Windshield Repair Forum

Bula Guys and Gals.

There has been a lot of talk on this forum about removing moisture From Breaks in Windshields which benefits many of us here. Personally, i do not own a Moisture Evaporator. I use a micro torch for drying out moisture from breaks. What difference would this two yield?

The big difference when using a micro-torch instead of a DRYSTAR is that sickining"CRACKSOUND" you get when you use the torch as your easy star repair runs to the edge of your w/shield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would invest in a DRYSTAR unit .I did .Far less then the price of replacing a w/shield.:icon_redf

Wilz
Never used a micro torch but if it is a flame based heater the problem is that the risk of "crack off" is increased due to the glass being shocked by the sudden change in temperature and a higher temperature compared to the DRYSTAR. The DRYSTAR temperature increases at a lower rate and is more evenly spread. Of course the skill factor comes into play and if you don't have any problems with "crack off" then if the machine ain't broke why fix it?.
By the way we've have had reports on the news of political problems in Fiji
is this affecting you?.

Different horses for different courses. If you hold the torch away from the screen and slowly work its way in then shock will not be a problem. The drystar in untrained hands will crack as many as a torch will.

I use the drystar on small damages and windy days, the rest of the time I use the torch as I find it quicker and more convenient.

The torch I feel is a better tool on those large combination and star breaks anything bigger than about 1 inch.

For 16 years I did not have a drystar and you lot know what the UK is like for rain.

Whichever I use I try and keep the heated area as small as possible this allows it to cool quicker and if it does crack out we find the run will normally stop as soon as it hits the cool glass. Try it on a practise glass and decide which suits your style best.

For new technicians, the moisture evaporator we have (drystar) is helpful because it's been tested extensively so that you know exactly how long to hold it on the break. 20 seconds on, if moisture is still present, allow to cool and do another cycle. Never hold it on the break for more than 20 seconds.

Now, does that mean you cannot crack a windshield with a drystar in 20 seconds? Of course not. It's simply been tested to confirm that your danger of a crackout is not raised too significantly at that point, but still does the job on the first or second cycle.

Torches work great too, but they take more expertise, and each torch is different, gets to different temperatures, etc., so you really have to pay attention to what you're doing.

I think I posted this before. This is what i use http://www.bernzomatic.com/bernzomatic/ ... Prod100068

sunshine wr;21486 wrote:I think I posted this before. This is what i use http://www.bernzomatic.com/bernzomatic/ ... Prod100068

Thats sweet sunshine. Where you buy it?

wal-mart, where else.

For what it's worth, I have busted a w/s in less than 20 seconds with a Drystar. Unless you count the 10 seconds it takes the element to heat up? Perhaps this is rare...

Point is, it can get the glass VERY hot in 20 seconds, so I suggest monitoring the glass temp every few seconds and stop when it's "hot enough" but not "too hot". When that is exactly is another story

I'm with screenman.... I have a couple modified cigaretter lighter devices, but I normally just use a torch and some experience.

I have a drystar and I usually let it warm up before applying it to the windshield to remove moisture from a chip.
Should I be applying it to the windshield cold and then pushing the heat button and counting to 20? :eusa_doh:
I have never had a crackout from this but I want to be sure I am doing it right.