OTC has released a set of synthetic body tools, designed especially for use on aluminum panels. In order to reduce weight and achieve higher fuel economy, many high-volume vehicles are using aluminum in body components. This creates a potential challenge and opportunity for collision repair shops to be prepared with the necessary tools and equipment for aluminum panel removal and replacement. Special hand tools made from synthetic material have great shock absorption qualities, greatly reducing the risk of marring, scratching or gouging panels.
A variety of drill bits, weld breakers, wedges, trim tools, finishing tools and general shaping/bumping tools will address most aluminum repairs. The tools are designed to break spot welds, remove trim pieces and reshape aluminum panels after a damaging event. Featuring 19 synthetic tools that are warranted for life and three super-hardened and tempered spot weld drill bits, the OTC line guarantees body shops can have a dedicated set of tools for aluminum panel removal and replacement.
“The proliferation of aluminum on vehicles is great for OEMs to meet government-mandated CAFE standards, but creates an interesting challenge for body shops– namely the tools they use daily,” said Dirk Skogerboe, OTC product manager. “Having a set of specialty hand tools dedicated to aluminum panel repair is a great step toward preventing galvanic corrosion and helps shops increase their ability to service aluminum-paneled vehicles as well as traditional steel.”
More than two dozen vehicle models on the road today contain aluminum panels. Light-duty trucks present a great opportunity for U.S. automotive companies to meet government CAFE standards. Body shops that have prepared their businesses to service vehicles with aluminum-specific tools are in the best position to capitalize on this business opportunity.
Lightweight aluminum has different principles of memory and cannot be treated like steel. These synthetic tools are an excellent alternative to steel tools, which can scratch, gouge and over-stretch aluminum, according to the company. For smaller dents and dings, the synthetic tools can often perform a repair without the need to paint, saving time and money in a collision repair facility.
The full line of OTC aluminum body service tools is composed of:
- Spot weld breaker, No. 2470
- Spot-weld drill bits: 5-pc carbide spot weld drill bit set (No. 2492); Single spot weld drill bit (No. 2489-8)
- Eight trim removal wedges: 30mm trim wedge (No. 2479); 60mm trim wedge (No. 2480); combination wedge pry tool (No. 2487); trim and bezel tool (No. 2471); window molding and trim remover (No. 2472); stepped lever wedge (No. 2491); blind panel removal wedge (No. 2481); universal hook (No. 2490)
- Three finishing hammers: 120mm by 30mm (No. 2482); 140mm by 40mm (No. 2483); 160mm by 40mm (No. 2484)
- Five bumping/shaping tools: half-round bumping tool (No. 2473); 3-pc bumping tool set (No. 2485); extended reach bumping tool (No. 2478); round body anvil (No. 2475); curved and flat dolly (No. 2476)
- Three straighteners: heavy-duty profile straightening tool (No. 2474); edge straightener (No. 2477); pinch seam straightener (No. 2488)
“Our synthetic body tools are a great option to consider when looking for tools to dedicate to servicing vehicles with advanced aluminum components. A tech can shape, form, pull dents and fix nearly any aluminum damage, and do so quickly with this line,” added Skogerboe.
First to market with Cornwell Tools, the OTC line is available now through Cornwell distribution. In August, the tools will be available through OTC’s traditional distribution methods.
