Collision Repair Tools

Collision repair is among the most complex and costly types of service an auto shop offers. Cars that have been severely damaged may need extensive service, including new parts and repair to existing elements, to make the car safe and to restore it to its original appearance. To do this, auto body shops or home mechanics use a variety of specialty collision repair tools.

Frame Machine

One of the biggest pieces of equipment that technicians use in collision repair is a frame machine. This large machine uses a computer control system and a series of hydraulic arms to subtly bend the car's frame, restoring it to its precise original orientation. Since a car with a bent frame is likely to handle poorly and require additional maintenance, a frame machine is absolutely essential in the collision repair process. Once the frame is in order, technicians can move on to body repair.

Dent Repair Tools

Auto body technicians repair dents in a car's body panels using a series of hammers, pliers and molds to reshape the panels and remove large dents. These can be general-purpose hammers or specialty dent repair tools designed to reshape metal and restore the original contours to the body.

For smaller dents and scratches, technicians may use a body filler paste or putty. This material is applied over the blemish and allowed to dry. Once it is dry, a technician can sand off the excess putty for a smooth finish that is ready for painting.

Finishing Tools

Once a car is straightened and free of dents, it is ready for repainting and finishing. Professional auto painters generally use a large, enclosed spray booth with a spray gun that uses compressed air and special auto paint to produce a fine, even coat of paint. A car requires several coats for an even finish, followed by protective coats of a sealant to protect the paint from water and environmental contaminants.

Painters may also use tape to mask off the glass and other portions of the car that are close to the area being painted. Finally, some paint booths use industrial heaters to cure the paint at the proper temperature and to reduce humidity, which could lead to inconsistencies in the paint job.