You just dented your car, and now you’re hunting for the best dent repair kit that will fix it without the auto body repair shop markup. First, you’ll need to consider the best method for a paintless dent repair (PDR) solution. You’ll have to pick between glue-tab, rear-force, and suction dent pullers. Consider the handle material, as this is the most critical component for removing dents.
You’ll also want to look for kits that include a solvent that will remove any required adhesive from your car’s paint exterior. Other key factors include additional tools, such as a rubber hammer or a scraper to remove excess glue. And in some cases, you may need removal rods for more extensive dents. As a consumer, you have the right to repair everything from devices to cars. Keep reading our dent repair kit buying guide to learn more.
Top Dent Repair Kits
#1 Manelord Auto Body Repair Kit
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This highly versatile collection will pop out problem areas without scratching your paint job. It includes five yellow glue sticks, five black glue sticks, a 20W glue gun, and a black cleaning cloth, so you have everything you need.
- Excellent for professionals
- Doesn’t scratch paint
- Highly versatile collection
- Requires heat gun in cold weather
Even beginners will have an easy time with these easy-to-use tools. There are step-by-step instructions included, from the first wipe-down to the last dent-pull. The black cleaning cloth will help you get the surface ready to use the yellow or black glue stick, heated with their included 20W heat gun. You will need to heat up the dented area in colder weather. The body must be around 70 degrees for the kit to work correctly.
There are a total of five yellow glue sticks and five black glue sticks, so you can choose what best suits you. This also means that you can fix quite a few dents in one go. Twenty-one puller tabs are also in the mix, alongside eight different tap-down heads. The T-bar dent puller has an ergonomic, non-slip shape, so you won’t have to struggle when yanking out difficult dents.
#2 GLISTON Dent Repair Kit
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: With thirty-five different pieces, this is a complete collection to fix up problem areas quickly. There are five blue glue tabs and sixteen black pull tabs, so you can use this product as many times as necessary.
- Comes with thirty-five pieces
- Extremely easy to use
- Includes alcohol bottle
- Doesn’t include a hot glue gun
This repair kit doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals, so it’s totally safe for your paint. The alcohol bottle is empty but highly convenient for storing paint-safe cleaning solutions. It is recommended to clean the surface of your car before applying hot glue tabs to remove the dent. Unfortunately, a 100W hot glue gun is necessary to complete the repair process. You’ll have to purchase one, and hot melt glue sticks separately.
A golden dent lifter is super easy to use, even for a total novice at auto repair. A dent removal bag holds all of the thirty-five pieces included in your purchase. This consists of nine different heads for the tap-down pen and the tap-down pen itself. You’ll also receive two plastic shovels, a rubber hammer, and a dent removal bag to store everything once you’ve finished up.
#3 Anyyion Dent Repair Kit
Award: BEST FOR DURABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This collection comes with a convenient storage container so you can securely put all fifty-four pieces away when you’re done. It also includes a handy hot glue gun, so you don’t have to purchase one separately.
- Detailed instructions included
- Comes with a storage container
- Takes 30 minutes to finish
- Only handles basic fixes
The highly durable tools included will last through many repairs. For the tools you don’t use, a 13.8×6.7×7.0-inch carrying box is included for storage. This easily fits into your trunk for dent repairs wherever you go. The instructional manual has every step laid out clearly. Unfortunately, you probably won’t get the dent to pop out entirely. This kit works wonders for more minor dents, but larger areas still need a professional touch.
Multiple different tools are included to make the process as easy as possible. You’ll receive ten glue sticks that will carry you through various repairs. There are also five black pens, a cleaning cloth, and five clip-removal tools. A couple of mini bags are put in so you can keep the smaller parts separate from each other and neatly tucked away. The entire system weighs 5.78 pounds, so it’s easy for almost anybody to carry.
#4 HiYi PDR 10Pcs Repair Kit
Award: BEST FOR SIMPLICITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: We like how simple this collection is since it includes everything you need and nothing you don’t. There are a total of ten pieces. The nine different head sizes help pinpoint specific problem areas.
- Ergonomically designed
- Doesn’t damage auto paint
- Very simple operation
- Might be too small a collection
Only a few tools are included in this collection. You’ll receive an aluminum head hammer tool compatible with nine tips. Those tips are also included, so you have plenty of choices when repairing your dent. Overall, this is a great option for people looking for quick repairs. The simplicity might backfire, however. This kit doesn’t have the extensive collection others do, so it might not be able to tackle your specific job.
Aluminum is a durable but flexible option, perfect for the head of the hammer. It is designed with a POM head, so your paint job is totally safe. This kit is ideal for irregular dents and comes in handy when you have something small to pop out, even if it’s on the license plate. The heads include pointed options, rounded options, and flat options. It weighs in at seven ounces, making it super portable and easy to store in your car.
#5 Super PDR 75Pcs Repair Kit
Award: BEST FOR VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Seventy-five pieces make up this fully loaded collection. There is even a hot gun for glue and a convenient carrying case for storage. You can use this set on automobiles but also on household appliances.
