Professional Kits vs. Consumer Kits
Professional windshield repair kits are great for fixing auto glass damage, but you can also achieve the same results with a consumer-level product. It can be hard to distinguish between rock chips fixed with consumer equipment or professional tools.
Major Differences Between Kits
Consumer-grade windshield repair kits produce the same permanent air-tight repairs as auto glass experts perform using professional tools. When appropriately used, consumer kits will make effective repairs for most types of windshield damage. However, extensive damage larger than an inch in diameter should be handled by a professional to avoid possibly needing a replacement windshield. Below are some differences in the types of kits available.
- Professional windshield repair kits create durable repairs that last longer than consumer kits. In most cases, the appearance of damage after completing a fix is around 85 to 90 percent less visible.
- Consumer-grade kits require less technical skills to fix a chip. They also cost less than their professional counterparts.
- Some consumer kits do not come with instructions for performing a proper repair but make it challenging to use them correctly. Therefore, it’s good to check the package contents to ensure it includes instructions.
Cost of Repair Kits
- Professional Kits – The average cost for a professional all-in-one comprehensive tool is between $100 and $200. Buying a complete professional kit that includes all the accessories needed can cost between $750 and $2,500.
- Consumer Kits – The average cost of a consumer kit is between $10 and $50, which is a lot less than paying for an expensive replacement.
Brands of Repair Kits
There are different types and brands of equipment on the market for fixing windshields. Each of which will prevent damage from spreading further after the repair cures. I like and have fixed cracks in the past using professional and consumer tools.
Best Professional Brands
A professional rock chip repair kit will enable you to perform thousands of repairs without problems. Pro tools are perfect if you have an auto glass repair business but might not be required if you’re an individual needing to fix one chip on your car. The windshield repair bridge on pro tools will consist primarily of stainless steel. Below are some top brands I’ve used in the past which work very well.
- Tri-Glass – The Tri-Glass brand is one of the best-known brands of kits on the market today and has been around since 1968. Tri Glass kits come in two primary forms: Professional Grade and Consumer Grade. Both versions contain the necessary materials needed to perform professional quality repairs.
- Delta Kits – Delta Kits is another respected name for windshield kits. Their kits come from high-quality materials, and they offer several different styles for precise repair. Some kits even come with a lifetime warranty.
- Clearshield – Clearshield is another reputable brand of kits. Their top-notch material and products offer a variety of styles. In addition, all of their products come with a lifetime warranty and are backed by a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
- Auto Glass Solutions – Auto Glass Solutions is another trusted brand of windshield tools that provides customers with a wide range of kits at affordable prices. In addition, their devices come in both consumer and professional grades.
Best Consumer Brands
Consumer-grade windshield repair kits appear simple, cost less, and typically come with instructions to walk you through each step, but it could take a couple of hours to learn how the tool and adhesive work. Overall, these kits work well to stop the spread of chips on any type of windshield.
- Rain-X – The Rain-X windshield chip repair kit is an excellent choice if you want a DIY solution for a single repair. It’s simple to use and includes everything needed to get started. The kit contains a plastic screw-type resin injector with suction cups and a small bottle of quick cure resin.
- Blue Star – Blue Star makes several different windshield repair kits capable of performing an effective repair on minor damage. They also provide a lifetime warranty on their kits, so you know you’ll get what you expect. This kit is the perfect product for everything you need. It includes an applicator syringe, 1 injector O-Ring, curing tabs, resin, and a razor blade.
- Permatex – Permatex makes a variety of windshield kits. One of my favorites is the “Permatex 09103” single-use kit. This single-use kit comes with instructions, resin, adhesive disc, during tab, razor blade, alcohol wipes, and a spring-lock syringe injector.
- American Windshield Repair Systems – American Windshield Repair Systems makes a variety of kits. The most popular ones include the “AWRS 90110” and the “AWRS 90220” kits. Both kits include everything you need to make a successful repair. You can choose between a two-part or three-part system depending on how much time you have available.
11 Steps To Repair a Windshield
Whether you’re using a professional windshield repair kit or a consumer kit, the 11 steps below are great for repairing different types of cracks. Nonetheless, we recommend following the exact instructions provided by each brand to achieve the best results. For example, the following steps will help perform repairs to bullseye damage or a small star crack.
