PDR Techniques & Methods
Understanding the tools, techniques, and processes professional PDR technicians use to remove dents without affecting original paint.
Core PDR Techniques
Traditional Push Method
The most common PDR technique involves accessing the back of the panel and using specialized metal rods to carefully massage the dent out from behind. The technician applies precise, controlled pressure to gradually restore the metal to its original shape.
Best For:
- • Most door dings and minor dents
- • Hood, roof, and trunk dents with rear access
- • Hail damage on accessible panels
- • Smooth, round dents without creases
Requirements:
- • Access behind the damaged panel
- • Intact paint (no cracks or chips)
- • Metal hasn't been overstretched
- • Proper lighting to see the dent
Glue Pull Method
When rear access isn't available, technicians use special glue and pulling tabs attached to the front of the dent. The glue adheres to the paint (without damaging it), and controlled pulling force gradually brings the dent out. The glue is then cleanly removed.
Best For:
- • Dents on double-wall panels (no rear access)
- • Aluminum panels requiring gentle approach
- • Quarter panels and hard-to-access areas
- • Shallow dents with large surface area
Requirements:
- • Clean, intact paint surface
- • Specialized PDR glue and tabs
- • Proper pulling technique (avoid overpull)
- • Temperature control for glue adhesion
Combination/Hybrid Method
For complex or large dents, technicians often combine push and pull techniques. Glue pulling may bring the dent up to 70-80%, then push tools from behind complete the final refinement. This approach minimizes metal fatigue and achieves better results.
Best For:
- • Large dents (softball-sized or bigger)
- • Complex shapes with multiple high/low points
- • Hail damage with varying dent depths
- • Aluminum panels requiring careful work
Requirements:
- • Advanced PDR skill level
- • Both push and pull tool sets
- • Strategic planning of repair sequence
- • Understanding of metal memory
Knockdown/Tap Down Method
When a dent is overpushed or has a high spot, technicians use specialized blending hammers and knockdown tools to carefully tap the high areas back down. This requires extreme precision to avoid creating new damage or affecting the paint.
Best For:
- • Fine-tuning after major dent removal
- • Correcting overpushed areas
- • Smoothing body line irregularities
- • Final blending and refinement
Requirements:
- • Master-level PDR skill (high risk)
- • Specialized blending hammers
- • Backing support to prevent paint cracking
- • Extreme precision and patience
Essential PDR Tools
PDR Rods & Tools
Metal rods of varying lengths (6" to 48"+), shapes, and tips used to access behind panels and push dents out. Different tips for different dent types.
Cost: $500-$3,000 for professional set
PDR Lighting
LED line boards or fluorescent strips create reflections on the panel that reveal imperfections invisible to the naked eye. Essential for precision work.
Cost: $200-$800 per light
Glue Pulling System
Specialized hot glue gun, PDR-specific glue sticks, pulling tabs in various sizes, and slide hammer or pulling bridge for controlled force application.
Cost: $300-$1,200 complete system
Knockdown Tools
Blending hammers with interchangeable tips, knockdown pens, and backing tools to support the paint while tapping down high spots.
Cost: $150-$600 for quality set
Wedges & Access Tools
Plastic or rubber wedges to carefully separate trim pieces and body panels for tool access without causing damage or scratches.
Cost: $100-$300 for complete set
Inspection Tools
Dent depth gauges, paint thickness meters, and magnifying equipment to assess damage and monitor repair progress.
Cost: $200-$800 for professional tools
Step-by-Step PDR Process
Damage Assessment
Technician inspects dent location, size, depth, and paint condition. Checks for rear access and determines best repair approach.
Access Planning
Identify how to reach behind the panel. May require removing interior panels, tail lights, or other trim pieces for tool access.
Lighting Setup
Position PDR light to create reflections that reveal the exact dent topography. Proper lighting is critical for precision work.
Initial Push/Pull
Begin working from the edges of the dent inward, gradually raising the low spots. Work slowly to avoid overpushing.
Progressive Refinement
Continuously check progress with the light, making micro-adjustments. Move methodically through the dent area.
Blending & Finishing
Use lighter pressure and finer tools to blend the repair seamlessly. May use knockdown techniques for final smoothing.
Final Inspection
Check the repair from multiple angles under the light. Verify the panel matches the surrounding contour perfectly.
Reassembly
Reinstall any removed panels, trim pieces, or components. Clean the area and inspect the overall finish.
Material-Specific Techniques
Steel Panels
Traditional steel panels have good "memory" and respond well to PDR techniques. The metal is forgiving and can withstand multiple push/pull cycles without fatigue.
- • Most common panel type on older vehicles
- • Excellent for traditional push method
- • Can apply more force without risk
- • Better tolerance for knockdown work
- • Repairs typically faster than aluminum
Aluminum Panels
Aluminum panels (Tesla, F-150, luxury vehicles) require specialized techniques. The metal has less memory and is more prone to work hardening, requiring gentler approaches.
- • Common on modern vehicles (2015+)
- • Requires gentler pressure and more patience
- • Glue pulling often preferred over push
- • Metal work-hardens quickly (less forgiving)
- • May require heat treatment for stubborn dents