Skilled trade work is in high demand at the moment, something that has been reflected in employment figures within the automotive industry in particular. Whether new mechanics are joining garages or people are striking out on their own to start a new repair business, employment in the car industry is on the rise.
One of the more underrepresented corners of the automotive industry is that of cosmetics, or body repair. With so many accidents taking place on UK roads each year, there is a captive audience of people in need of cosmetic repairs to their vehicle. But what would you actually need to open a body shop and attend to that demand?
Hammer and Dolly Set
A good hammer and dolly set is a quintessential initial investment for anyone getting into car body repair. They are the only tools for the job when it comes to panel beating, the practise of beating out and removing dents and dings from cars that have suffered an accident or collision.
A hammer and dolly set includes hammers with differently shaped heads, and ‘dollies’ which form a surface on which the panel is supported. Correct use of these tools enables the user to re-shape a panel in accordance to the car’s body shape, removing dents and waves.
Angle Grinder
To those unfamiliar with car body work, angle grinders can seem an odd tool choice. Thought better-known for causing sparks to fly when cutting through and grinding down metal construction materials, angle grinders are an indispensable choice for modifying car chassis and shaping bodywork.
DeWalt angle grinders, being cordless and designed with quick-release mechanisms, are a strong choice for body shop tools, enabling you to switch the grinder wheel depending on the purpose. Lighter angle grinder brushes are used for the controlled abrasion of body filler material, while harder-wearing discs are used to remove rust and burring from chassis.
Car Lift
Even though your workshop is designed for working with car cosmetics, there are still reasons you may want to get safely and comfortably under a vehicle on which you are working. You may be tasked with swapping the tyres, or you may want a new angle on the chassis in order to modify a panel fit. As such, a car lift can be a lifesaver for your back and your general safety. Car lifts allow you to get proper perspective on the vehicles you are fixing, and gain access with tool where you might otherwise be fighting with the ground.
Air Compressor and Spray Gun
An air compressor alone can be a hugely useful addition to your arsenal, as well as a money-saver over time when combined with other important tools. The compressor can be used to blow dust and debris away from areas you are working on, in order to keep a clean working area and reduce the risk of abrasion from filings and shavings.
Your air compressor comes into its own when combined with a spray gun. As a body shop, repaints will be a common task for you to undertake – whether matching panels to existing bodywork or undertaking a complete respray. Having a spray gun makes this task far easier, even trivial – and will produce stellar results for clients.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
