The Flex-A-Dent PDR Training Program is the tried and true training we have performed since 1992. It requires an individual to spend a minimum of two weeks with us at the Flex-A-Dent Institute of Paintless Dent Repair in Rock Hill, SC. Some trainees choose to spend more than the two week minimum and in these cases we are glad to accommodate them at no additional charge when agreed to in advance.
During the course the trainee will progress step by step, under the direct supervision of Van Yarnell through the Flex-A-Dent curriculum. Working on practice panels, the trainee will complete each step of the curriculum in an order designed to develop vision, and hand-eye coordination as well as master tool selection and panel access. The subjects of estimating and marketing are covered as well. In the latter portion of the training period we will supervise the trainee on "live car" repair situations.
One of the most important aspects of being a successful Paintless Dent Repair technician is learning proper PDR technique. Flex-A-Dent has an outstanding training program crafted to give those just getting started in the industry the best possible PDR foundation.
Proper lighting is extremely important to repairing damage quickly and completely. It allows you to see the extent of the damage and assists in proper tool placement. Those who have been trained improperly in the use of refracted light, or on ding boards (dent boards) are just unable to see what an experienced refracted "light reading" Flex-A-Dent PDR technician is able to see. This causes a technician using poor technique to make unwanted "highs" or leave unwanted "lows" resulting in a very poor repair.
Tool placement is a vital skill to becoming a fast and efficient PDR technician. Many courses teach their students to drag the tool on the underside of the metal, applying pressure until they locate the point. This technique is improper for a couple of reasons; The "dragging" of a tool will cause unwanted scratches on the backside of a panel that can ultimately lead to corrosion. Secondly, if a tool is "dragged" into a dent, a technician is actually pushing metal in the wrong direction before the first "repair push" was ever made. This reduces the chances for a final quality repair.
It has become a standard policy for some insurance companies that drilled body holes for tool access is not allowed. At Flex-A-Dent we teach the "no drill" method of repair. This includes up to date panel access techniques, as well as all aspects of PDR Glue Pulling. With this being said, it is important to note that on some occasions drilling an access hole is appropriate. Knowing when, and when not to drill is extremely important.
Improper technique produces inferior work such as cracked paint or incomplete repairs. We have designed the Flex-A-Dent Institute of PDR curriculum to address all of these challenges and teach our students the proper technique from the start. We believe that those who train with us leave our school armed with the techniques to do the job the first time, in the fastest, most efficient way.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on lab work you will learn all aspects of the Paintless Dent Repair including:
Students who attend all 70 contact hours of the PDR course, complete each step of the curriculum, and demonstrate a firm grasp of PDR skills through a final practice exam will graduate with a Certificate of Completion from the Flex-A-Dent Institute of Paintless Dent Repair.
Having the right tools, and knowing how to use them, is a very important aspect to becoming successful in Paintless Dent Repair.
We understand that at times, students have previously purchased a set of PDR tools, and accordingly, they may elect to attend classes using their own tools. In addition, students may choose to use the School's tools and purchase their own set at a later time. For students who choose to purchase tools through the School, Flex-A-Dent offers the Quicksilver Tool Set.
The Quicksilver Tool Set is made exclusively for Flex-A-Dent by A-1 Tool. These are the tools that our technicians use in the field. This complete set gives you everything you will need to be a successful PDR tech with no useless duplication.
Crafted from heat-treated 17-4 US stainless steel and US tempered carbon spring steel, this set will continue to look great and perform well year after year. The set includes:
Flex-A-Dent™ has been recognized as a leader in the growing field of Paintless Dent Repair since 1991, providing auto hail repair all over the United States. Flex-A-Dent™ has been an innovator in PDR tool development and professional Paintless Dent Repair Training.