Windshield Repair Forum

I think the subject of drilling or not drilling was addressed in a post recently, but here we go again.

Drill as little as often for the best results. Period.

I only drill long cracks, and maybe one in every couple hundred that have no surface chip. Rarely, rarely, rarely, does a break with an impact point need to be drilled, but I have had a few over the years.

I drill at the ends of cracks, and when the impact area is bigger than the seal on the injector. I also use my drill to clean out the impact area before most of my repairs. It seems to do a better job than a probe.

I only drill, which is rarely, when it is needed to ensure my first priority of a structurally sound repair.

My drill comes out for every repair, as I like you use it as a powered scribe to clean the pit. This does not mean I actually drill into the damge I just use it to remove loose debri and key the pit properly. I find it works better than a scribe, although I am sure some will disagree.

I apply the same method as Screenman mentioned. The drill bits I use are very small and seldom create a finished blemish larger than original pit. After cleaning pit out I also blow loose material with compressed air. With bullseyes, I just set up and fill because impact point normally doesn't require cleaning.

On larger nicks I'll use drill to rough up pitted area for better cap adhesion. So far, I can honestly say I've never had a cap fall out.

Everybody has their own methods and I won't say they are either right or wrong! I just use what works out best for me!

Drill only when absolutely necessary

Screenman: So I am to read that u are using the drill on almost every repair to etch the impact point so that the pitfiller has something to grab besides smooth glass??If so then thats a good idea as I have seen repairs where the filler has completely fallen out.

I used to drill evrything but after a post by jeff decided to give it a try without its been a couple years now havnt used 4 bits of the 10 pack i bought in late 05 still have the dremil in the tool box but dont pull it out more than once a week