver Slapper 10Way Slide Hammer Puller Set $408.55 Includes: Slide hammer with 5 lb. hammer rear axle pulling attachment 3way cross head cone 2way cross block puller hook attachment pulling jaws(3) for internal or external pulling jobs puller hook attachment grip wrench adapter with single lead (wrench not included) dent puller attachment internal/external pulling jaws (3) 61/2 internal puller jaws (3) 23/8 front hub puller assembly forcing screw sleeve and blow molded case.

SG Tool Aid Junior Slugger Slide Hammer Dent Puller. Each $35.62 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features Benefits: The finest shop engineered heavy duty slide hammer with 3 lb. slide weight Features a soft vinyl "Hang-It" handle grip for easy storage and shock cushioning Total weight is 5 lbs. Customers also sea

SG Tool Aid SGT81500 Junior Slugger Slide Hammer Dent Puller $52.79 Features and Benefits: The finest shop engineered heavy duty slide hammer with 3 lb. slide weight Features a soft vinyl HangIt handle grip for easy storage and shock cushioning Special wide aircraft steel body hook is used to pull curls and creases in quarter rocker back and door panels L hook broached nose cone two jam nuts and two hardened pulling screws are supplied Total weight is 5 lbs.Designed for the professional body technician a lifetime tool. Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2 20.

Tool Aid TA 81500 Junior Slugger Slide Hammer Dent Puller $45.15 The finest shop engineered heavy duty slide hammer with 3 lb. slide weight. Features a soft vinyl "HangIt handle grip for easy storage and shock cushioning. Special wide aircraft steel body hook is used to pull curls and creases in quarter rocker back and door panels. "L hook broached nose cone two jam nuts and two hardened pulling screws are supplied. Designed for the professional body technician a LIFETIME tool. Total weight is 5 lbs. Nose cone and shaft threads are 1/2 20.

Car Dent Remover - Suction Cup and Glass Mover $18.69 Overview: Dent Remover Most drivers know how annoying it is to have carelessly bumped their car or, worse, have returned to it to find it anonymously dented – it's a small annoyance but a potentially costly one, but now you can solve the problem yourself and return your vehicle to its original dent-free self with the Mighty Puller.Dent Remover Mighty Puller is a safe and effective way of pulling out light dents in car and van bodywork – and it couldn't be easier to use:Place the Mighty Puller over the dentPush the handle in the down positionPull the handle back upThe suction is now activated and you can now pull the dent outDent Remover Mighty Puller has a multitude of uses around the home, garden and workplace:Remove smaller sized and lighter dents yourself and save on garage fees!Open stuck doorsLift panes of glass and sheets of plastic, metal and other smooth surfacesSpecification:Material: tough plastic and rubberSuction surface area: 11.5cm (4.6")Maximum lift capacity: 10kgBrand new and boxed