An automotive glass technician can fix a small chip in a windshield before it turns into a larger crack. If you see a blemish or damage in your front or rear windshield, get the repairs done without wasting any time. Delaying or ignoring repair work can lead to large cracks, which will require a full replacement of the windshield. When it comes to repairing your car, a technician needs the right tools and equipment. Without having the right set of tools at hand, no technician can begin repairing or replacing the broken windshield of a car, SUV, or van.
The following is a list of tools that are essential for any windshield repair technician:
1. Caulking Gun
The caulking gun is one of the most important tools for an auto glass technician to have. The technician uses it to apply adhesive to the frame. One crucial step of a new windshield installation is the proper application of adhesive into the frame where the glass will be fitted.
Using a caulking gun, it becomes easy to apply the adhesive. The gun tool has a plunger, which is forced forward by depressing the trigger. As the plunger moves forward, the caulk is pushed out of the tip of the removal tube for application into its appropriate spot on frames that are ready for replacement windshields.
2. Lever Knife
Lever knives are one of the most effective auto glass removal tools used by technicians. The blade of the lever knife is located farther from the handle than other windshield removal tools, which gives technicians better clearance, making use of the tool easier. The lever knife’s handle and cable are completely covered for safety reasons; professionals work on multiple windshields in a single day, so having a lever knife in their toolkit makes their job easier and simpler.
3. O-Ring Removers
O-Ring Removers also known as the O-ring pick-striker is a tool used by glass technicians to remove O-rings from grooves and to install them in auto glass. It comes with both a small angle hook for reaching hard-to-access areas and a full hook for general removal and installation. The tool’s tip is made of hardened and tapered chrome for high durability.
4. Heavy-Duty Suction Cups
After the glass has been cut out and separated from the frame, technicians use heavy-duty suction cups to remove it. Likewise, they also use this tool to place the new auto glass into the frame. This tool is called heavy-duty because it can lift an impressive amount of weight, and it is specially designed for use in the windshield repair industry.
When technicians remove the old glass from a vehicle, they use heavy-duty suction cups. Likewise, they use this tool to install new auto glass. This tool is called heavy-duty because it can lift an impressive amount of weight. It is specially designed for use in the windshield repair industry.
5. Razor Blades
If a windshield needs to be replaced, the technician needs to remove the old or broken windshield from the glass frame. But to do this, the adhesive must first be removed. A razor blade is used to scrape off this adhesive in a swift and proper manner so that the new windshield can be installed properly. The razor blade is also used after installation to remove the extra adhesive. No auto glass technician will be able to do the job properly unless they have a razor blade with them.
6. Cut-Out Tool
A cut-out tool is used to separate auto glass from a car. The tool can be manual or battery-powered. Both types of cut-out tools have their own advantages and disadvantages. A battery-powered tool makes cutting and separating the glass swift and easy; however, it requires access to electricity to work properly. In situations where access to electricity is difficult, a battery-powered tool proves to be extremely useful. Manually operated tools are also gaining much popularity with technicians because of their affordability and convenience.
7. Molding Removal Tool
A molding removal tool is an extremely useful tool that should be a part of every auto glass technician’s toolkit. The small tool makes it easy for the technician to remove the molding from around the glass and then have access to the glass once it has adhered to the vehicle’s body. Though there are many manufacturers who design this tool, our technicians use only those manufactured by reputed brands.
8. Pear End Carbide Tool
Before a windshield can be installed, it must be prepared for a perfect fit. The pear-shaped end carbide tools do just that—help the technician prepare the glass to ensure a perfect fit. Specifically, these tools help shape and contour the glass. The best pear-shaped end carbide tools are made from a single piece of carbide. This gives them the highest level of accuracy during windshield repair.
9. Rounded End Carbide Tool
When it comes to repairing auto glass, you’ll need a tool that makes the entire process simple and smooth. Carbide tools with rounded edges glide smoothly across the windshield and thus help technicians a lot. These tools have retention grooves that make it easy to create an original depth mark. Each one of our technicians carries this tool in his or her kit because using it makes the windshield repair work go much more smoothly. That is why we provide each technician with extensive training in how to use this tool effectively so that the job can be done right.
10. Cleaning Tool
Before any windshield repair is conducted, the technician must clean the area of damage. If dust or glass particles are not removed from the damaged area, the repair will be incomplete, and poor or reduced visibility will arise later. Auto glass technicians have cleaning tools in their toolkits to remove all traces of dust and debris before repairing the windshield.
11. Protective Gear
Safety is a key concern during auto glass repair or replacement. The technician must perform the job while protecting himself, his face, and his eyes. Protective gear typically includes a pair of gloves, safety glasses, and a first aid kit. Using proper protective gear ensures that the technician remains well-protected against flying glass particles and harmful glare. At GlassFixit, it is their foremost priority to have the repair work conducted in a completely safe manner, which is why the technicians will always put on proper protective gear before starting the repair.
Need the Help of a Highly Trained Glass Technician?
The job of windshield repair and replacement requires not just skills but also a complete set of the right tools. Whether it is auto glass removal or installation, it cannot be performed with just a single tool. A professional technician uses a wide variety of small and large tools to perform their job in an effective, safe, and swift manner.
GlassFixit offers a range of auto glass services, from windshield repair to replacement. You can rely on their technicians to perform all work safely and correctly, following all safety guidelines. They also provide mobile services, which means they can come to you for any windshield-related services. Just let them know where your vehicle is in the San Jose, San Francisco, Santacruz, or Hayward area, and they’ll reach the location and fix your broken or damaged windshield in a professional manner. Contact them now.