Despite these challenges, skilled technicians employ specific techniques tailored to working with dents in wings, and aircraft fuselages:

Surface Preparation:

Before any repair, cleaning the aluminum surface thoroughly is essential. A clean, dry area ensures that tools can make proper contact without slipping or causing additional damage.

Accessing Dents from Behind:

Unlike other materials, accessing dents on aluminum often requires working from the backside of the damage to minimize heat transfer and potential paint issues.

Use of Specialized Tools:

PDR technicians utilize specially designed tools that can gently manipulate aluminum without causing further damage. These may include:

Glue Pull Tabs: Soft tabs are adhered to the dented area using a strong adhesive,
providing leverage when pulling out the dent.

Body Hammers and Dimplers: Lightweight hammers and dimpling tools help shape the material from behind, especially useful for deeper dents.

Heat Management:

Careful heat management is crucial. Technicians may use controlled heat sources or cooling agents to maintain optimal working conditions without affecting the paint layer.

Incremental Repairs:

Aircraft dents are repaired incrementally, using gentle pressure and patience to gradually restore their original form. This method reduces stress on the material and ensures a precise finish.