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5
PREPARING PIECES FOR BUFFING
DENT REMOVAL
• In most cases it is possible to restore a dented piece of stainless or aluminum trim to its
original condition. We recommend using Eastwood’s #13146 Trim Hammer and #13336 Anvil
for dent removal in thin metal trim pieces. The Trim Hammer is designed to access most areas
however the #28241 Repousse Hammer is best for larger, flatter pieces.
• For some tighter trim profiles, it may be helpful to custom grind a bolt head to duplicate the
trim profile and allow access to dented areas under a flange.
• Start at the outer edge of the dent and work
slowly around the outside of the dent and
gradually inward in a circular pattern
(FIG 1)
.
This will shrink the metal back to its original
shape. Working from the inside of the dent
outward, will stretch the metal further and
possibly ruin the piece.
• It is better to make several light passes and
slowly work the piece back into shape than to
try to remove the dent with a few heavy blows.
FILING
• Use a fine file (such as jewelers files or an ignition point file) to “knock down” any high spots,
being careful not to remove too much material from the hammered area.
• Inspect your work to make sure it is as smooth as possible and, if necessary, use the trim
hammer to bring up any low spots, then repeat the filing to remove any high spots.
• Finally, sand/polish the surface using one of the methods detailed in the next section.
SANDING/POLISHING (HAND, EXPANDER WHEEL, AND GREASELESS COMPOUNDS)
Once the piece is as even as possible using the trim hammer and file, sand the area with 220 grit
sandpaper to remove the file marks (320-600 grit for hard metals).
Soft metals like aluminum will require little work, while harder metals such as stainless steel will
take more time. In some cases, hand sanding may be all that is needed.
To help speed the work, consider using an expander wheel, greaseless compounds and/or abrasive
rolls detailed in the following sections.
Remove dents with trim hammer, start-
ing at the outside and working inward
Finish
✓
Start
✓
