[Brent Deines]

Dave,

I thought more people would chime in on this one, especially those that started with one brand of equipment and later switched to another. They still may given a bit more time I suppose. I have never done a poll, but I think there are at least as many non-Delta Kits users on this forum as there are Delta Kits users.

Whether you choose a Delta Kits windshield repair system or not, I strongly disagree with splitpit about the equipment not making a difference. If a Wal-Mart kit is as good as any other, that is what everyone would use as you would have to be an absolute fool to use anything that costs more than $10. If all systems were the same no one would ever trade in their equipment or switch brands either, but discerning technicians trade up all the time. We used to sell a very inexpensive system to compete on the low end, but frankly none of us at Delta Kits would demo it as we were unable to get professional results.

Again, all of this will become very clear if you visit a trade show and try the various windshield repair systems your self. If the manufacturer cannot make a good repair with their own equipment, you won't be able to either, regardless of technique. I hope splitpit will also visit a show where multiple suppliers demo equipment as I think his opinion will change also.

With some systems you will have to drill every repair to get the resin to flow properly, with others you will will have to use multiple viscosities of resin to fill various break types, and with still others you will need special attachments just to do repairs near the edge of the glass. Try as many as you possibly can and continue to do your homework. I thought the bridge and injector I used 10 years ago was the best there was, but I certainly wouldn't go back to it now. There is a difference!

I do however agree with splitpit that technique is very important, and no matter how good the equipment your repairs will only be as good as your technique. That is why I believe it is so important to be trained by the manufacturer that you purchase your equipment from. Using a technique taught by another manufacturer or by someone using a different brand of equipment will not give you the results you are working for.

Often times the technicians that have the most trouble in our training classes are the ones that have been repairing windshields for many years and try to use techniques that we do not recommend with Delta Kits equipment. Brand new technicians almost always do very well in the classes, as do experienced veterans that come to the class with an open mind. I also try to keep an open mind and have learned a great deal from other technicians over the years. While it may be true that a monkey can repair a windshield, some of us monkeys do repairs than others.

Keep doing your homework and you will find a system that works well for you, especially if you follow my advice and return any that do not perform as advertised.