Auto body sculpting tools are implements used to manipulate sheet metal. Auto body repair mechanics and do-it-yourselfers use the tools to remove dents from vehicle bodies and to fix fenders.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos180.htm Automobile and truck enthusiasts customize and restore old vehicles. They use the tools to replace rusted or missing panels.http://heritagesonline.homestead.com/metalworking.html Practice is the best way to learn sheet metal forming methods and use of the tools.http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/
Auto body sculpting tools include hand tools like the hammer and pry bar. Some auto body sculptors have scrap metal parts in their tool kits.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdnVKfqGZo0 Tool supply stores and major automotive part retailers sell the tools separately or in sets.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdnVKfqGZo0
Hand Tools
The auto body sculptor needs different hammers for their tool kit. Auto body hammers come in various configurations and sizes.http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/ Some are contoured for use in curved areas.http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/ Others have points to raise up areas or reestablish creases.http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/The rubber-faced hammers pound out large dents without creasing and pinging the metal material.http://www.doityourself.com/stry/why-use-a-rubber-mallet-over-a-claw-hammer When dynamic effort is required, the ball-peen hammer is used.
In addition to hammers, there are other tools available to shape sheet metal. Dollies, hand-held pieces of steel, are used in conjunction with hammers to form metal.http://www.autovations.com/glossary.htm http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/ They are also available in several sizes and configurations.http://www.metalshapers.org/tips/covell/ Tin snips cut the sheet metal.http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Repair/Home-Repair-Tools/how-to-use-tin-snips-to-cut-sheet-metal/Step-By-Step Pry bars pry items up or apart.http://www.doityourself.com/stry/typesofprys They also help rough items into place.http://www.doityourself.com/stry/typesofprys
Auto Body Sculpting: Hand Tools Only
The narrator states that basic hand tools can be used to generate any shape needed in auto body sculpting. He describes and demonstrates the necessary tools. He advises beginners to practice and develop a skill base. The narrator shapes a car panel from sheet metal using hand tools to show the auto body sculpting process.
Auto Body Sculpting Tools: Descriptions
An auto body repair professional describes the basic hand tools used in auto body sculpting. He explains the uses of tin snips, pry bars, hammers, and dollies. The mechanic gives details about the different types of hammers and dollies. He shares tips on acquiring tools and expanding one's skill set.
References
Fast Facts
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Hammers
Pounds out dents and dings http://www.autovations.com/glossary.htm
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Dollies
Hand-held piece of steel that forms sheet metal http://www.autovations.com/glossary.htm
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Pry bar
Pry items up or apart
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Tin snips
Cut sheet metal
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Where to buy
Tool supply stores and major automotive part retailers