- Proper Location – The outdoor temperature range should be between 50 and 85 degrees for best results, so be sure to move the vehicle into the shade if possible. If the windshield temperature is too hot, applying pressure can cause the damage to spread further. Also, natural sunlight will cause the resin to prematurely harden, which causes issues in the appearance of chips to worsen and prevent an effective repair.
- Clean the Glass – Clean the surface of the glass to remove excess dirt or contamination. In addition, cleaning the glass will ensure the suction cups adhere properly and stay attached to the glass during a repair.
- Remove Broken Pieces – Use a razor blade or pick tool to remove any broken pieces of glass from the center of the break. Removing glass particles can also be accomplished using special drill bits but isn’t recommended unless you know how to use them.
- Proper Tool Placement – Place the o-ring of the repair tool on the glass and center the injector over the damage. If using a syringe-style tool, be sure to stick the adhesive disc on the center of the break and make sure there are no gaps in the seal.
- Insert Resin – Place between 2 and 3 drops of resin into the injector.
- Pressurize the Injector – Apply small amounts of pressure and watch as the resin starts to move into the crack. Too much pressure will cause the damage to spread and become worse. As mentioned previously, be sure to follow the instruction provided with the kit you purchased for the best results.
- Create Vacuum – Release the pressure on the chip slightly to create a vacuum and remove any remaining air bubbles present.
- Remove Tool – After all air bubbles are gone, and the top layer of glass appears filled, remove pressure and lift the tool off the glass.
- Cure the Resin – Place a curing tab over the damaged area to help spread and cure the resin. This process will require UV light or direct sunlight. Let the damaged area cure for roughly 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the curing tab.
- Shave Hardened Resin – Use a razor blade to shave off excess resin. Place the edge at a 45-degree angle and rapidly move it back and forth while applying light pressure.
- Apply Polish – Polish the fixed glass to ensure the damaged area has a smooth finish. You may want to use a microfiber cloth to eliminate any dust particles left behind by the razor blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the vacuum crucial when fixing a windshield? It’s not super technical, but the vacuum helps remove air pockets from a deep crack during the windshield repair process. Clearing the air pockets will help the newly injected resin cure all the edges of the break and present a stronger, less visible repair that prevents further stress at the impact site.
- Will hiring an expert windshield repair technician save time and money? Of course, fixing the glass yourself will save you money but having a pro do the work will save you time and ensure the job is correct. Outside of saving time, below are some other reasons I would recommend hiring pros.
- Professionals understand the process and prevent crack-outs during the injection process.
- Most techs will be finished within 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the damage.
- The windshield repair equipment used by pro technicians will have a better vacuum system which will help leave a less visible and stronger repair when finished.
- How big of a crack is repairable on a windshield? Cracks smaller than the length of a dollar bill or smaller than an inch in diameter are repairable.
Pro Tip: Avoid repairs on more extensive damage 3 inches in diameter or larger. Repairing more extensive damage will present safety concerns. - How do I know if the windshield needs repaired? Small chips and cracks in your windshield may not seem noticeable, but they could cause severe problems if left unattended. Also, if you live in areas where summers are super hot and the winters are extremely cold, there’s good chance chips or cracks in your windshield will get worse, causing the need for a windshield replacement. Get more details and check out some before and after pics on our windshield repair page.
- What kind of resin is best for windshield repair? The most common type of resin used for windshield repairs is polyurethane. Polyurethane is a synthetic rubber that has been mixed with chemicals to create a rigid yet flexible material. This resin is very durable and long-lasting when it comes to windshield repair.
- Can you use epoxy to repair a windshield? Epoxies are great for repairing minor chips and scratches on windshields. However, epoxies are not recommended for larger cracks as they shrink over time, which means the damage will become more prominent and eventually lead to a windshield cracking out.
- Can you use silicone to repair a windshield? Silicone is another popular option for windshield repair. However, silicone tends to dry out quickly and won’t last as long as polyurethane. It also doesn’t hold up well to extreme weather conditions like snow and ice.
The experience, speed, and safety offered by an industry expert will have you back on the road in far less time than attempting to fix the glass yourself. That said, If you still plan to fix damages on your own, I would suggest finding a kit that uses a screw-in plunger. Windshield repair kits that use screw-in plungers seem to hold positive pressure better during the injection process and negative vacuum more consistently during the suction process resulting in a better repair.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if you do it yourself or hire an outside business to handle the job. Fixing the glass is an affordable repair option to the cost of an average windshield replacement. If the automobile glass is repairable, be sure to have it done before it’s too late and you end up needing a new windshield.
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