- Includes pump wedge
- Versatile collection
- Finishes in 30 minutes
- Not suitable for corners
Friendly to paint and entirely versatile, this collection holds seventy-five useful tools. It has everything you need from an extensive set of twenty rubber tabs to the ergonomic stainless steel dent puller. You’ll be able to repair dents from 0.1 to 10 inches with this handy tool kit. You should never try using this on a corner or crease, however. This repair kit is meant only for flat surfaces or those with a slight curve.
Multiple drawing gaskets are also included so you can get precisely the amount of leverage required for your dent repair job. The dent puller is made of powder-coated aluminum, making it lightweight and highly durable. They also include a hot gun with glue sticks, so you don’t have to purchase extra items. Even though the rubber tabs are made of rubber, they are durable and won’t easily break or bend.
#6 Fly5D 53Pcs Repair Kit
Award: BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL JOBS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Several pulling tabs are included in this package. That means you have a size correct for your specific problem area. The ultra-strong adhesive and hand-operated pulling device are easy to use and highly efficient.
- Ultra-strong adhesive included
- Different sizes for pulling tabs
- Highly efficient method
- Requires use of hot water
This repair kit holds everything you need for a quick, professional repair. The included 100W hot glue gun heats up the glue within 2-3 minutes to around 365 degrees for a minimal wait time that will speed up the dent repair process. Unfortunately, there is an extra step added to their operation. You will need to heat up water to ensure that your car’s body reaches at least 70 degrees.
The rubber hammer is great for tapping away at the five different tap-down options included. Its material will reduce bounce-back and stop vibrations from wrecking your repair job. They include two different types of dent pullers. Their silver bridge puller is good for more superficial dents in regular shapes. The other option is an upgraded golden dent lifter that can tackle harder, more irregular shapes. You can also use this repair kit on household appliances, motorcycles, and more.
Beginner’s Guide to Dent Repair Kits
What is a Dent Repair Kit?
Paintless dent repair kits are DIY car care kits designed to help you easily fix dents without having to go to an auto body shop. These kits are usually designed to be used more than once, making them a smart choice for anyone who experiences unexpected damage to their car’s exterior.
They’re intended to be quick solutions. So, in most cases, you can remove a variety of dents in just a few minutes. Because of this, these kits are perfect for beginners with minimal car care experience. Typically, consumer-oriented repair kits are paintless dent repair solutions — meaning that you don’t have to deal with the mess associated with priming, cleaning, repainting, and inhaling solvents.
When used correctly, a good dent lifter can help to minimize the risk of future damage. This is because dents can diminish your car’s structural integrity. And most importantly, a good dent repair kit can help you save money, and is often intended for multiple uses.
You can also check into windshield repair kits to help fix any cracks in your windshield. But, it depends on the durability or non-durability of your vehicle’s glass.
Dent Repair Kits vs. Other Car Kits
There are a wide variety of DIY car care kits on the market. But you’ll find that in most cases, the kits focus on a specific task or concern. This is the same for dent repair kits. Unless you have a dent in your car — or worry that you might get dents later — you’re probably not going to shop for a dent repair kit.
However, these kits are usually fairly affordable, especially when contrasted with how much you might spend to get dents professionally removed at an auto body shop. Unlike some other car kits that require a bit more experience and comfort around cars, dent repair kits are easy for even the most DIY-averse person to handle.
Removing dents is faster than other DIY car kits, like installing speakers or lights or performing an oil change or brake pad replacement by yourself. In most cases, you can easily remove dents in as little as a half-hour. Still, use reason when deciding to use paintless dent removal kits. While these kits are great for small dings, larger dents should warrant a trip to the mechanic or auto body shop.
How Dent Repair Kits Work
Dent repair kits are an analog solution for random dings and bumps that might happen to your car. Dent repair kits come with everything you need to fix minor cosmetic damage on your car. There are three types of kit models — glue-tab, rear-force, and suction dent pullers. The most popular PDR kits feature glue-tab dent pullers. These rely on glue pulling to correct both small and large dents.
You’ll use a gentle adhesive to attach the puller handle to the dent in your car. Note that the adhesive used in PDR kits is designed to be used with paint and won’t damage the surface. You’ll gently pull on the handle to move the dent back. These kits are normally designed for more than one use. They also come with a solvent and sometimes a scraper to help remove the glue.
With rear-force dent PDR kits, you’re usually tackling larger dents. In this scenario, pulling from the car’s exterior could cause more damage. So, you’ll need to work from the rear of the car’s exterior. Usually, these kits include a range of tools, including a rubber hammer and rods that can push the dent out. Rear-force dent PDR kits are more time-consuming to use and are usually reserved for steel bodies, but they are ideal if you’re concerned about creating additional damage.
Finally, suction PDR kits are one of the fastest options, and also ideal for people concerned about applying adhesive to their car’s original paint. Suction kits can be used on any car material and are usually the easiest option. The handle will have a suction cup dent puller that can apply more than 130 pounds of force to help remove stubborn dents.
