LED Lights & Line Boards in PDR

PDR Tools: LED Lights vs. Line Boards for Paintless Dent Repair

When it comes to paintless dent repair (PDR), technicians rely on a variety of tools to see and fix imperfections. Two of the most common are LED lights and line boards. While both help reveal dents, they do so in different ways, and choosing the right one is key to a flawless finish.

The Classic: Line Boards

A line board, sometimes called a reflection board, is a simple, low-tech tool. It's essentially a board with parallel black and white lines. A technician positions the board to reflect its lines onto the vehicle's panel. A dent will distort the reflection, making the lines appear bent or wavy. This distortion shows the technician exactly where the damage is, allowing them to precisely push the metal back into place. Line boards are great for general dent location and are a classic, reliable tool in the PDR kit.

The Modern Approach: LED Lights

LED lights, or PDR lights, are a more modern and versatile option. These are typically mounted on a stand and have adjustable brightness and colour settings. The light creates a clear, sharp reflection on the car's surface. When there's a dent, the light's reflection will be warped. By moving the light, the technician can see the full contours of the dent from various angles. The main advantage of LED lights is their high contrast and brightness, which makes them perfect for working in garages or at night. They also give a more detailed view of a dent's shape than a simple line board. To see our full range of professional PDR lighting, click here: https://www.pdrequipment.com/collections/led-lighting

Which Is Better? Making Your Choice

So, which is the superior PDR tool? It really comes down to personal preference and the specific job. Many experienced technicians use both. A line board is fantastic for a quick, straightforward look, while an LED light offers more control and detail for trickier repairs. Think of it this way: a line board is like a good map, and an LED light is like a satnav—both get you there, but one gives you a more detailed, real-time view, helping you achieve perfect results with your paintless dent repair.