Even when you take excellent care of your car, dents and dings happen. There’s little you can do to prevent rocks from kicking up on the freeway and lending some character to your car’s body. What you can do is be prepared with a high-quality dent repair kit. Dent repair kits apply the necessary force using suction to pop the body back into position.
Provided you pick the best dent repair kit for the task, you can get professional-looking results without a bill from the body shop. To help you get a head start, we’ve broken down the best dent repair kits available. Let’s delve into the depths of dent repair so you can return your car to its former self.
Best OverallARISD 32Pcs Auto Body Dent Removal Kit
Check Latest PriceSummaryThis is an affordable, all-inclusive, and versatile kit, which features two types of pulling tools. The kit also includes a glue gun that is not included in other kits.
ProsManelord Auto Body Repair Tool Kit
Check Latest PriceSummaryBudget-friendly and well-built, this dent removal kit is designed for small- and medium-sized dents. It’s well-made and sturdy.
ProsGliston DIY Paintless Dent Repair Kit - 89 Pieces
Check Latest PriceSummaryThis 89-piece kit repairs dents that are 0.1 to 10 inches long. You can use it on cars, motorcycles, and home appliances.
ProsPerhaps the most popular type of paintless dent repair (PDR), using the glue pull method works on both large and small dents. Using a powerful yet gentle adhesive, you attach a suction tool to the site of the dent. The glue ensures that the force of the complementary tool is evenly spread. The adhesive is built to be gentle on car paint, though most kits either come with or require a solvent to remove residue. Directing the force outward with a pulling motion, the glue tabs pop the dent back into place. Most of these kits come with the glue and necessary tools to fix multiple dents. In the majority of cases, you can use the kit more than once.
When dents are larger, the risk of damaging the body during the repair is significant. It’s less of an issue on steel bodies, though aluminum-based designs can fracture if the dent isn’t managed correctly. This type of dent repair kit comes in a set of multiple tools, including rubber hammers and rods to push dents outward. While this sort of PDR is more time-consuming, it allows you to exercise caution when applying force. If you’re worried about damaging the vehicle further by fixing the dent, this type of kit is worth looking into.
Those looking for quick and painless dent removal often prefer this approach. Per the namesake, the repair kit uses suction cups to apply outward force on the dent. You can use this type of dent puller regardless of the body material — it’s gentle on polymer, aluminum, and steel. As a result of the suction cup design, the force is evenly distributed.
From the ease-of-use standpoint, the suction dent puller is the undisputed winner. The suction cup works with metal and plastic auto bodies. Made of synthetic rubber and polymer, larger cups can apply upwards of 578 Newtons of force — that equates to well over 130 pounds, easily sufficient to work on large dents and stubborn car bodies.
Open since 2017, Anyyion is based out of China, manufacturing a whole host of consumer electronics. Focusing on the auto industry, its supplies are known for high quality balanced with affordability. Among this brand’s most successful products is the Anyyion Paintless Dent Repair Kit, complete with 54 pieces that enable you to tackle dents of all sizes.
One of the few companies to focus exclusively on PDR technology, Gliston is based in Shenzhen, China. Due to its specialized nature, Gliston offers multiple dent pulling devices. Ranging from hammers to PDR glue tabs, this brand may have only hit the market in 2015, but it's quickly become a significant name in consumer dent repair. The Gliston DIY Paintless Dent Repair Kit - 89 Pieces is a solid PDR kit, complete with everything you need to deal with pesky car dents.
Under the umbrella of Shenzhen Zhi Zong Si Hai Technology Ltd., Super PDR is dedicated to innovating dent removal approaches. The company positions itself as a leading innovator of PDR products, with an impressive 22 patents on dent pullers and removal parts. Operating internationally, it is one of the leading retailers of PDR kits on the global market.
The key component of your dent puller is typically a compact, round handle made out of plastic and metal parts. These are vulnerable to force and can crack under pressure unless you opt for a dent lifter entirely out of metal. Though a bit more expensive, it adds a lot of value in terms of strength and durability. Both the size and structure of the handle will dictate how easy it is to control the dent pulling process. Slow and steady wins the dent repair race, so make sure the handle’s properly weighted and simple enough to maneuver.
