When it comes to choosing the best professional windshield repair kit, there are a few key factors to consider. The quality of the resin, the variety of tools included, ease of use, and effectiveness at filling chips and cracks are all important. After researching the top options on the market, three kits stand out as top choices.
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Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about professional windshield repair kits:
What makes a repair kit “professional” grade?
Professional kits include higher quality injector tools and resin designed to provide commercial-grade repairs. They also tend to include more accessory tools for tasks like crack filling and polishing.
How well do they work compared to replacements?
High-quality repair kits can effectively fill chips and stop cracks from spreading in most cases, eliminating the need for more costly windshield replacement.
What size repairs can they handle?
Repair kits are designed to fill chips up to 1.5 inches and repair cracks up to 12 inches long. Larger damage will require full windshield replacement.
Are DIY repairs as effective?
Professional kits provide the best results, but DIY kits can also be effective for minor chips if used properly.
Reviews of the Top 3 Professional Kits
Blue Star Windshield Repair System
The Blue Star Windshield Repair System is a top professional kit used widely in auto glass shops. It includes a high-quality bridge-style injector tool that provides maximum control over resin flow for seamless chip fills. The kit also comes with 10 grams of commercial-grade Blue Star UV resin designed to prevent future spreading or discoloration.
Accessories include an assortment of durable metal picks for clearing damage before injection, a pit remover tool for eliminating surface flaws, and polish and cloths for smoothing repairs. At around $120, this kit provides professional quality at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Bridge injector allows precise resin control
- Strong, non-yellowing resin formula
- Comes with pit remover and polish accessories
- Good value for professional quality
Cons
- Does not include crack filling tools
- Injector requires learning curve
Windshield Repair Systems Ultra Resin
For a premium professional kit, the Windshield Repair Systems Ultra Resin is a top choice. It comes with a heavy-duty LeverStyle injector made from durable anodized aluminum able to fill a wide range of chip and crack sizes. It also includes 7 grams of the company’s Ultra resin formula designed to fill damage invisibly and permanently.
This kit also comes with several accessories including a slide crack band spreader for long crack repairs, cleaving picks, and a high quality UV curing light. At around $200, it is on the pricier side but provides advanced repair capabilities.
Pros
- Heavy-duty injector for variety of repairs
- Specialty crack repair tools included
- Strong UV curing light
- Premium resin formula
Cons
- High price point
- Smaller resin quantity included
Delta Kits Best Premium Repair Kit
For an all-in-one professional kit, the Delta Kits Best Premium Repair Kit is hard to top. It contains a high-rated pistol grip injector tool able to fill any chip or crack. The kit also includes an impressive 15 grams of commercial grade resin in both UV cure and air dry formulas for flexible applications.
The variety of accessories stands out with this kit. It contains picks, cutters, spreaders, curing lights, polish, pit fillers, and just about every tool needed for professional-level repairs. At around $150, it provides extensive capabilities at a mid-range price point.
Pros
- Pistol injector for heavy-duty repairs
- 15 grams of UV and air dry resin
- Comes with full range of repair accessories
- Affordable price for contents
Cons
- Large selection can seem overwhelming
- No carrying case included
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kit
When picking out the best professional windshield repair kit for your needs, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Types of Injectors
The injector is the most vital component as it controls how the resin flows into the damage. Common types include:
- Bridge: Precise control, ideal for chip fills.
- Lever: Heavy duty for various repairs.
- Pistol grip: Comfortable for extended use.
- Vacuum: Uses suction, good for beginners.
Resin Formula
The resin should be commercial-grade for optimal filling and strength. UV cure formulas set more quickly under the curing light. Air dry resins provide longer working time.
Accessory Tools
Look for kits that include picks, cutters, spreaders, curing lights, and other accessories for versatility. More tools allow for wider repair capabilities.
Carrying Case
Cases with custom foam padding keep the injector and accessories safely organized for portability.
Price
Kits range from $50 for basic DIY versions up to $200+ for heavy-duty professional kits. Sets from $100-150 provide a good balance of quality and value.
Using Your Professional Windshield Repair Kit
Once you have selected a high-quality professional windshield repair kit, proper technique is also crucial for successful repairs. Here is an overview of how to use a professional kit for optimal results:
1. Assess the damage
Examine the size, location and severity of chips and cracks. Make sure the damage is within the kit’s repair capabilities before proceeding.
2. Clean the area
Use glass cleaner to thoroughly clean the damaged section and surrounding area. Dry it completely.
3. Prepare the damage
Use included picks to open up cracks and cleave out loose glass fragments from chips.
4. Apply resin
Use the injector to fill the damage fully with resin. Move the tip to allow air bubbles to escape.
5. Cure resin
Position curing light or allow resin to air dry according to formula. Maintain light 6-12 inches from repair.
6. Polish
Once fully cured, use polish and cloths to smooth the area and restore clarity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even professional kits can run into problems if used incorrectly. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common repair issues:
Resin not flowing smoothly
- Open damage further with picks
- Adjust injector tip placement
- Apply heat or cold to change resin thickness
Bubbles or gaps in resin
- Move injector tip around within damage
- Apply another layer of resin if needed
Resin cures too fast
- Use air dry formula for longer working time
- Keep UV light 6+ inches away to slow cure
Resin cracks or falls out
- Ensure damage is clean before injecting
- Cure resin fully according to directions
Repair clarity not restored
- Polish thoroughly after curing
- Use pit filler accessories for deeper flaws
Conclusion
Investing in a professional quality windshield repair kit is worthwhile for auto glass technicians or frequent DIYers. Kits that include versatile injector tools, commercial-grade resin formulas, and useful accessories provide the best results for sealing chips and stopping crack damage.
Learning proper injecting technique and curing times are also key to create seamless, long-lasting repairs. With some practice, a good kit can restore clarity and prevent the need for expensive replacements in most cases. The Blue Star, Delta Kits, and Windshield Repair Systems kits featured here all provide advanced repair capabilities to keep windshields safely intact.