Pulling and Measuring Your Way to Success

    Jan. 1, 2020
    While the basic procedures for body and frame pulling and straightening haven't changed in many years, the equipment available to technicians has been continuously refined to increase accuracy and to improve productivity.
    While the basic procedures for body and frame pulling and straightening haven't changed in many years, the equipment available to technicians has been continuously refined to increase accuracy and to improve productivity. Measuring equipment, in particular, has achieved a level of sophistication that allows even novice users to diagnose damage and monitor repairs with a degree of ease not found on previous systems.If you are considering adding to your pulling and equipment lineup, you should first consider a few basic necessities. According to I-CAR recommendations, pulling equipment must be capable of the following:making multiple pulls;working with a 3-D measuring system;monitoring the pulling pressure;making pulls in any direction, at any angle;applying the forces necessary to return the damaged area to proper dimensions.Anchoring equipment must also be able to work in conjunction with a 3-D measuring system while holding the vehicle solidly in place at a minimum of four locations to distribute the forces of multiple pulls.While almost every collision repair facility is likely to already have at least one pulling and measuring system, there are newer systems that offer improved productivity and damage analysis capabilities. Once you elect to make that equipment investment, you should weigh a number of factors to determine which system best meets your shop's needs. You can start by considering the following points about the types of systems available to you.In-Floor Pulling SystemsAn in-floor system provides a repair facility with anchoring points flush with the floor, making the workspace versatile. When the pulling system is not in use, the same space can be used for estimating, measuring, assembly, etc. A steel-framed system can be installed flush with the floor-a permanent installation-or 3 in. above the floor, which allows the system to be relocated if necessary.A floor system is more advantageous than a rack system because of its ability to set up multiple pulling jobs, depending on the size of the floor system that is installed. Two or more vehicles can be set up for pulls at the same time, instead of facing a "wait-in-line" delay for the next jobs. The disadvantage of the floor system is primarily work height. On a rack, the vehicle can be raised to a more convenient working position. But with the addition of a lift, this can be accomplished on a floor system.In addition to steel-framed rail systems, many shops use anchor pots to provide additional anchoring and pulling capabilities in many repair bays.RacksToday's pulling racks are designed to provide pulling and pushing capabilities. While other tasks-such as disassembly, assembly and suspension work-can be performed on a pulling rack, the primary purpose of these pieces of equipment is to provide a place where vehicle damage can be diagnosed and where pulling tasks may be performed with a high degree of accuracy.Bench Pulling SystemsA bench system is similar to a rack in terms of drive-on or winch-on capabilities, but it generally comes with fewer features than a rack system. The working height, though elevated, may not be as high as a rack. But some bench systems feature hydraulic tilting at the entry end and may be lowered flat to the floor, which offers easy vehicle loading and multiple work heights. Other bench designs feature a non-adjustable working height, featuring add-on ramps to facilitate vehicle loading.Bench systems may also utilize a Dozer pulling attachment featuring an articulated arm that pivots about 180 degrees. Depending on the bench model, you may be able to lift the vehicle by its wheels or by the frame, with the wheels suspended. This allows the bench to serve as a multi-purpose tool to perform mechanical work, body repairs or pulling tasks.Measuring SystemsTo measure a vehicle's structure or upper body, a skilled technician needs an accurate, efficient 3-D measuring system.Several types of measuring systems are currently available, including the following:universal mechanical (some are equipped with laser sighting);fixture type (this works essentially as a "go/no-go" gauge, aligning with a point on the fixture);computerized (some use sonar, some use laser).Those who want to enhance or review their pulling and measuring skills should check for training availability from their equipment manufacturers.I-CAR also offers training on measuring, and more information is available online at www.i-car.com.I-CAR recommends that measuring equipment be capable of:measuring underbody, underhood and upper body control and reference points;monitoring pulling progress;locating points in 3-D;measuring with an accuracy of

    Continue Reading

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Enhance your collision repair workflow with Autel’s IA900, a process-driven solution integrating precision alignment, bi-directional diagnostics, and ADAS calibration. Designed...
    The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...
    Originally published by Modern Tire Dealer on Sep 4, 2024 | Written by Mike MangesTire dealers who aren't offering advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)
    In this edition of Ask the Expert, Autel’s Stewart Peregrine and Eric Sponhaltz share valuable insights to help shops prepare for ADAS service, ensuring compliance, profitability...