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Even if you take excellent care of your car, dents and dings sadly still happen. There’s little you can do to prevent rocks from kicking up on the freeway and lending a little character to your car’s body. But one way to be prepared to quickly remedy these situations is to have a high-quality dent repair kit. Dent repair kits apply the necessary force using suction to pop the body back into position.
Provided you pick the best dent repair kit for the task, you can get professional-looking results without a bill from the body shop. To help you get a head start, we’ve broken down the best dent repair kits available. Let’s delve into the depths of dent repair so you can return your car to its former self.
Our Methodology in Selecting The Best Dent Repair Kits
To come up with this well-rounded list of the best dent repair kits, we decided which products had the best mix of solid user reviews, price, and included tools and accessories. The top options with the best combo of all three made it. We kept the price range more towards the affordable range, and if any kit came with a little extra glue, or more tools to do a more precise job, that definitely sits higher up on the the list. For more on how we select products, check this out.
Summary List of Best Dent Repair Kits
- ARISD 32-Piece Auto Body Paintless Dent Removal Tools Kit
- Manelord Auto Body Repair Tool Kit
- Gliston 89-Piece DIY Paintless Dent Repair Kit
- Manelord Auto Body Dent Repair Tool
- Anyyion Paintless Dent Repair Kit
- LIKE SHOP 13-Piece Heavy Duty Dent Puller
Best Dent Repair Kit Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
ARISD 32Pcs Auto Body Dent Removal Kit
Pros
- Multiple tabs built to address dents of all sizes
- Dent puller pairs with dent lifter for added versatility
Cons
- Handle on the puller can crack easily
- Requires even spread of force to prevent added damage
Best Value
Manelord Auto Body Repair Tool Kit
Pros
- Features adjustable design to address all types of dents
- Easy to set up and use for quicker performance
Cons
- Doesn’t come with glue sticks or glue gun
- Better suited to smaller dents and dings
- Easy to apply too much force
Premium Pick
Gliston DIY Paintless Dent Repair Kit – 89 Pieces
Pros
- Portable and easy to use
- Great for professionals as well as beginners
- Nearly comprehensive kit
Cons
- Some tools may be superfluous
- Instructions don’t include information on every tool
Most Versatile
Manelord T-Bar Dent Puller
Pros
- Versatile kit that works on really any metal surface that needs some smoothing
- Included accessories are of good quality
Cons
- Doesn’t include glue gun
- Included glue takes a long time to heat up and set
Honorable Mention
Anyyion Paintless Dent Repair Kits
Pros
- Includes a lot of tools, including hot glue gun
- Good glue quality
Cons
- Tool colors might bleed onto surface after prolonged use
- Tools are weak
Honorable Mention
LIKE SHOP 13-Piece Heavy Duty Dent Puller
Pros
- Great for trucks and SUVs
- Quality, sturdy tools
- Tools spread force evenly while pulling dents
Cons
- Will be too much for small cars
- A tad on the pricey side
Our Verdict
After careful consideration, we’ve named the ARISD 32Pcs Auto Body Dent Removal Kit as our top pick. Both cost-effective and user-friendly, this set comes with everything from a glue gun to glue sticks and tabs, along with two tools for lifting. If you’re looking to trim the budget, the Manelord Auto Body Repair Tool Kit is highly affordable, provided you have a glue gun already. There are plenty of options for those seeking the best dent repair kits for minor damage.
FAQs
Q: Do dent pullers really work?
A. Within reason, yes, dent pullers work. You can’t expect to yank a massive crater on your hood, but you can count on a dent puller to handle shallow dents. Provided the dent is small enough and sits on an otherwise flat section of the body, you can use a dent puller with ease. It will take time, though the result should be reasonably smooth.
Q: What are some tips and advice for using dent repair kits?
A. Be patient and don’t rush the repair process. The dent needs to be essentially massaged back into place, not snapped. Take the slow-and-steady approach as you work on the area to avoid slippage that may cause additional damage to your car.
