For do-it-yourselfers, repairing dents or shaping metal can be challenging enough, without attempting either without the right tools. As a hands-on guy, Curt Strohacker realized the right tools could be the difference between success and failure so in the early '80s he created the Eastwood Company to help enthusiasts save time, money, eliminate frustration, and get the results they were after. Today Eastwood's offerings include a broad range of tools, equipment, paint, and supplies.
For those repairing damaged sheetmetal or shaping new material for custom components here are some must-have tools for your workshop.
Dent Killer: For those situations where a hammer and dolly can't be used, Eastwood offers the Dent Killer. Used with one of their stud welders and others with a 1-inch OD grounding ring. The stud is attached to the low areas with the support legs against the sheetmetal adjacent to the damaged area. With the stud attached to the body, the Dent Killer's 3:1 provides the right amount of pull to achieve a level surface. Nylon-faced 5-1/2-inch-long support legs adjust from 3 to 7 inches to span damage and styling lines. Simply rotate the tool to release the stud. Great for use along creases or in areas without enough overhead clearance to use a sliding hammer.
Bullseye: When faced with common problems during body repairs, such as braces, brackets that are in the way, and dents that are hard to reach, the Bullseye pick is the answer. In effect a self-aiming pick hammer and dolly, this tool can reach around obstacles and into areas that are impossible to access by any other means. Pointed tips can be used for concentrated "picking" while an optional blunt tip is available for "bumping" larger dents.
Sandbag with Teardrop Mallet: A time-honored metal shaping process is the use of a sandbag and mallet. This kit includes an 18x18-inch leather bag that is filled with sand (not included). The sandbag provides support with flexibility for precision metal shaping and the accompanying 2-1/2-inch plastic mallet will not mar the metal being worked.
Panel Beater Sandbag: Available separately is the leather panel-beating bag. A hook and loop opening makes it easy to fill the bag with sand. The bag comes with a one-year, hassle-free warranty.
Mallet set: This six-piece metal shaping set includes six of Eastwood's blue, ultra-high, molecular-weight plastic mallets to stretch and form sheetmetal without marring. Included are three teardrop mallets (2, 2-1/2, and 2-3/4 inches) and three round mallets (in 2-, 2-3/4-, 3-1/4-inch diameters). All mallets have hickory handles.
Use a chain whenever possible when pulling motors or pulling cars out of ditches, instead of a cable. When chains fail they go slack. When cable fails it is a deadly whiplash.
