Levers: the best weapon for vehicle dent removal
A technique applicable from 1 to thousands of vehicles with multiple dents
Among the various PDR techniques (Paintless Dent Repairs), a method used to remove dents from vehicles in the least invasive way on the market, undoubtedly stands out the fastest and most environmentally sustainable, which consists of the use of steel levers.
The PDR technician, i.e. the expert who carries out the PDR repairs, will always bring his tools suitcase, a distinctive feature, containing mostly rods of the most diverse sizes.
Among all the tools, we can find suction cups (to which hot glue will be added to remove the dings), hammers (with plastic tip, so as not to damage the sheet metal), microfiber cloth, polisher (to ensure that the surface is always shiny, above all after a repair), disassembly tools, glass protections, alcohol to remove the suction cups after use, inertia hammer, hot gun, batteries and battery charger for the PDR Light that accompany the dent removal process.
Generally, each lever is made of stainless steel and does not corrode easily, is rustproof and resistant.
Why do we use rods and why do they have different sizes?
Levers allow the technician to easily access inside of the dings.
All he will need to do afterwards is to apply repeated light pressure, until the dent is completely gone. This will return the sheet metal structure to its pre-impact state.
An important support tool in this context is the PDR Light, which makes easier to find all the dents on the surfaces of a vehicle and facilitates the technician work.
The length of the levers differ according to the surface / area of repair. If, for example, the dent is located on the roof, the best lever can be up to 2 meters long. For this reason, there are adjustable levers that can reach this size.
It should not be forgotten that each lever has a round tip so as not to damage the sheet metal.
What are the advantages of repairing dents with levers?
- Repair in less than 24 hours (20% to 50% less than a traditional repair)
- The use of body filler is not necessary: being 100% handmade and non-invasive, there is no need to use repair products. Only levers.
- Reduced costs.
- Eco-sustainability: this type of repair is totally eco-friendly, as it does not require the use of products harmful to the environment.
- Increased customer satisfaction: with quick and non-intrusive repairs, the customer will leave the body shop much more satisfied than with a traditional repair and the vehicle in its original state.
- This type of repair respects the original factory protections, thus avoiding a depreciation of the residual value of the vehicle.
At the end of each repair, before delivery, the vehicle will undergo a meticulous quality control.
Interview with a PDR technician: a dent repair specialist
We asked a few questions to our expert in PDR techniques, Oscar Cerezo, who has been part of our company for some time now.
- When did you start to work as a PDR technician?
I started at 17, in one of the SEAT factories.
I stayed for a long time and year after year I learned more and more, especially thanks to the training I had, which allowed me to learn more quickly.
- What has been the most difficult PDR repair so far?
In Germany, working on a project with BMW vehicles. They are complicated vehicles.
Another challenging experience I had was in Mexico, working on Cadillacs.
- Among the PDR techniques, which one do you like the most?
The PDR tool I like the most is almost always the lever. When the lever cannot access the damaged surface, the best alternative is the suction cup.
Induction is not frequently used: it comes into play when the dent that has modified the surface of the sheet metal is considerable.
- What’s the size of the largest lever you’ve used?
I had to use it to repair 10-foot vans. We had to use scaffolding and levers about 10 feet high.
- What do you like the most about this job?
Everything. You travel you get to see a lot of places, you get to meet a lot of people, you make good money. It’s a good job.
When I repair a car, I feel like I’ve created something with my own hands.
You feel valued. I like this job.
- What are the disadvantages?
Time away from home. If you have a family, it’s tough.
Lever Touch Academy: remunerated courses for PDR technicians
Becoming a true expert in the PDR technique is not easy. It takes at least 3 years to master the technique.
We at Lever Touch offer training courses fully remunerated, to train new technicians. Located in Italy and Spain, our Academies are the place where talent grows. In addition to teaching a new profession, our technicians are continuously updated on any news from the automotive sector.
At the end of our course, each technician will receive a diploma that confirms the possibility to apply all their knowledge in our customers’ repairs. From this moment on, they will be mobilized to assist our customers throughout Europe, wherever they need it.
Other techniques to erase dents without repainting
There are additional techniques for removing dents from a vehicle. Of course, we are also experts in these.
The PDR technique involving the use of hot-melt adhesives is used to process those surfaces or damages where rods don’t have access.
Lastly, magnetic induction, an extreme technique used in the case of major damages.
Through the use of high temperature at the affected site, the surface regains its original rigidity. The advantages are those mentioned at the beginning: in particular, a fast vehicle repair, eco-sustainability and customer satisfaction increase.
If you want to know more about our dent repair services with PDR techniques , contact us.