Leveling works with car bodies often require the connection of specialized equipment. The situation is complicated by the fact that external defects have to be removed together with the paintwork. That is, the solution of one problem inevitably poses new tasks that require additional financial investments. In the case of minor damage to the metal surface, alternative and less expensive means can be used. So, the suction cup for removing dents is gaining popularity, which allows not only to save the paintwork in the problem area, but also to do without the help of specialists.
Tool device
The design is quite simple and does not present any special difficulties in handling. The functional basis is based on the suction cup itself, which is made from a combination of high-strength plastic and a rubber lining. This part in the process of work captures the damaged area and then under the exerted force extends it, restoring the original surface geometry. The second important component is the reverse hammer, due to which the action appears. There are models that operate on the principle of hydraulics, and the simplest modifications realize lever pressure. In both cases, suction cups for removing dents without painting can only work with damage that is appropriate in size. Most models correct only shallow dents with a diameter of the order of 15-20 cm. If there is significant metal bending or tension, then the tool will be ineffective.
Varieties
In addition to hydraulic and mechanical lever suction cups, a compressor station is also common . Such modifications exert pressure on the pressure of the compressed air. If manual effort is not enough, then it makes sense to turn to such a snap. Distinguish the tool and the configuration of the location of the suction cups. There are single models with one capture point, but large diameter. And for working with large areas of defects, it is advisable to use models in which 2-3 suction cups are immediately combined. Such a device not only expands the area of action of the mechanism, but also minimizes the area of contact with the paintwork. But it is important to consider that a multi-component suction cup for removing dents requires experience and appropriate preparation during operation. Some versions also assume the operation with an assistant connection.
Preparation for the hood
The quality of correcting a problem zone is greatly influenced by proper preparation. It is absolutely necessary to clean, rinse and degrease the working area with the help of special auto chemical goods for the body. Separately prepared and suction cup. She binds to the hammer through threading. It is important to make sure that this part during the drawing process can ensure a smooth and unhindered movement. For correct correction jerks are extremely undesirable, therefore it is better to check the thread before starting the straightening procedure. By the way, if the suction cup for removing dents on the car has an insufficient length of the interface line with the hammer, then an additional washer should be prepared. But it is recommended to avoid such inclusions - the shorter the rod with the translation of the drawing force, the more effective is the control of the recovery deformation of the metal.
Suction Cup Instructions
Vacuum straightening is carried out in several stages. After the surface has been cleaned, capture points must be identified. The correct geometric calculation is important here, so that the force effect provides the hood in the right direction. It is advisable to start the operation from the edges of the deformation zone towards the middle. Fixing the circle of the suction cup is carried out using special glue. In this case, it is necessary to wait 5-10 minutes for it to seize at the place of voltage supply. Next, the hammer itself is used, and, depending on the principle of exerting force, the drawing process begins with a corresponding shift to the center of the problem area. According to the circular motion scheme with a decrease in the radius of damage, the suction cup should gradually move to remove dents. With your own hands, this operation is preferably performed with gloves on, and if a compressor installation is used, the compressed air supply must be strictly balanced. Excessive stress can provoke the reverse effect of drawing already beyond the normal plane of the body.
Positive aspects of using a suction cup
Since the advent of vacuum rigging for dents, there has been a skepticism about this technology. Few motorists believed that the tool really retains paint and draws a metal surface. Nevertheless, it is in efficiency that the main advantage of the method lies. Provided that the deformed section is properly prepared, there is every chance to leave the decorative coating of the body intact. Also, a suction cup for removing dents requires a little time for surgery. According to users, typical shallow damage is corrected manually in 30-40 minutes.
Disadvantages of the method
Unfortunately, the method does not provide a 100 percent restoration of the geometric line. Even professional locksmiths do not always achieve a visually flat surface. But, given the simplicity of the recovery mechanism, many people are satisfied with the results obtained. Another disadvantage of the method is the limitations of its use. It has already been said that the suction cup vacuum extract to remove dents cannot be used in places of stretching and strong bending of the metal. But also this method cannot be used if the deformation zone has damage to the paintwork. The fact is that in this case you do not have to rely on the preservation of the paint layer. The coating will be further destroyed by the suction cup, and the vacuum trapping mechanism may not work at all.
Tool selection nuances
In choosing a suction cup, you can adhere to two tactics. This is either the purchase of an ergonomic universal model with several grip points, or the targeted acquisition of a mechanism for working with specific dents in characteristics. Next, a method of force impact is determined, which will depend on the complexity of the operations performed. To work with shallow defects, a manual suction cup for removing dents is also suitable, and massive damage to a large area is more convenient to fix with a compressor.
Alternative technology
Even before the advent of vacuum straightening technology, home craftsmen in garages used the inside exhaustion method in the same lever way. But today this technique is practically not used because of the complexity of the organization of its implementation. But the magnetic vacuum suction cup for removing dents has spread. With your own hands, this method can be implemented without a special tool. It is enough to arm yourself with a rag and a magnet block with sufficient voltage. Further, through the lining of the rags, the active element is superimposed on a dent and pulled back. In terms of efficiency, this method is not so impressive compared to the factory glue vacuum, but the correction of small damage is quite feasible.
Conclusion
The use of a compact vacuum with a suction cup to restore the geometry of the body is organically included in the concept of garage repair using traditional technologies. The method is simple, effective and, most importantly, cheap. The basic set of such a device on the market can be purchased for 1-2 thousand rubles. Having added several thousand more, the arsenal of tools can be replenished with a multifunctional straightening station with a compressor and several gripping points. But in any design, a vacuum suction cup for removing dents also implies the presence of certain risks in terms of exacerbating the situation. This is also a characteristic feature for folk repair methods. Many beginners mistakenly believe that the key to successful vacuum drawing is the power potential of the deforming effect. This is not at all the case, as the most often applied effort is enough. Another thing is that it is not always possible to find the optimal balance between the effort and the direction of its application. Therefore, the likelihood of excessive deformation of the site with the coverage of a flat area.