Glue Pulling is a method of repair using a special adhesive glue and specific tabs to remove dents from body panels. This process involves heating the glue in a glue gun similar to those used in crafting. Then the glue is applied to a plastic tab that is then attached to the dented area.
The glue is then allowed to dry, and the puller is used to gently pull the dent back into its original shape. 
Once the dent is removed, the glue is released by using a non-corrosive solvent, leaving the surface undamaged. Glue pulling can be used to repair a wide range of dents, including small dents, large dents, creases, hail damage, and even some types of bumper damage.
There are some limitations to the types of dents that can be repaired using this method. Glue pulling may not be suitable for repairing dents that are too deep or have sharp edges, as these types of dents may require the use specific detailed tools necessary for pushing. With that, if a dent already has damaged paint, glue pulling may not be advisable as the risk of damaging the paint further increases. That is the most pressing drawback to glue pulling a repair. The risk to the paint. We always do our due diligence when it comes to informing our clients about the risks of glue pulling. Anytime time, someone is pulling on the painted surface of your vehicle, there is risk that your paint will fail. That cannot be avoided. However, the level of risk can be somewhat controlled. How? Let me tell you. The first thing we always ask is, “Is the paint damaged? Cracked, chipped, broken, or scratched?” If the answer to any of these is yes, then we have to have a conversation with our client and let them decide if the risk is worth the reward. The other question we always ask is, “Is the paint on that panel the original factory paint?” Original factory paint is able to withstand glue pulling, whereas a repainted panel is not. If a panel is repainted, it is not a candidate for glue pulling repairs. Let’s take a look at a few videos of repairs our technicians at Dent Repair Now have done.
This video shows Gene Fetty, owner and operator of Dent Repair Now and Pittsburgh’s expert on all things Paintless Dent Repair explaining how he’s using glue pulling to move large areas of metal for a repair. This Honda Odyssey owner backed into something and caused large scale damage to their liftgate. First, Gene cleans the panel using isopropyl alcohol. If the panel is dirty, he can’t see the damage clearly, the glue will not adhere properly, and the dirt can scratch the paint on your car. So, starting with a clean panel is imperative. Gene uses KECO products like the Viper Tabs and the flexible Centipede tab. He uses KECO Cam Auto Glue to adhere the flexible tabs. Then uses the K BAR to leverage and grab the tabs to pull the metal back out. “Slow and Steady” is key.
This video shows Gene once again using KECO products to glue pull repair a dent. After cleaning the rear door panel of this Audi, he adheres the Crease Killer tabs made by KECO. He explains why placement is so important when using these tabs. Any error on placement can cause more surface damage and add much more time to the repair.
In this video, Gene is working on a Jaguar door panel that is aluminum. He uses both crease tabs, and the small round tabs, to work the dent out of this door. You can watch more videos on our YouTube Channel. (Remember to “LIKE” and “SUBSCRIBE”)
We get asked all the time, “What do you do if you don’t have access to get a tool behind the panel?” I hope this article answers that question. If YOU have a dent or damage on your car, truck, or SUV, we’d like to help you out! You can call us at 724-554-1756 or contact us through our email info@dentrepairnow.com . You can also read more about Dent Repair Now on our website, and don’t forget to check out our blog! There is tons of information there! If you are looking for a free estimate, you can fill out this form, and we will get in touch with you quickly, or if an in person estimate is more your preference, you can stop in our shop located at 4699 Campbells Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205 That’s right next to I376 (The Parkway) just off of the Campbells Run Road exit if you’re coming from I79 or Downtown Pittsburgh. If you’re coming from the airport area you have to use the Ridge Road exit and then turn right. Another option if our shop is not convenient for you, is to meet us at one of the body shops that we partner with. We have body shops that we partner with from Washington County, and Greene County in Pennsylvania to Wheeling and Morgantown West Virginia, St Clairesville, Ohio, and even Garret County, Maryland. We are more than happy to help you find the best way to get that ugly, annoying dent taken care of for you.
If you enjoyed reading this article, we have another that you might find even more interesting! That article is titled Gene Fetty, Pittsburgh, Pa’s Expert on all Things Paintless Dent Repair, KECO Master Glue Pull Trainer and the History of Glue Pull Repairs
