Would love to know what everyone uses to take out dents, dings, creases out of old tinplate cars, buildings, etc... Any help would be greatly appreciated....and maybe even used. Thanks in advance.
I use a variety of things. One thing to remember is to go slow and easy. Over working the area will cause the steel to stretch and you can be left with a hump. I have a small anvil, and will put a piece of leather over the anvil to cushion the hard surface yet still provide a firm support. This will prevent deep gouges on the surface.
Then I will use depending on the dent, a small ball peen hammer, an oak dowel with a rounded end, an old auto body hammer and dolly. Use the same technique you would use if you were working on a car fender, just use more finesse.
Jim
Jeff,
If the metal is creased, it is most likely already stretched. When reshaping sheet metal, work slowly and pay attention to the feedback that the tool you are using gives you. Usually, you'll feel a difference when the metal pops back to its original shape. Also, don't be afraid to use auto body filler to smooth things out.
I use my thumbs wherever possible, resorting to harder instruments only when necessary.
Bob Nelson
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