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Post by dentdaddy on Apr 9, 2012 22:27:43 GMT -5
Tonight some of us were in the chat room discussing future tool purchases. Just about every tool company has complete sets of tools with names like "the company set"...."the hail set" ..."the starter set"...."the pro set"....and on and on-----So the question is which set to buy, or is it better to buy individual pieces from different companies. I have taken the later approach due to finances, and not wanting to have little used redundant tools. Before deciding on any tool, I try to make a mock up using a similar length tool or a tape measure to visualize what seems to be the best tool to cover the most situations. For instance, how many times are you going to need a 24" hail rod.....in most case's a 48" hail rod can be used - You just need to stretch your arms a little more.......so do you really need a 24" a 36" and a 48" hail rod ?? IMO Probably not, at least not right away. A lot of the "sets" will also have brace tools in 6" 8" 10" 14" 18" 20" 24" in which case I might pick the longest and the shortest and one or two in the middle. So I guess the jest of this thread is to think before you buy, and get the dimensions of each tool, and visualize how the tool will be used before you commit, also ask others on the forum what they are using and what works the best for them.
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Post by Keith De Paul - KDP on Apr 10, 2012 5:54:12 GMT -5
You're on the right track, Bob. What I would do is get "sub-sets" instead of the "sets" you mention. What I mean by that is get the "hammer set" and the "pick set" from Ultra and get a "full hand tool set" from A-1 and get a "double-ended hail rod set" from Dentcraft. Alot of hail work is covered in just those few sets.
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Post by hockeynut on Apr 10, 2012 9:22:58 GMT -5
Bob,
As far as hail rods I would go with a 36" and a 48" Mine are both Ultra the 36" has a bullet tip with a 1/2' diameter shaft and the 48" has a interchangable tip and a 5/8" shaft. The 36" I will use on 1/4 panels too for just regular lot dents. All those small hand hail twisters would just sit in your toolbox I personally would not buy them. I agree with Keith put together small sub sets. Call me if you want we can talk about it.
By the way I bought the Superbonder glue gun Dentcraft sells... used it last night I like that a lot. It gets hot in less than 5 minutes and it can be operated for two minutes or so cordless. I have a 2011 Liberty with some monster hail dents in the lt roof rail/upper pillar it's taking no time at all bringing them up!
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Post by dentdaddy on Apr 10, 2012 9:38:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the tips guys - I just looked at the A1 site - looks like they have some shaved hand tools, they call them Flat side tools - They look interesting - As far as the superbonder glue gun, good timing - I was considering one of those myself. The reason for starting this post is Marc is getting ready to pull the trigger on a full set of tools, and was asking for some input on chat last night. I'm sure he'll also find these responses helpful.
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Post by Marc (NJ) on Apr 10, 2012 11:02:49 GMT -5
Very helpful guys. I feel like you guys are Family here, always willing to help and give great advice and support. With that said, I have a 14pc set already from my training last year. Picture attached Chatting with Chad last night he suggested the Blehm 47pc set. pdrtoolstore.com/proddetail.php?prod=47-pc. My only concern is will there will be tools in that set not needed or redundant(like bob said above) to what I currently have? Knowing that I need more tools, was wondering if you guys could list the "must haves". The main focus right now is door dings with hail work down the road, and of course budget. Thanks in advance. Attachments:
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Post by hockeynut on Apr 10, 2012 20:36:27 GMT -5
Marc,
After looking at the Blehm set IMO there are so many tools there I really don't think you would use a lot of them. Especially if you are going to do door ding type of dents. you will need a mini lifter,glue and glue gun eventually.
For door tools I like my Ultra adjustable door set. I have a 30" door rod that is one of the adjustables that I use on almost every ding in all the doors I work on. I know Bob bought a adjustable door tool but I don't recall which brand.
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Post by streetrod2006 on Apr 10, 2012 20:46:37 GMT -5
bob got one from pdr finesse
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Post by hockeynut on Apr 10, 2012 20:50:34 GMT -5
thats right!! i remembered the tool but couldn't remember where he bought it.
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Post by dentdaddy on Apr 10, 2012 22:59:31 GMT -5
I personally think adjustable handle tools on doors are a must have. Yes, I have the PDR Finesse 24"door tool - love it. Marc on doors, you are just working at the worst possible angles most of the time....going upside down, stretching and contorting your body with your lighting....if your handle is not at the right angle, you have to adjust your body position for better leverage.....next thing you know your light is out of place or you lost your tool tip- An adjustable handled tool will give you the best possible edge in a tight spot with better leverage and more control.
As far as rods...... changeable tip tools = less rods. If you can only afford one rod get the 48" hail rod.
IMO after using shaved tools, I believe that they can do the job better than brace tools, wire tools, and whaletails in many cases. If your budget is tight just get one or two....after you have them in your hands within minutes of using them you'll want more.
Kirk also mentioned having bendable johnson tools from Ultra as a must have - I'll probably get some of those as they would save a guy from purchasing multiple bended tools that never seem to be bent just right anyway.
After using my ultra thin whale tails from dentcraft, It seems like the older thick large headed whales are best suited for a caveman.
As far as hand tools, the 24 piece set from A-1 seems to be a real bang for the buck - offering straight and bended brace tools. I have some older A-1 pistol grip brace tools and they give excellent drive.
Also noticed that KDP has a set of the black hook tools from dent craft I think....he said he uses them a lot on door dings- the whole set is fairly reasonable .
Hope this helps.....I really enjoy spending other peoples money ;D
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Post by erasadent on Apr 11, 2012 3:46:34 GMT -5
I got to agree with the changeable tip tools. I bought 36" double bend, 36" + 48" double tip. Selection of tips but 1 tip is a MUST not sure of the number but it is the sharpest tip (steel) you can get orange peel flat with that sucker!! I found it great on large hail dents maybe trailer hitch size!!! You can push between pushes and get it a dent up flat and no oilcanning IMO;)
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Post by hockeynut on Apr 11, 2012 6:58:28 GMT -5
What I started with was the Ultradent set#2 the teal colored handle rods are all bendable. I have a friend that is going to cut off the ends of those tools and tap the ends to accept changeable tips. As Bob said I have the Johnson bendables from Ultra. And love them!
I too love spending someone elses $$$$$$ ;D
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Post by dentdaddy on Apr 11, 2012 8:18:39 GMT -5
I just figured out that to see any half way decent photos of Ultradents tool line, you have to download their catalog.....did everyone know this, or am I the only dummy.
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Post by hockeynut on Apr 11, 2012 19:58:34 GMT -5
call Nikki and just order up a catalog! i have one and look through it all the time!!!
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