The vast majority of glue-pull dent repair kits come equipped with glue tabs and glue sticks. This is a clever method that works particularly well on aluminum. First, you melt down the glue and position the tabs around the dent. It sticks firmly, and you pull the tab to force the dent outwards. There’s less risk of overdoing it, though it’s less eco-friendly and has a more demanding cleanup. Be sure that any PDR kit that uses glue comes with alcohol as a solvent for the adhesive.
To melt down the glue, you will require a glue gun compatible with the sticks supplied. The proper glue gun will melt the adhesive quickly, letting you apply it smoothly. While essential to the process, not all kits include a glue gun. It might be tempting to heat the adhesive otherwise, but considering the strength of the glue, it’s better to stick to proper tools. If you don’t own one already, look for a kit with one included, or you’ll need to source it separately.
If you’re getting a multi-piece kit, it will likely include more than one dent pulling tool. Some of the supplies are extras like supplemental tabs and extra glue. Others are more essential, such as a hammer to repair over-corrected dents, a scraper to remove glue after it’s been dissolved, and a carrying case. No two dents are alike, and the more tools you have in your repair arsenal, the more likely you will be able to fix whatever dent issue arises.
Taking a heavier-duty approach to your paintless dent repair may require you to address the dent from the inside, using a push rather than pull method. This is where you apply removal rods. You’ll need a kit that comes with a wide range of these stainless steel pieces. Each features a round end that’s flat for properly dissipated impact force. The best removal rods depend on the damage location and size. Most serious issues call for multiple attempts, using different sizes of removal rods to tackle the dent from various angles.
This affordable kit is comprehensive, reliable, and affordable–a trifecta that makes it a sound buy to repair the creases and dents that accumulate on your vehicle over time. The ARISD kit includes a steel dent lifter and dent puller, giving you two different tools and all of the necessary parts, including a glue gun and glue sticks.
If you follow the basic directions included in this ARISD kit, it’s easy and convenient to restore your car’s exterior. Everything you need is included, such as a rubber scraper, a tap down pen, an alcohol spray bottle, and a cleaning cloth.
One of the most common problems with this PDR kit is the plastic handle on the dent puller, which can crack or break with light use. ARISD says it has addressed the issue by improving the quality of the materials and by making tweaks to the design to make the handle more stable and durable.
For small- to medium-sized dents, this Manelord tool kit is a solid option at a low price. It comes with a sturdy dent puller and a collection of black and blue glue puller tabs.
The kit is shipped without the glue sticks and glue gun, so you have to buy these separately for the complete setup. Besides the inconvenience of having to supply the aforementioned parts to get started, the Manelord PDR kit comes with everything else you need. There are multiple tabs of different sizes and an adjustable double-pole bridge that’ll allow you to reach difficult areas around the car. Detailed instructions are supplied to ensure that even a novice can get going quickly to complete the process.
The Manelord kit is smaller than what many expect from a kit. It measures about 11 by 7 by 2 inches and weighs under 1 pound. The downside of buying a cheaper PDR kit like this one is having to get additional supplies. In this case, you need to buy alcohol to fill the small included bottle in addition to the glue sticks and a glue gun.
The DIY Paintless Dent Repair Kit is another great kit from Gliston, only it includes 89 pieces. It's designed to repair dents that are 0.1 to 10 inches caused by hail damage and other types of impact. The kit removes dents on vehicles, motorcycles, and kitchen appliances.
It includes items such as the golden dent lifter, pro 2-in-1 slider hammer, an LED reflector board, a pop-a-dent, pro hot melt glue gun and sticks, a mini dent puller, and pulling tabs. It should take 30 minutes to remove dents using this kit. It's portable and easy to use and great for auto repair shops as well as DIYers. Overall the kit has a good selection of tools and includes nearly everything you need to get the job done.
One downside with this kit is you may not need to use all the tools that are provided. Also, the instructions lack information about some of the tools.
Another solid offering from Manelord, this dent puller comes with a complete repair kit, including a rubber hammer, penlight, and full spread of attachments. Just pick the rubber grip attachment that’s right for the size of dent you’ve got, fit it to the end of the T-bar, attach it to the car using hot glue, and pull.
What stands out about this dent repair kit is versatility. It’s able to grasp and pull practically every sort of damage your car’s body might sustain, from collisions to door dings to hail, but it’s also suitable for anything else made out of metal, from boats to washing machines.
