An Overview of the Glue Pull Repair Process

KECO’s Glue Pull Repair Process was designed to replace older methods of repairing dents that would create further work in the repair process. These older processes often require the grinding away of OEM paint which would then have to be replaced or the welding of studs, nails, tabs, or keys to the panels which would then be used to pull the dented panel out to its original shape and position. This chapter outlines the glue pull repair process and how it compares to other methods of dent repair.

The Older Process - Pulling Dents with a Stud Welder

With this process, the technician uses an angle grinder on the surface of the paint where the dent is placed. All of the OEM paint has to be removed in order for the studs to be welded on correctly.

Once you have ground down to the bare metal the technician uses a stud welder to apply studs to the metal.

A slide hammer is then used to pull on the studs which flexes the body panel. This part of the process can be quite tricky for new technicians since the right amount of force is needed on the slide hammer.

The technician may also use a body hammer to make small strikes to the area while pulling to make sure the body doesn’t pop back in. Getting this right can take some time.

Once the body is formed back into place with this process, the studs are removed by cutting or flexing them. An angle grinder must then be used to smooth out the head of the stud. Body filler is used to smooth out the area where the dent was in order to make the areas that have been pulled and ground flush with the rest of the body. Then the area must be prepped for painting and paint applied to match the rest of the body.

This is a very labor-intensive process since the original paint cannot be preserved and the area must be re-painted after the dent has been pulled.

The Older Process – Pulling Dents with Keys

For dents that are very large on the body or that are around structural elements, the process of welding keys to the body in order to pull it back into place is used. This process also requires that we’re working with the bare metal so any paint where the keys would be welded must be removed prior to attaching the keys.

The keys are welded along the area of the dent in close proximity to each other and to form a group that will be pulled together. A rod is inserted into the closed loop at the top of the key and the section can be pulled in the direction needed. A specialized tool is needed that applies the pulling force for the keys.

This is also a very time-intensive method as the paint must be removed and the area brought down to the bare metal before the keys can be applied.  There is also a lot of time in welding the keys along the area and additionally, the cost associated with the specialized tools needed.

The Glue Pull Repair Process

The key to powerful pulls and maximum adhesion is to follow our repeatable repair process. This process is easy to understand and easy to troubleshoot and gives technicians success every time.

To start glue pulling you need a variety of tools - many of which are similar to ones you likely use in the shop already but adapted using a new technique.

What do you need?

• Glue
• Pulling Tools
• Repair Techniques

KECO’s process follows The 6 C’s

1. Clean
2. Check
3. Choose
4. Coat
5. Correct
6. Continue

With the older techniques, it can not only be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it can also be difficult to get the area smooth and the dent repaired correctly without experience. KECO’s process allows for an easy process that any technician can use and learn quickly. This process also uses tools that you are already familiar with and most likely already have in your shop, reducing the cost of specialized equipment.

Check out our glue pull repair training and support options to help you get started.