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Guide 02 · Bodywork

Pull door dings with a glue-pull PDR kit

Shallow, round dings with no cracked paint can usually be pulled out with a glue kit, and no painting needed.

Medium 1–2 hours Easy to learn, hard to master

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Tools I used

ToolWhy you need itLink
Glue-pull dent repair kit (tabs + slide hammer or bridge puller)Pulls the low spot up from outsideCheck price →
Hot glue gun + PDR glue sticksRegular craft glue doesn't holdCheck price →
PDR line board or LED reflector lightShows the dent's true shapeCheck price →
Tap-down pen / knockdown setFlattens high spots after pullingCheck price →
Isopropyl alcohol + microfibreCleans the panel and releases the glueCheck price →
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Steps

  1. Check the paint. If it's cracked or chipped, PDR isn't the right fix.
  2. Clean the dent with isopropyl so the glue sticks.
  3. Set up the line board so its lines run across the dent. The warped lines show the low spot.
  4. Pick a tab slightly smaller than the dent. Glue it to the deepest point.
  5. Wait 30–60 seconds for the glue to set, then pull gently with the bridge or slide hammer.
  6. Release the tab with a few drops of isopropyl. Re-check under the light.
  7. Tap down any high spots lightly. Repeat with smaller tabs until the lines run straight.

Pro tips

  • Work from the outside of the dent inward on bigger dings.
  • Pull a little at a time. Over-pulling makes a high spot that's harder to fix than the dent.
  • Warm panels work better. Use a hair dryer on cold days. Never use a heat gun on paint.

Find a pro near you

When to call a pro

The dent sits on a body line or panel edge, the paint is cracked, or it's larger than about a loonie and deep. A PDR tech can push from behind the panel.

Rather not DIY it? Tell us where you are and local shops will send you a quote.