Body work tools

[Cheeky81]

Quite some time ago when I knew nothing about bodywork tools I bought a cheap set at Autozone for something like 25$. I was just starting to learn the art of bodywork on my Camaro and although I did not expect much from cheap Chinese set, the quality of the tools was really really bad.

Complete set

The image below shows the inferior quality of the one of the hammers. The striking surface is far from spherical shape. Also the steel that these hammers are made from is very soft (cast steel only, not forged)

How soft is the metal can be seen on the lower picture. I only used this hammer on one small piece of fender and striking surface is already all marked up with dents.

The dollies are no better than the hammers. Bad casting, covered up with paint and pitted surface...

I wanted to regrind all the surfaces on the hammers, but that really wouldn't solve the problem of soft steel. Also the rubber on the handles is now after a year or so starting to disintegrate.

Since I just couldn't do any type of body work with these tools and Snap On set was simply too expensive for what it offers, I finally bit the bullet and got this...

It's a 25 piece set from Martin tools and forge... Made in the USA. It was a bit more expensive than the cheap Chinese set, around 35-times more expensive, but it was well worth it.

The quality is just beyond belief, all dollies are forged steel with mirror like finish. The same goes for striking surface of each hammer in the set.

Below is a quick comparison of two similar hammers - one from Chinese set and one from Martin set, the same with one of the dollies.

Notice the smudge on the right Chinese dolly? That's where one of the rubber hammer handles was in contact... the rubber kind of started to melt off.

I know I probably went a little over board with this set and I'll probably not use all of these hammers, but when I see the quality of these tools, I know the money was well spent. And at least I'll be able to do some quality body work with these.

The book is pretty interesting too...It's old, but gives straight on information what you should do and shouldn't do when working with body panels. And the Fairmount method is pretty interesting too.

 

[metaleltr]

What is the part number on that set? Where did you buy it?

 

[machine_punk]

That's a nice set! I have a set of Kennedy's (got them when I was in England). I was thinking about getting one of the Martin sets.

M_P

 

[Cheeky81]

Part number is 692K

I contacted Martin directly and they recommended me an authorized dealer (which is located 3 miles from my house). Ordered the set and picked it up next day. And keep in mind I'm not in US...

 

[metaleltr]

Thanks, just realized you weren't in the US, I have been looking at getting that set, just waiting to have the capital to back up my desire for quality tools!

 

[signcrafter]

Wow that's really an upgrade! Nice set.

 

[nine4gmc]

I'm jealous!! love that set and you can certainly see the quality difference!!

 

[Cheeky81]

Thanks, just realized you weren't in the US, I have been looking at getting that set, just waiting to have the capital to back up my desire for quality tools!

I was looking at this set on Amazon, but I just couldn't get past the shipping (300$) plus the import tax (390$).

With authorized dealer I got it for only 100$ more than without shipping and import tax on Amazon.

 

[metaleltr]

Here in the US I found it for $699 from Summit Racing. Thanks again for the part number.

 

[compyello]

Summit, Eastwood,Auto Body Tool Mart should all have martin sets. A little more invested than your first purchase. I like it and would like to have the same set. How is the book? I have wanted to check it out. Did you learn much from reading it?

 

[bgott]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004E3WCDC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ZRX61]

I have that book, great source of info when ya starting out & still putting dents in your thumb etc

Another source of Martin stuff is www.tptools.com

 

[Cheeky81]

Summit, Eastwood,Auto Body Tool Mart should all have martin sets. A little more invested than your first purchase. I like it and would like to have the same set. How is the book? I have wanted to check it out. Did you learn much from reading it?

Unfortunately there's no Summit, Eastwood or Auto Body Tool mart in Mexico that I know of...
The only bodywork tool set I found was the one from Autozone and you can see the quality in the first post. I did also find some bodywork hammers in Grainger, Urrea brand. The quality was a little better but still very far from Martin.

The book is pretty interesting - it describes how to analyze the damage to a panel and to use Fairmount method of repair, which is reverse order of how the damage was done.

I've bought few books recently covering autobody sheetmetal repair and I must admit that I found the "Key to metal bumping" to give the most direct information on how to approach a damaged body panel. It's an old book so the welding part that covers is only oxy-acetilene welding, no mig, no tig. Also the pictures are black an white and on some of them is difficult to see what the author wants to explain in text. But still great book.

