Tech Tip: Choose the Right Hammer Face for the Panel and Position

Not All Hammering is Created Equal

One of the most common mistakes in post-PDR finishing is using the wrong blending hammer for the job. After removing a dent—whether through traditional pushing, glue pulling, or PDR techniques—you're often left with slight high spots or need to blend the repair area into the surrounding panel. The hammer face you choose makes the difference between a smooth, undetectable repair and one that requires extensive filler or shows waviness in the paint.

Understanding Your 4-Piece Arsenal

The Dent Fix Blending Hammer 4PC Set gives you multiple distinct faces and impact pressure, each designed for specific applications. The larger, flatter faces work best for broad, gentle areas like door skins and quarter panels where you need to smooth larger areas without creating new low spots. The smaller, more crowned faces excel at tight curves, body lines, and areas near edges where precision matters most.

Matching Tool to Task

Start with the largest appropriate face for your repair area. On a door panel repair, begin with your broader face to establish overall levelness, working from the repair center outward. As you approach body lines or tighter contours, switch to progressively smaller faces. This graduated approach prevents over-working any single area and maintains the panel's structural integrity—critical for both OEM standards and long-term durability. Remember: aluminum panels require even more care in hammer selection due to their work-hardening characteristics. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for the specific alloy you're repairing.

Article originally appeared on VehicleServicePros.com: LINK