Some dent pullers work better with polymers, while others are great with aluminum or steel. Make sure your dent puller matches the base material of your car’s body.
Use reason when deciding whether or not to pull a dent. Damage from hail or a stray golf ball is easy enough to repair, but severe damage calls for a more comprehensive fix. You risk doing added damage if the dent is too deep or in a tricky spot.
If you pull a dent out too much, it may become a bump. To fix this problem, you can choose an appropriately-sized tab, add something soft to protect the paint, such as a towel or thin cloth, and then gently hammer the tab to flatten the bump.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a dent repair kit?
A. Under $25: Choosing the best car dent remover is possible in this price range. Tools here feature stainless steel dent pullers and several plastic and rubber parts. Imported from China, even the cheaper PDR kits are sturdy and well-made.
$25 to $100: The best dent puller kits you’ll find here feature additional accessories and parts. It’s not uncommon for packages to include 41 pieces or as many as 92 pieces. The larger variety of tools at your disposal means more versatility. These can help you tackle any dent with confidence.
$100 and up: This higher price range is defined by better craftsmanship and materials used in the parts. You can expect to pay more for a set of removal rods made with stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant.
Q: How do you pop out a dent?
A. Popping out a dent depends on its location and the material. A dent puller uses directional force to pull the dent outwards. You can use glued-on tabs and pull it manually or rely on suction. Other approaches rely on the expanding-contracting effects of material when exposed to extreme temperatures (heating it up to make the metal more responsive and immediately applying cold). That technique, when paired with a puller, lends to good overall results.
Q: How do body shops fix dents?
A. While DIY dent repair usually tackles a dent from a single side, body shops attack it from both sides. Pushing outwards, pairing it with suction, the body shop will even out the surface. If there is paint damage, they will buff out the area and apply primer and paint to restore the car’s appearance.
Q: Are glue-pull repair kits better than a suction cup or push-from-behind tools?
A. Glue-pull PDR kits are great for smaller dents and are the simplest to use. With suction cup and push-from-behind kits, you’ll need to exert some energy and may overcorrect the dent. Consider the size and location of the dents when deciding between the different types of repair kits.
Q: Will my car paint get damaged?
A. If you follow instructions and don’t have a freak accident, there’s minimal chance of damage. PDR kits are designed to repair the dent without scraping your car’s factory paint.
Q: What are the benefits of having a dent repair kit on-hand?
A. Saves you time and money. On average, you can expect the hourly cost of a body shop to ring in at $40. Once you tack on materials, not only have you spent a bunch of time waiting for a professional fix, but you’re also left with a bill. A DIY dent repair kit lets you save money and works multiple times in most cases.
Easy for beginners to use. The straightforward design and versatile applications of dent repair kits make it easy to pop the dent out, usually requiring limited force and experience.
Restores car body quickly. When the dent puller is in position, restoring the body happens in a flash. Even when you factor in the cleanup — removing glue residue and putting everything away — this task remains one of the most efficient vehicle maintenance chores.
Improves car appearance and value. Whether you’re planning on selling your car or keeping it, dents and dings seriously detract from its value. For those on a lease especially, dent repair kits keep the ride in optimal condition, saving you big by way of penalties when handling lease agreements.
Eco-friendly approach to car repair. When you opt for paintless dent repair, you don’t have to worry about all the primers, cleaners, solvents, and power tools a body shop would use. Dent pullers save time, limit the carbon impact, and work effectively.
Prevents further damage to the car body. Dents compromise the structural integrity of a car’s body. Without repairs, added dents can further damage the exterior. Dent pullers prevent this by giving you a quick and easy way to nip the issue in the bud before the damage begins to cascade.
Q: Is it possible to fix any dent?
A. If a dent is too deep or stretches the metal too much, there’s a slim chance you’ll be able to fix it with a PDR kit. If the damaged area has chipped or cracked paint, you’re probably better off consulting a professional. PDR kits have limitations. For common dents caused by a stray shopping cart or a minor fender bender, a PDR kit should work.
