Glue Pull Repair (GPR)

Glue pull repair (GPR), don’t you mean paintless dent removal (PDR)? PDR is the art of removing panel dents by either pushing or pulling the metal without damaging the finish. GPR finds its origins in PDR and it has been adopted as a more conventional panel straightening technique.

One of the greatest advantages of GPR, when compared to weld-on stud-pulling techniques, is GPR does not require coatings, such as paint and E-coat, to be removed. Additionally, GPR does not damage the backside of the repair area, so corrosion treatments are not disturbed. Although GPR is typically successful on most panel dents, some small dents, such as those that are less than a quarter in size or adjacent to two body lines, are difficult to achieve a successful pull.

GPR will typically require the use of pull tabs of different shapes and sizes, depending on the dent to be pulled. Additional tools that may be needed are:

  • lifting tools - pulling beams and bars, slidehammers, mini-lifters, and portable pulling towers.
  • knockdown tools - a variety of special hammers and taps which are used to tap down the high spots while pulling. These tools may also include special holders that ensure that the knockdown tool maintains a 90-degree angle to the area being worked.

Regardless of the GPR system being used, it is important to develop a repair plan. This will help ensure the steps needed to create a complete, safe, and quality repair.


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Genesis Friday, 7 March 2025

    Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require...

  • Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Hyundai Friday, 7 March 2025

    Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require...

  • Structural Straightening: Rivian Wednesday, 5 March 2025

    What should you do when a damaged Rivian comes into your repair facility? Can you measure it? Can it be straightened? What needs to be replaced?

  • Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Genesis Thursday, 27 February 2025

    A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)...

  • Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Hyundai - UPDATE Thursday, 27 February 2025

    A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)...

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: SATA New Equipment And Technologies - Now Available Wednesday, 26 February 2025

    I-CAR staff discussed recent developments in SATA equipment and technology.

  • Calibration Research Tips: Ford/Lincoln Park Assist Operation Check - UPDATE Thursday, 20 February 2025

    While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by...

  • Honda Has Released The 2026 Passport Body Repair News Wednesday, 19 February 2025

    Honda has released a Body Repair News bulletin for the 2026 Passport. This document contains at-a-glance information for this model.

  • GM Repair Insights: Fall 2024 Monday, 17 February 2025

    The fall edition of General Motors (GM) Repair Insights magazine is now available.

  • Back-To-Basics: Vacuum Coolant Filler Friday, 14 February 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Vacuum coolant fillers can cut down on comebacks as well as speed up an everyday process.