The biggest drawback of this kit is that it’s a bit overpriced, especially since it doesn’t come with a hot glue gun—you’ll have to supply your own. The glue itself is also finicky, and needs to get very hot and have a long time to set before you can start to pull.
The Anyyion Paintless Dent Repair Kit includes 54 pieces to repair your vehicle without using any paint. It's environmentally friendly and won't harm your vehicle's finish. Detailed instructions are included, so it's easy to make a repair whether you own an automotive shop or are a DIYer. Most dents should take less than 30 minutes to correct.
The kit includes a glue gun, gold dent lifter, glue sticks, rubber hammer, a black pen, clean cloths, a clip removal tool, glue tabs, a plastic shovel, tool box, and other tools. Users report that the items are durable and well-made. The plastic has a bit of flex, so it's less likely to break, and it's a good price overall.
However, you can't put too much stress on the tools or they may snap. Some users have complained that the kit comes without a case. Some tools may also transfer the color of the tool onto the surface area you are correcting.
A low price and great versatility are hallmarks of this ARISD kit. The PDR kit contains a slide hammer T-bar tool and 16 tabs that can be used to fix a variety of dents. The slide hammer is made out of stainless steel, and the tabs are made out of durable plastic and rubber for extra durability.
In addition to the T-bar puller and the tabs, this PDR kit also includes glue sticks. It offers a convenient way to fix motorcycles, refrigerators, and washing machines. The kit is also a solid choice if you’re looking for a hail damage repair kit.
As is the case with most low-cost PDR kits, the glue gun is not supplied. The included glue sticks are designed for a small glue gun, which you can buy at a local arts/crafts store. Be prepared to apply some muscle with the T-bar, which may require strenuous and repeated pulling on some dents.
For more demanding tasks, the Costway Dent Puller Tool Kit is excellent. It might only come with 13 pieces, but each of them is carefully curated to control the application of force.
Featuring a sturdy steel design, this hammer-style dent repair kit is built to optimize pulling force. Useful on the vast majority of car body structures, all components in this kit have a set purpose. The tape adapters and heat-treated hooks can evenly spread force when you pull.
It comes complete with a five-piece hasp iron, a hammer, a right angle tool, and a taping adapter. Ideal for sizable dents that require a bit more effort to restore, this model is great for trucks and large SUVs.
Within reason, yes, dent pullers work. You can’t expect to yank a massive crater on your hood, but you can count on a dent puller to handle shallow dents. Provided the dent is small enough and sits on an otherwise flat section of the body, you can use a dent puller with ease. It will take time, though the result should be reasonably smooth.
Popping out a dent depends on its location and the material. A dent puller uses directional force to pull the dent outwards. You can use glued-on tabs and pull it manually or rely on suction. Other approaches rely on the expanding-contracting effects of material when exposed to extreme temperatures (heating it up to make the metal more responsive and immediately applying cold). That technique, when paired with a puller, lends to good overall results.
While DIY dent repair usually tackles a dent from a single side, body shops attack it from both sides. Pushing outwards, pairing it with suction, the body shop will even out the surface. If there is paint damage, they will buff out the area and apply primer and paint to restore the car’s appearance.
Glue-pull PDR kits are great for smaller dents and are the simplest to use. With suction cup and push-from-behind kits, you’ll need to exert some energy and may overcorrect the dent. Consider the size and location of the dents when deciding between the different types of repair kits.
If you follow instructions and don’t have a freak accident, there’s minimal chance of damage. PDR kits are designed to repair the dent without scraping your car’s factory paint.
If a dent is too deep or stretches the metal too much, there’s a slim chance you’ll be able to fix it with a PDR kit. If the damaged area has chipped or cracked paint, you’re probably better off consulting a professional. PDR kits have limitations. For common dents caused by a stray shopping cart or a minor fender bender, a PDR kit should work.
After careful consideration, we’ve named the ARISD 32Pcs Auto Body Dent Removal Kit as our top pick. Both cost-effective and user-friendly, this set comes with everything from a glue gun to glue sticks and tabs, along with two tools for lifting. If you’re looking to trim the budget, the Manelord Auto Body Repair Tool Kit is highly affordable, provided you have a glue gun already. There are plenty of options for those seeking the best dent repair kits for minor damage.
