A brimming component of vehivle repair involves replacing broken windshields and glass parts. Replacing damaged auto glass parts is a specialty. Whether you're about to start a car repair service or mount new glass on your own car, you'll need to get specialized professional training and familiarize yourself with some of the commonly used tools of the trade.
You'll likely prefer a more powerful mechanical caulking gun with at least an 18-to-one thrust ratio.
Vacuum Cleaner
This is an easily overlooked power tool used in installing replacement car windshields. The NGA consistently lists the vacuum cleaner in all its published standard procedures for working with glass. This appliance easily scoops up the tiniest glass shards and other debris generated by dismantling damaged glass.If you're about to remove glass held by adhesive, the National Glass Association recommends using a cutout knife--or "cold knife" as it's called in the industry--to cut through the urethane.
Urethane Scraper Blades
Before installing new glass, both the NGA and CarsDirect say you'll have to scrape off the old adhesive layer as well. The tool for this is called a urethane scraper or scraper blade. This sharp, flat, rectangular blade of high-carbon steel comes in different sizes, and are sometimes sold in complete sets
Weatherstrip Closing Tool
The NGA lists this tool, also known as a lock strip tool, as one of the essentials to installing weatherproof locking strips for gasket-mounted glass sheets or windshields.
Caulking Gun
According to the Canadian Broadcasting System's investigatory TV news show "MarketPlace," auto glass sheets must be caulked or held in place with high-viscosity urethane. The NGA recommends applying this with a caulking gun, which lets you safely shoot the material alongside the glass edge. A typical caulking gun from a hardware store has a rather weak three-to-one thrust ratio, making the work difficult.
