Panel Beating Tools

By: W Tsang

Mallets. The handles of mallets are usually made with ash wood. The materials used in making the heads of mallets vary according to the application for which the tool will be used. Mallets with cylindrical heads are the so-called standard mallets. A mallet shaped like a pear is called bossing mallet. These two types of mallets, bossing and standard mallets may be made of rubber, rawhide or soft metal like copper. Hollowing refers to the process of thinning the metal from the panel center. This may be done using a sandbag and a bossing mallet. The process starts by beating the metal from the center outwards using consecutive larger circles. If beating is done with uniform blows, a regular shape will be produced. One can buy rubber mallets whose screw-on heads may be replaced from various head sizes available. Sheet metal and Aluminum panels are mostly used with rubber mallets.

Utility dolly. This is used in reshaping a flange. The size as well as the shape of the utility dolly to be used must be the specifications that are closest to the flange. The dolly must be placed in the flange then applied with pressure both upwards and outwards. Reforming the flange is done through on the dolly beating which means that from the flanges inner edge, the outer edge should be worked on until the original form of the flange is restored.

Spoons. These are tools employed in bumping and prying. They may also be used as replacements for dollies in rear panel areas where it is impossible to reach and directly access due to obstructions. The spoon to be selected will based on: how much access can be done on the particular area to be fixed, the original contour of the metal, if the metal is to be worked through roughing or leveling, and the length and shape of the spoon.
• General-purpose spoon is for reshaping roof panels or other similar repairs
• Body spoon is for reshaping the door panel or other double-skinned areas.
• Heavy-duty pry spoon is for separating the outer panel from the frame if they were squeezed together during an accident or mishap.
• High-crown spoon has broad surface for working and is used in highly confined spaces such as the hood or the roof.

Source: Articledashboard.com

Category: Repair