 

[countryroad82]

'The Key to Metal Bumping' is a great book. The martin hammers are great. That is my choice in my shop.

 

[Alaska1]

Thats a nice set. I like the comparison photos also. Take it easy

 

[zakmartin]

So having used both, do you prefer the wood or fiberglass handles? I'm thinking about getting the Martin 647K 7-piece set with wood handles. I'm currently using a POS Bondo Hammer (I think they make it like garbage so you'll end up using more Bondo), and have been mulling over getting a nice set of hammers and dollies for a while now. The Martins look great, but I don't need that many hammers given the amount of time I actually do any body work. I'd still like to know if the wood handles just feel better than fiberglass when pounding sheet metal. I'm guessing the answer is "yes," but I just want to make sure. Thanks!

EDIT:

Okay, just saw that this is a resurrected dead post. Regardless, does anyone out there have any feelings about wood vs. fiberglass on these tools?

 

[compyello]

I like the wooden handles

 

[Gasser Built]

I like wooden handles but for some reason I tend to always reach for my old Matco Fiberglass hammer.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

What a wonderful display of body tools, both Cheeky81 and Gasser Built. I have never seen such a variety all in one place. Cheeky, you can still use your AutoZone set to add patina to some of the classic cars you work on.

 

[tank4114]

gasser you should post up some pics the the repairs and cars you work on id be interested especially if there nice old steel cars

 

[Geurt]

Wooden handles. Read this.

 

[zakmartin]

Wooden handles. Read this.

Thanks! Great Link. It pretty much says it all.

 

[camarotoolman]

There is a dude that sells the Martin tools at the bigger swap meets in the east. I've been selling body tools on feebay.

 

[ZRX61]

Wood handles, your shoulders will thank you. FG transfers the vibes up your arm.

 

[Brad54]

That is an AWESOME set!
Having the right tools, especially body tools, will be an amazing confidence and skill builder.
Without the right tools, you really can't do the job properly--and then you end up thinking you don't have the skill.
With the right tools, when something doesn't look right, you KNOW that it's you, and that you need more practice to get it right.
And then when you do get it right, it's very satisfying.

I'm not much of a metal man, but I like to try--I've formed a couple things, and straightened a few things that were mangled--mainly valve covers, spark plug covers, radiator fan shrouds, etc.
Having high-crown hammers, or radiused hammers to work the inside of a radius on a fan shroud that was mangled in shipping, was VERY rewarding!
I've also been able to rework seams in floor pans and stuff to make them right, etc. etc.

I've been putting together a group of tools to do what I want, but have always had to buy used Snap-on, Fairmont, etc, and buy them piecemeal. And my collection of dollies *****.
I've only been able to dream about Martin dollies...

In my opinion, that Martin tool set you've got is about the best money can buy. Congrats!

The book is also excellent. Even if you're not doing old-school cars, it's a must-have.

-Brad

 

[Hammer1963]

That is a great investment ! You will never regret the money you have spent for those tools. I compare good Body hammers and dollies, to a good Baseball bat and baseball. You have to feel and experience the difference for yourself !

Your next step is to make a few specialized Dollies and spoons of your own design. It's quite challenging, but well worth the effort if you are in the trade for the long haul

 

[BWS]

Very cool set there cheeky.

Wood is the only way to fly.Didn't read the Fay Butler link but will,thanks.....


Faceted wooden hammer handles have some pretty serious ergo engineering behind them.....dating back a thousand or so years.The connection between handle-hand-brain is the shortest of all.Anything you put in between these acts as an isolator...not good,if you're looking for feel or finesse.As the work or shock load goes up...then cushions "may" make some sense.

Round or oval shaped handles "lose" a little when compared to facets,again...when finesse or accuracy counts.First ran across the subject(in print)study'ing stick bow handles.Theres engineering reasons the facets work.....the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy over extended periods is their strongest suit.A well fitted oval has almost as good of feel....short term.

 

[ZRX61]

Keep those yellow handled ones for beating the snot out of stuff to get it where finesse is needed & then use the Martins

 

[54FordPanel]

I have that set, and I'm very happy with it.