Mirror or No Mirror

[DryStar]

I don't condemn anybody using a mirror for repairs. If that's what your comfortable with then use them. I personally haven't found the need for them for executing a quality repair but that's only my opinion. Your opinion may differ from mine which is OK. Do what works best for you!

[kennycrane]

With me I have learn using the mirror, I dont know how you could be sure that you have all of the air out without the mirror. Plus it has helped me to see if a leg is trying to run out on me enabling me to back off if I need to. Personally I would be very much afraid to do a repair without it.

[rowdy13]

Big time Newbie here, but at my old age of 55, its difficult for my eyes to see the fine parts of a crack/legs without using a mirror. Its also difficult to focus without the use of a mirror. Plus, I get to look at myself while working, which in my humble opinion, is quite a sight to behold! Right Korey and Bruce?

[Dave M]

I've used my mirror for 17 years and would be lost without it while performing a repair. Three good uses for a mirror....(1)able to see air bubbles that may remain and need to be vacuumed out (2)able to see any air that shows up as black, like in a bulls-eye (3)by moving the mirror at certain angles you are able to see/watch cracks in a star break that otherwise you could not see without the mirror. As Kennycrane posted, how can you make sure all the air is removed without using a mirror? The injector end covers a good part of the break where those air bubbles stay. You could always go inside the vehicle and look I suppose! I believe the mirror I use has 2x magnification.

[Dave M]

Hey Rowdy 13,

I'm right there with you, 55 and still cranking them out! My progressive lenses sure do help but hate tilting my head up to see those up close views.

[DryStar]

WOW,

Managed to get everybody on fire this evening! Love the input even though I don't need a mirror to provide the same repair results as your providing. One less step for me means less work and I'll stick with that! Thanks for responding guys.

[t4k]

I don't condemn anybody using a mirror for repairs. If that's what your comfortable with then use them. I personally haven't found the need for them for executing a quality repair but that's only my opinion. Your opinion may differ from mine which is OK. Do what works best for you!

Why did you use a mirror when you were a newbie? Why do you not need one now?

[DryStar]

I don't condemn anybody using a mirror for repairs. If that's what your comfortable with then use them. I personally haven't found the need for them for executing a quality repair but that's only my opinion. Your opinion may differ from mine which is OK. Do what works best for you!

Why did you use a mirror when you were a newbie? Why do you not need one now?

It came with my first windshield repair kit and thought it was necessary. After many repairs and other advanced training I found it less useful and time consuming. I'm comfortable today with every repair without the use of the inside mirror. Like I stated before, if it works for others that's fine. What I do with repairs..is just me. No mirror required!

[puka pau]

I don't use a mirror because:
1. Most of the damage that I repair is larger than the injector seal/gasket/o-ring/etc. All damage fills from the pit outward. If you observe resin flowing beyond the circumference of the injector seal then by definition the damage not visible under the injector seal has filled as well. No mirror needed.
2. If the ultimate extent of the damage is such that no part of it extends beyond the injector seal, it's so minor that it takes virtually no effort to fill. And if I'm unsure I just duck my head into the vehicle for a second or two to verify without having to rely on a mirror image.

But to each his own. If a crutch makes you feel good and ultimately results in better repairs that's a plus, not only for you but for the craft at large.

Cheers;

Puka Pau

[Nomad]

Can and have done it both ways, with and without. I prefer a mirror. If I don't use one I just move the injector off center and look at the progress of the fill. At that point I am either done or it needs more work.

With a mirror I can see legs of a multi legged star in the mirror that can be hard to see without it. Many times I flex a leg while looking in the mirror because I can't see it very well from the position I have to look at it without the mirror.

I also use them on the end of long cracks to help in locating the correct spot to drill the stop hole.

If you don't have to use one, more power to ya.

And you guys are only 55!? I turned 67 this month, still going strong, but not quite as much energy as I used to have. You young guys enjoy it while you can!!!