User:Amir.nick

Spring hammering

This is another technique of using hand tools to smooth and level a car panel surface. In this case only a hammer is used, and it is not supported with a dolly block. The technique is used to reduce high spots which sometimes form as a panel is planished. In some cases these high spots can be reduced by careful, controlled hammering which spreads the force of the blow over the area of the metal, thus reducing the high spot. When a crown or curved surface is formed in a metal panel, it becomes strong in that it resists any change to its shape. The strength of this crowned surface can be used to support the surface being hammered without the use of a dolly. This type of hammering is called spring hammering, and it can be used to correct high spots on metal panel surfaces. To take advantage of a great amount of the natural support provided by the crown of the metal, the force of the hammer blow is spread over a larger area. Once the metal is back to its original contour, additional hammering will cause the surface to sink below its original contour line, and it may not be possible to raise it readily. Always start with light blows, and as the repair nears completion, inspect the work after each blow. This will reduce the possibility of sinking the surface too low. Keep the surface of the hammer face clean and highly polished. Any marks on the surface of the hammer will be transferred to the surface of the metal and create additional work (Robinson, 1973).

Robinson, A., 1973. The Repair Of Vehicle Bodies. London: Heinemann.