How to Pull Out a Small Dent in a Car?

[McLevi]

There are two scenarios to address a small dent in a car: one where the paint has chipped off, and another where it hasn't. Dealing with a dent where the paint has chipped is more complicated and requires professional repair. A repair shop will first use a suction cup to restore the car body, followed by touch-up painting and auto body repair. If the paint hasn't chipped, there are two methods: 1. Prepare a pot of hot water, pour it over the surface of the small dent, then use a toilet plunger to press against the dent and pull it out repeatedly with force; 2. Use a car dent repair kit, which includes tools like a hot glue gun and a bridge-type suction puller, to attach a suction cup to the car body and pull out the dent using the principle of tension.

[DeJason]

My car's rear door got a small dent from hitting a supermarket pillar, so I bought a car dent repair suction cup to fix it. After cleaning the dent surface, I applied some water to increase adhesion, pressed the suction cup firmly to ensure a tight grip, then slowly pulled it out with steady force—no sudden jerks. Small dents usually pop back into place. If the plastic area is too rigid, use a heat gun to soften it for a few minutes before pulling, making it easier. The whole process takes about ten minutes—cost-effective and practical, but it’s best for shallow dents. Avoid trying deep dents or metal panels, as they risk paint damage or warping. The tool costs just a few dozen bucks online and is great for DIY minor fixes, but for major issues, don’t force it—call a professional instead.

[DiAutumn]

The professional method for repairing small dents is PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) technology, with the core technique being the use of suction tools to pull the dent flat. First, clean the dent area to ensure it is dust-free. Then, use a heating lamp or hot glue to soften the paint in the affected area. Next, attach a professional suction cup and apply even force to slowly pull out the dent. Be cautious with force control to avoid excessive pulling that could damage the paint. After completion, check the smoothness and make adjustments if imperfections are found. Such tool kits are easily available online and include suction cups of various sizes. However, for complex locations or dents deeper than 5mm, it's more reliable to have a technician push the dent from the inside. When attempting DIY repairs, choose shallow dents and prepare backup tools to avoid damaging other components due to improper handling after an accident.

[DelBrantley]

Fixing small dents on your car by yourself is quite simple, just use a toilet plunger or a large suction cup. Clean the dented area, apply water to create suction, and before pulling, pour hot water over it for a few minutes to soften the plastic panel, making the dent easier to pop out. Pull steadily without rushing, and small dents can basically be restored. It costs nothing but time, but only applies to shallow, smooth areas; avoid deep dents or metal as it may fail or damage the paint. The tools are readily available, making it suitable for beginners to try and save money.