crack repair

I have tired to repair cracks about 3 or 4 times with no success. All of them have been on cracks about 4 to 8 in" long.

Some ran from bottom going up and from left to right. I drilled a hole a little above the end on the crack. And use the crack expander to push the glass open and it ran about 2 more inches pass the drill hole.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT=":(">

I was able to save myself because I was able to fill the area it ran pass about 2 in". I also explained to the customer before the repair that I would be attempting to stop the crack only.

What is the correct way to repair a crack about 4 to 8 in"?<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"> And when is the time to use expanders? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/roll.gif ALT=":rollin">
I want to do better and will get another windshield to practice on!

Need your help and if you have a way of repairing cracks and don't want to share on the forum then email me at rickyreed@hotmail.com your instruction.

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Ricky,

It would be helpful if you let people know what system you use, because it varies depending on your system.

[b]Jeff Higgins
Delta Kits, Inc.
jhiggins@deltakits.com
www.deltakits.com</p>

Optikleer and america rock chip fix system.

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Rickyreed,

Please do not look at this as an attempt to avoid your questions. What I have seen through many posts is that there are many unknowns about posted problems. This leaves helping someone up to speculation of the unknowns. This in turn usually keeps the support general and requires multiple posts to narrow it down. I would try contacting the manufacturers first on the phone as this should provide you with the most accurate trouble shooting for your specific brand equipment and encountered problem. This would also be the quickest time wise. If they cannot help you by all means repost and we all will try to help trouble shoot your problem.

Pay it foward,

Brian
www.safeglasstechnologies.com

info@safeglasstechnologies.com</p>

I agree completely with Brian. Talk to the manufacturer, get as much help as you can from them, and if you still can't figure it out, let us know!

[b]Jeff Higgins
Delta Kits, Inc.
jhiggins@deltakits.com
www.deltakits.com</p>

Ricky,
You say you drilled a hole out from the end of the crack, bbut did you also pop a mini-bullseye in the drilled hole? This is important because the mini forms a cone down to the laminate, so that when you push the crack, it will run into the bullseye and stop there, the pressure being relieved by the bullseye and drilled hole. This is one of those things that requires a lot of practice. Get you a scrap windshield and practice all phases of the proceedure, drilling, popping the mini, forcing the crack into the bullseye, and repairing cracks. Pay attention to what you are doing each time, so you can recognize your mistakes and hopefully not repeat them, and also recognize your successes and build on them to gain confidence and skill.
I agree also with the other advice. Contact the maker of your equipment and get advice from them on their recommendations for crack repairs. The main thing is to practice, practice, practice.

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Ok....this may be a silly question....But



What tool do you use to make a Mini-Bullseye?

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Auto Glass Repair,

You will need a drill, a pointed scribe or punch, and a tapper which really could be anything to tap the top of the scribe or punch. That's basically it.

Pay it foward,

Brian
www.safeglasstechnologies.com

info@safeglasstechnologies.com</p>

"popping a mini-bullseye 1-0-1"

1. get a scrap windshield
2. drill about 1/2 the way into the top layer of the glass.
3. insert a sharp probe into the drilled hole, perpendicular to the glass, and tap it gently. A perfect mini-bullseye should form. The probe needs to be fine enough that it does not touch the walls of the drilled hole. If it does touch, you wont get a bullseye. Instead, it will fracture the walls of the drilled hole.
If no bullseye forms when you tap, drill a 'titch' deeper and try again. In no time at all you will have the feel for it, and will be able to make mini's without even thinking about it too much.

Once you have that skill under control, then make some stars (use a springloaded center punch) and force some cracks out from them (they dont have to be long ones). Practice drilling/popping mini's at the end of the cracks and pushing the cracks into them. There is a wide range of wisdom on how far away from the end of the crack you should drill. I have the best results drilling 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch away. I have no trouble pushing the crack into the mini, even at that distance, since the cracks seek the weak spots.

Be sure to use a sharp drill bit, and dont lean on the glass. Take your time and let the drill do the work.

The main thing is to practice, practice, practice. My final suggestion is: until you have complete confidence in these skills, do not attempt to do a repair for a 'bonafide" client. (As an intermediate practice step, though, you could offer to repair cracks for friends at no cost. Just make sure they are agreeable to the possibility of the crack running further.)

I wish you success with this.



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I want to thank you all very much! And to answer some of th questions.
1. No I did not pop an mini bull at the end of the crack. but I will for now own.

I have a windshield to pratice on now and have started already, I get them free. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D">

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