Mirror

[WCR]

I am still relatively new to the windscreen repair business, but am already thinking about how to improve techniques and the tools I use...

Would there be any benefit from using a small magnifying mirror on the inside of the screen rather than the normal reflection mirror used currently - as surely the magnifying reflection would allow the technician to view the chip in greater detail and to see resin flow, etc better?

any thoughts? -is there a magnifying mirror especially for windscreen repair already available - if so where?

[Sneck]

Sounds like another great product for Delta Kits to add to thier catalog.

I would buy one.

WCR... Having simple ideas like yours is what will help you quickly become a professional. Thinking of, and trying new things, and perhaps even testing the limits of windshield repair itself will help you (and the industry) grow.

Sneck

[mafsu]

I use magnifying mirrors that I get from Sally Beauty Supply. Small handheld mirror with the handle cut off and suction cup added to it.

[Jeremiahswindshieldrepair]

I used a mirror for the first couple days I was in WSR ... but then I found that it added another 1/4 the amount of time to my repair to mess with getting keys to the fleet vehicle/climbing in the cab/finding the chip from the inside/and repeating the proccess to take it out. I am in the biz to make money responsibly and this cut into my ability to make money so I stopped using it altogether. It is just a very lenghty step with no results that can't be duplicated by not using a mirror.

[Dave M]

I'd be lost without using my mirror. It is slightly magnified and allows you to view the break at various angles. The amount of time it takes to mount the mirror on the inside of the windshield and than to remove it when done is a moot point to me! It also allows you to see the injector over the impact point.
I purchased mine from GT.

[mafsu]

Gotta agree with Dave M on this. You have a lot more control over how your repair will turn out if you can see it.

[glassdoctor]

If you use mirrors, a magnified one sounds like a good idea.

Like Brian, I have never used a mirror though. I have tried them but they just get in the way and annoy me.

If you have learned to work without it, then it's not neccesary at all. You can learn to "see" the repair just fine without one with most repair equip.

It's just a matter of what we are accustomed to and comfortable with.

I do have a small magnifying glass if I want a closer look. You might try that too.

[screenman]

I can understand the reasons for not using a mirror but surely you cannot inspect as well without one how do you see the small air pockets right under the injector on bats wings etc.

I agree use visual aids such as a magnifying glass I teach all my students to do this but surely a mirror is another visual aid. I cannot see any advantage in not using one when the car is open etc. the time factor is almost zero.

Please explain why it gets on your nerves the reason why I ask is in case I come across this problem with one of my trainees It will help me understand their problem.

Many thanks

[repare-brise]

I don't use a mirror, but I do always inspect from the inside. I use a small LED light ti illuminate the break and it helps me find deffects that are not apperant to the naked eye or mirror(on a star break some legs that look filled to the eye will show up as a shadow on the injector seal(mine a white), a second suction and pressure cycle usualy eliminates these).

Enjoy

[StarQuest]

I've never used a mirror. Probably has more to do with the fact that 75% of the vehicles I repair are always locked. I'll simply move my injector off to side of hit to re-inspect fill before curing. I'm not against using mirrors because I'm sure it helps others to acheive that nice looking finished repair but for me it's never really been a option. If I get to the point in my aging years where I can't see what's happening from outside the shield.....I guess it's time to get some eye glasses;)