Fixing Small Dents

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 28, 2010)

It might be a little intimidating to attempt any type of home auto body repair, but fixing small dents is an easy way to learn.

Before tackling this project, keep in mind a few pointers. If the dent is on the bumper you want to be careful in the drilling stage so that you do not pop the tire. Not only is it frustrating to have another project come up in the middle of one you are working on, it could be harmful to you. If the dent is a large one (larger than a hard-backed book), you might want to just replace the panel that the dent is on. It would be easier and cheaper.

If you don't have some of the equipment that is mentioned in the article, you can buy or rent it from an auto parts or hardware store.

  1. Drill. Take a regular drill, and in the center of the dent make a small hole. Remember that when the dent is on a bumper, or anywhere near a tire, be careful that you don't pop the tire.
  2. Pull. Take a dent pulling tool and carefully insert it into the hole. Gently pull outward until the dent pops or appears flat. Remove the pulling tool.
  3. Rubber mallet. Reach behind the dent with a rubber mallet and gently knock the dented area until it is smooth. It might be necessary to crawl under the vehicle. Use a mechanic's dolly or a child's skate board to help you get under there easier.
  4. Fill. Fill the hole with a body filler compound (like Bondo) and allow it to dry. Then take some sandpaper and smooth it out so it is level and flush with the rest of the car.
  5. Paint. Finally, take some touch-up paint that matches your paint job, and re-paint the area you just worked on. It might take a few coats, but once you are done your car should look as good as new.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Organizing Tax Records

For a variety of reasons, tax time is one of the most stressful times of the year. Instead of waiting till the last ...

Discover More

Hard Boil an Egg

It may sound easy to do, but surprisingly hard boiling an egg is actually a fairly tricky thing to do. For some reason it ...

Discover More

Properly Painting Your Room

Painting can be a really fun, and simple, home improvement project as long as you know what you are doing. Good thing ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Fixing Small Paint Dings

There are virtually an unlimited number of options for fixing small paint dings. All it takes is a little creativity, ...

Discover More

Fixing Rust Spots

Fixing rust spots is more than just a simple cosmetic repair. When you properly fix rust spots on any older vehicle, you ...

Discover More

Flying Car Hoods

Quick! You are driving down the road when the hood of your car just flew open and smacked your windshield. What do you do?

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.