The Top 4 Tools You Need in Your Automotive Collision Toolbox
To get any job done, you need the right tools to succeed. At Automotive Training Center, you’ll have the opportunity to learn which ones will be the perfect fit for your automotive collision toolbox.
The Collision Reconditioning Technology program at Automotive Training Center is designed to prepare students with the training and experience necessary to handle vehicle repair. The program will demand a varied skillset, as you’ll be working with various tools and receiving hands-on experience throughout your time here. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the tools that are must-haves for any graduate of this program.
Hammer and Dolly
Repairing dings and dents accounts for a large percentage of automotive collision work. So, it’s important to have a hammer and dolly set. Hammers and dollies can be utilized to remove dents, along with flattening metal panels and shrinking metal.
Basic hammer and dolly sets will include heel, wedge, and double-end dollies, along with different hammers, to assist in repairing and shaping metal.
Disc Grinder
A disc grinder, or angle grinder, is a power tool necessary for anyone working in automotive collision. It can be used for basic sanding, but also as a heavy-duty grinder.
Grinders can be used to make metal look like new again. Removal of existing coatings and surface rust removes layers without damaging the base metal. Prepping the surface of a vehicle for painting may also need to be completed. Use the right disc to prepare a smooth, paintable surface.
Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welder
Many vehicles on the road today are built with high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. A squeeze type resistance spot welder (STRSW) can ensure vehicle body panels and components are properly attached and fastened following an automotive accident.
It will be important to review vehicle manufacturer repair information, to determine the construction materials and welding guidelines prior to repair. Spot welding has many benefits, from decreased damage to corrosion protection, to replicating original production weld appearance.
HVLP Spray Gun
Inside a paint booth, an HVLP (high volume low pressure) spray gun will be used to paint any car, truck, or SUV. This gun allows for painting a body panel or even an entire car in a short amount of time. It also makes it easy to apply more coats when needed, as many guns come with a cup that holds paint, primer, or clear coat.
Stripping away existing paint and sanding down the metal prior to using the gun is important. These techniques will be taught to all collision program students, and extensive shop experience will be gained throughout.
The Tools You Need to Succeed
At Automotive Training Center, all Collision Reconditioning Technology program students will receive first-hand experience, working on vehicles in our shop facility.
These are a few of the tools you’ll need in your toolbox to succeed as a collision repair technician. Learn more about these tools and how to put skills learned at ATC to use in an automotive collision technician career, by contacting us today.
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