Ever thought your household toilet plunger could turn into a car dent fixer? Welcome to the world of do-it-yourself hacks where the ordinary and mundane can take on extraordinary roles. In this article, we’ll show you how a simple toilet plunger could be the answer to fixing that unsightly dent in your car. With this inexpensive and easily available tool, you can restore your vehicle’s aesthetics without breaking the bank.
1. Identify the Dent
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of fixing the dent, let’s start by identifying the dent’s location and size. Not all dents can be fixed using a toilet plunger. Small to medium-sized dents on flat surfaces such as the car door or hood are your best bet. If the dent is on an edge or crease in the metal, the plunger method might not work as effectively.
Take a good look at the dent. Is it shallow with smooth edges, or is it sharp and crumpled? The toilet plunger technique works best for shallow dents with smooth edges. If the dent is sharp and crumpled, you might need professional help or a more specialized car dent removal kit, which you can find here.
2. Clean the Area
Now that you’ve identified the dent, the next step is to clean the area around it. This ensures that the plunger can maintain an airtight seal when you apply it to the dent. Use warm soapy water and a clean rag to gently wipe the area. Make sure you remove any dirt, grime, or loose paint flakes that could interfere with the suction.
Also, clean the business end of the plunger. You don’t want any residual bathroom germs transferring to your car’s exterior. A little warm soapy water and a good scrub should do the trick. Once both the dented area and the plunger are clean, dry them thoroughly before moving to the next step.
3. Apply the Plunger
Now comes the fun part – applying the plunger. Position the plunger over the dent so that the plunger’s cup completely covers the dent. The goal here is to create an airtight seal between the plunger and the car’s body. If the plunger is too small to cover the dent completely, you might need a larger plunger or a specialized car dent suction tool.
Once you’ve positioned the plunger correctly, push it in towards the car’s body and pull it out, just like you would when unclogging a toilet. The suction created by the plunger can help to pop the dent out. Be patient and persistent – it might take a few tries to get the dent to move.
4. Check the Results
After a few pushes and pulls with the plunger, step back and check the results. Has the dent popped out? If not, don’t despair. You might need to adjust your technique or apply a bit more force. Remember, the goal is to create enough suction to pull the dent out, not to push it further in.
If the dent has lessened but not completely disappeared, repeat the process. Sometimes, especially with larger dents, it might take multiple attempts to fully restore the car’s body to its original shape.
5. Celebrate and Clean Up
When the dent finally pops out, it’s time to celebrate your DIY success! You’ve just saved yourself a trip to the auto body shop and a hefty repair bill. But before you hit the road to show off your handiwork, there’s one last step to complete: cleaning up.
Clean the area where the dent was, as well as the plunger. You’ve done some intense work, and there might be residue left behind. A quick wipe down with warm soapy water should do the trick. And now, your car is as good as new!
Fixing a dent in your car using a toilet plunger is a simple, cost-effective solution. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest tools can provide the most effective solutions. However, remember that this method isn’t suitable for all types of dents. For severe dents or those on the edges or creases of your car, it’s best to seek professional help. Happy plunging!
