Two Fast Dent Removal Methods: No Drilling Required

By Ellen Russell

There are many products on the market that can be used to repair car and truck dents. Essentially, these kits consist of strong suction cups, rods, and hot-glue, and offer a wide range in performance.

Beyond these kits, dent removal consists of a process of drilling into the metal, pulling out the dent, then filling, sanding, and painting to hide the dent removal. Depending on the size and nature of your car's dent, either this method or hiring a body shop professional may be your only choice. Not every dent can de fixed at home. But before you go one of those costly routes, there are two dent removal options you can try at home requiring only simple tools, with no drilling, sanding or painting involved.

The Plunger Method

This method works the best on dents with some size to them, especially so if the dent has no "crease" in the middle. It's a simple method that is worth a try, as it really won't cause any additional damage (you might even be able to remove the dent before your spouse ever knows it was there!).

1. Clean up the bathroom plunger, or buy yourself a new one.
2. Place the plunger over the dent. Pump the plunger a few times to create suction.
3. With suction achieved, pull firmly on the plunger over the dent. With a little luck and elbow grease, the dent should pull right out.

If the dent is not of some size, this method is not likely to work. For small dents, and any remaining dings surrounding the dent removed with the plunger, try this additional method.

The Mallet Method

Many dents can be popped out with a mallet if the area is accessible from behind the dent. A rubber mallet is the best tool to use, as it is less likely to cause hammer marks. Try to match the mallet to the size of the dent. Use a small mallet for very small dents, and a large diameter mallet for larger dents. Using small hammers or mallets on large dents increases the probability of making hammer-head marks before popping out the dent.

If time is tight and you don't have a rubber mallet, use something with a more rounded, softer head than the head of a hammer as a buffer. A large-handled screwdriver turned backwards might do the trick. Place the screwdriver handle on the dent, then tap the head of the screwdriver with the hammer.

To remove the dent using the mallet method, go to the back side of the car panel where the dent is located. Hit as close to the center of the dent as you can reach. Tap forcefully, but not so hard you actually dent the car further. With a good, firm hit or two on the back side center of the dent, it will probably pop out.

There are always dents that have no prayer of being inconspicuously fixed at home, and for those, only a professional body shop with all the tools can help. These two easy dent removal methods are worth a try for a quick fix on a young surface dent or ding. They are also useful as a less conspicuous fix until you can get an appointment for your car dent to be fixed by a better equipped professional.

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