Using the "paintless dent repair" tools to pull dent out of frame.
 

So I now have a 91 RB1 frame with a small dent in the top tube. Doing some bikeforum research it seems like there are several different ways people fix dents like this:

1) have top tube replaced by frame builder and repaint
2) use cut out blocks that roll out the dent. Usually requires a repaint of the area
3) fill tube with water, freeze

What I haven't seen is someone try the paintless dent removal tools they use on cars. I am talking about the ones that use hot glue to attach a tool to the dent and then pull it out.

Here is the 12 dollar harbor freight version:

http://www.harborfreight.com/crossba...kit-66957.html

here is a demonstration video showing a more expensive version

It seems like this might work. You would need a small tool. And some way to pull on it without hurting the tube. But other than that-- why not?

Yet I didn't see where people were doing this.

Thanks

Keep looking.

You will find a number of different sets of tools to remove small dents from sheetmetal.
The professional "dent wizards" I have seen work work from the inside out.
That is much more of a challenge with a bicycle frame.

I think the steel tensile strength and the diameter are not working in your favor.

Pulling a dent out of thin sheet metal is way easier than steel or aluminum tubing. I don't think hot glue is strong enough.

Auto sheetmetal is thin and bends easily. Chromemoly bike tubing does not.

There exist tools in the gunsmiths world for floating out dents from the inside of tubes, but the problem is access to the inside of the tube.
They would only work on a seat tube (direct access from one end)

I think there's something like that for brass instruments, too.

Yes there is and for instruments is it can be as simple as some heavy magnets and balbearing. I would rather replace the barrel on my Ithaca or Kimber than have it repaired.

There was at one time something called frame blocks, which were just as they sound a set of blocks that went on each sie of the tube and when clamped togather took most dents out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRAME-DENT-R...item35c19e947c

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/FRAME-DENT-RE...dm!~~60_58.JPG

OP acknowledges frame blocks in his first post, he was wondering if there was something he could do to remove the dent without damaging the paint.

I have a small TT ding on my Merckx MX Leader that I would love to remove, but the tubing isn't round so even frame blocks and wrecking the paint aren't an option... I wish there was another option.

I got the suprise of these ugly dents on a purchase, covered with electrical tape...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...s/IMG_6745.jpg

I carefully opened up the the rear ears being careful not to break the brazing...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...t/IMG_0885.jpg
The stratagy was simple, I opened up the seatpost clamp bosses just enough to get to the top tube- I then uses a die-grinder to gain full access, turned a perfect fit ramrod on the lathe and tamp it through the damaged area, the dents came out very well, the low spots were filled with quick bursts of the MIG welder, and filed smooth.
Some filler was required after to make it perfect.
Now if you ever worked with filler you know it is far easier to put more on then try to skimp,
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...t/IMG_0887.jpg
the end result on a repair was amazing, the color match was fantastic

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...s/IMG_0930.jpg

I removed a serious dent 1/3 the width of the tube from the top tube of a Raleigh pro by plugging the tubes, filling with compressed air and heating the tube. It worked quite well. Tenspeedterror has the frame now.

Before

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5087/5...96e245c228.jpg
IMG_4006 by frankthewelder, on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5247/5...a72c5fac73.jpg
IMG_4007 by frankthewelder, on Flickr

I thought I would get a "maypop" (bubble) but nothing bad happened. Ever.

How hot? How did you plug the ends of the tube?

Tx...

Both repairs are amazing!
BG: I worked with a fellow who bought a group of Argentune Mausers. One had a clear bend in the barrel. It shot with small groups once you could figure out where to aim it!

whoa:eek::thumb: