Windshield Repair Forum

I have been having problems drilling crack ends . I know some of you guys do not drill ends of cracks. well for some reason i have been doing so with little success. FIRST OF ALL I am using a .320 carbide bit then I drill through the first layer. Allmost allways when I try to pop a bullseye the crack goes past my drill point . I tried a smaller probe. Can I get some input on this???.THANKS GUYS

Reggie, this is something that needs practice , practice, practice, and more practice. Get a scrap windshield from a replacement shop ... most of them are happy to get rid of them ... then pop some stars and make cracks and practice your drilling and popping techniques. The size of the drill bit is not so important (in my opinion) as the fact that your probe has to be smaller than the hole. Find the very tip end of the crack, and then begin drilling about 1/8 " out from that end, being careful that you dont exert any extra pressure on the glass ... let the drill do the work. Drill down to about 1/2 way through the first layer, then insert the probe, needle, or whatever, straight into the hole, and give it one swift, firm, but not too hard (practice, you will get the hang of this!) smack. The resulting bullseye should form a cone all the way to the laminate, effectively stopping the crack right there. I recommend practicing drilling and popping all by itself before you begin to apply this to cracks... build up your confidence, then it should go real fine for you.

Grace always seems to have it just right!!!

I will add just one thing though. In the event you drill and pop too far away from the point, don't worry. Just run the crack into the bullseye and you will be set! I have always had much better success doing as Grace does. Many less cracks running thru the bullseye.