Why You Should Buy a Dent Repair Kit
Car repairs can be expensive. But considering that fixing a dent is a pretty user-friendly endeavor, this is one job you might prefer to DIY with dent removal kits. More importantly, this is one car repair that can be done quickly, ensuring that you can get back on the road.
Are Dent Repair Kits Worth Buying?
- You’re on a Budget: Professional car repairs can be expensive. A DIY dent repair kit can be a smart alternative if you’ve unexpectedly dinged your car and your budget won’t allow you to pay for the cost of labor and parts.
- It’s a Small Dent: A shallow dent caused by a ball or even hail damage can be easy to fix on your own. Just be sure to match your car’s material with a compatible PDR kit.
- Your Car is Frequently Dented: Many PDR kits are designed for multiple uses. And if you’re one of those unfortunate sorts whose car is always getting hit by shopping carts and similar items, this can be an affordable solution.
Why Dent Repair Kits May Not Be for You
- Your Car Has Comprehensive Damage: PDR kits can do wonders, but they’re not a cure-all for every type of dent. Severe denting will need a professional’s services and can’t be fixed by DIY dent removal kits.
- You Don’t Feel Comfortable Using a PDR Kit: As easy as dent repair kits are, if you’re intimidated by managing car repairs, you might feel like you’re in over your head. In this case, just go to the auto body shop.
- You Don’t Want to Follow Instructions: Dent repair kits are user-friendly, but patience is a virtue. When used incorrectly, depending on the extent of the damage, you can make a bad situation worse. If you’re going to rush through repairs or not follow instructions, this is not your DIY job.
How Long Will Dent Repair Kits Last?
This is going to depend on the type of dent-pulling kit you select. Both rear-force and suction PDR kits are are designed to be reused again and again. Neither kit relies on adhesive but comes with everything you need to get rid of dents quickly.
In contrast, glue-tab PDR kits can be single-use or designed for multiple uses. It’s going to depend on how much glue is included in the kit. In particular, these kits come with adhesive and a glue gun. The adhesive is usually either a glue tab or glue sticks.
Because this type of kit relies on glue, you’re limited to the total number of applications you’re able to achieve with the included adhesive. However, some brands may offer additional adhesives for purchase separately. You’ll need to confirm if this is possible.
How to Choose the Best Dent Repair Kits
PDR kits are fairly effective at removing most minor dent damage from your car so that it looks good as new. But as with any other car repair kit, you’ll need to look at a few factors before selecting the right solution for your needs.
Dent Repair Kits Key Factors to Consider
1. How extensive is the damage?
Dent repair kits are best reserved for smaller dents. This includes minor dings made from small objects or soft impacts, like slowly backing into a structure. If you have comprehensive structural damage, a PDR kit is not going to be a smart solution. But if you have a more serious dent but don’t think the damage is too extensive, the rear-force dent repair kits might be a better choice.
2. Which dent repair method do you want to use?
There are three primary methods for DIY dent repair — glue-tab, reverse-force, and suction. If you’re open to managing a repair by yourself, but want something that’s fairly goof-proof, look at suction dent repair kits. For more extensive dent damage, reverse-force is your best bet. And the most widely known option is the glue-tab kit.
Also, consider your comfort level with the different mediums. Of the three, the suction repair is the easiest and requires the least amount of prep work. Meanwhile, glue-tab and reverse-force require that you work with intention and follow the steps outlined by the manufacturer.
With glue-tab kits, you need to heat the adhesive properly before applying it to the surface of your car. And you also need to be mindful of environmental conditions like temperatures that are too cold or hot. These can cause the adhesive to respond differently and impact the quality of your repair. Likewise, reverse-force requires that you work carefully so that you don’t make the damage worse.
3. Are all necessary tools or accessories included?
There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a repair, only to find that you’re missing critical pieces. With suction repair kits, usually, you only need the suction handle. But with glue-tab and reverse-force models, you may need multiple components.
For glue-tab kits, ensure that the brand includes the adhesive and provides hot glue guns, solvent, and a scraper. You need to ensure that the adhesive is heated properly so that it applies correctly to your car’s exterior. And once you’re finished correcting the dent, you’ll want a quality alcohol-based solvent to remove the adhesive, and a scraper to remove any residue.
With reverse-force kits, confirm that they include all necessary tools. This can include removal rods and hammers. Note that you may need multiple rods to correct the damage.
4. Will this DIY repair void your warranty?
You might not think your warranty factors into the buying equation, but it does. If your car’s warranty strictly forbids DIY dent repairs, think twice about trying to prove you’re as handy as a pro.
5. Is the kit compatible with your car’s body material?
Not all kits are universally compatible with every car’s body material. The most common car bodies are aluminum and steel. Steel is more durable in terms of resisting over-correction. In contrast, aluminum can easily succumb to too much pressure, requiring you to correct it with a hammer. This is most likely to be an issue with reverse-force kits.
