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Auto Glass Tools: What Auto Glass Technicians Use on the Job

equalizer-windshield-removal-kit
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Auto glass technicians use a wide variety of tools, and what auto glass tools work for one technician may not work for another—so their toolboxes don’t all look alike.

There are a few basic and key auto glass tools you’ll see most technicians using on a standard windshield replacement. Here are some of the most important ones:

 Molding Removal Tool

A plastic or composite handheld tool helps the technician pull up the molding around the glass so he/she can directly access where the glass is bonded to the car body.

Red handle car windshield locking seal strip remover tool
Car Windshield Locking Seal Strip Removal Tool
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12 Piece Windshield Installation Tool Kit including a red handle tool, a black handle tool, and yellow plastic tools
12 Piece Windshield Installation Tool Kit
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 .Cut-Out Tool

Technicians typically use an electric or battery-powered auto glass cut tool, or a wire tool to “cut out” the windshield. The powered tool is hand-held and features a reciprocating blade that makes it easier to cut around the edge of the glass and separate it from the car. The wired cut-out tool is more manual and has become more popular in the past few years.

Equalizer-Stingray-Windshield-Removal-Tool
Equalizer Stingray Windshield Removal Tool Extractor, Windshield & Window Quarter Glass Removal Tool Cut Out Blade. 5 Piece Blade Set
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equalizer-windshield-removal-kit
Equalizer Industries Equalizer Viper Deluxe Kit, Windshield Cord and Wire Cut Out Removal Tool, Car Quarter Glass Removal
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Razor Blades

Razor blades and scrapers are used to remove old adhesive from where the old windshield was attached, as well as excess adhesive from the glass.

Suction Cups

Heavy-duty suction cups, specifically designed for auto glass, help the technician lift the old glass from out of the frame and place the new glass back in it. They typically feature some sort of vacuum mechanism and have handles to make lifting as easy as possible.

Some larger windshields require two installers or an installer with a setting tool such as “AEGIS” or “Lil Buddy” to place properly.

Equalizer-Auto-Glass-visual-Vacuum-Plunger-Cups
Equalizer Auto Glass Visual Vacuum Plunger Cups
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Caulking Gun

The caulking gun is a critical tool, as it allows the technician to effectively apply adhesive to the frame, where the new glass will be set in. The gun holds cartridges of urethane adhesive, which bonds the glass to the car body.

Cordless-Caulking-Gun
Cordless Caulking Gun, Cartridge Sausage Caulking Gun 20V Li-ion Electric Caulk Gun, Battery Powered Caulk Gun with Nozzles Sealant Caulk Adhesive Gun 20 oz / 600ml
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Milwaukee-2444-21-M12-Quart-caulk-Gun-Kit
Milwaukee 2444-21 M12 Quart Caulk Gun Kit
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety is of the utmost importance when handling glass, so a technician’s PPE is critical. This can include gloves, safety glasses, a first aid kit and any other equipment the company requires.

SHOWA Atlas Fir Rubber-Coated Gloves
SHOWA Atlas Fit Rubber-Coated Gloves (12 Pair)
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Coast-SPG400-Rechargeable-Lighted-LED-Safety-Glasses
Coast SPG400 Rechargeable Lighted LED Safety Glasses with Built-In Inspection Beam, Scratch Resistant Interchangeable Lenses, ANSI Z87 Standards
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Want to learn more about auto glass? Glass.com has you covered with its Glass 101 blog.

Please note, this article may contain links to Amazon products. As an Amazon Associate, Glass.com earns from qualifying purchases.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick St. Denis

Nick St. Denis currently serves as the director of research for Key Media & Research and is formerly the editor of USGlass magazine. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York where he studied journalism and is currently working on earning his Master’s Degree in survey research. Nick has a passion for sports including football, hockey, and golf. He enjoys playing ice hockey in a local men’s league and cheers on the New York Islanders when not on the ice himself. He was actually a sports reporter for a New York newspaper and also worked at a country club in Virginia. Most notably, Nick is husband to his wife Tammy, and father to his son Carter. Find out more about Nick on Linkedin.

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2 Responses

  1. I want to buy my son some tools for his job. He works for a mom and pop windshield place. Looking to get him some tools for his new career.

    1. That’s very kind of you! There are a few auto glass tool manufacturers/suppliers who you may wish to check out:
      https://www.gtglass.com/
      https://www.aegistools.com/
      https://equalizer.com/
      This is not a comprehensive list, but it should point you in the right direction. Best of luck to your son in his new career path.

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