Within the past few years there’s been an introduction of a new class of tools that I think warrants some discussion. These tools are produced by various manufacturers with names like the Rammer Jammer™, GT Tools™ Quarter Cutter™, and the Equalizer® Push Knife. These types of tools are designed to take some of the “power” away from the tool and give the control back to the technician. Think less violence and more control.

Photo courtesy of www.rammerjammertools.com

Those of us who do a lot of remove and re-installs (R&R or R&I) require the ability to remove a part without damaging it. The problem with some power tools is that without care and/or experience, the technician can damage the underside of the part or the body of the vehicle. Which can cause a poor fit or require outside repair for the damage to the vehicle’s body.

Hand tools give the technician a little more control. Though it is certainly possible to scratch a vehicle with hand tools, the severity is usually more superficial and can be remedied using adhesive metal primers or by the body shop as they fix whatever problem necessitated the R&R in the first place.

Picture Courtesy of Equalizer Tools®

Keep in mind that like with everything, there is a learning curve. You’ll have to practice the use of the tool and use more physical effort to do the job than when you use power tools. It  will also probably need a medium to heavy mallet as a “convincer’ to start the tool.

Picture courtesy of www.gtglass.com/products/gt-tools-quarter-cutter

Are these tools better than a wireout or other carefully used tools designed to cut close to the glass?  That’s hard to say.  I ‘ve heard some technicians argue that time is money and they can do a removal faster with a hand tool than with a wireout, and with less damage than a power tool. I think there is a place for all of the various options.

My advice is to research the tool and see what works for your needs. Quarter glass removal tools usually range from 12-14, 24-26 and 32-36-inch handle lengths and with blade sizes anywhere from 1-1/2 to 3-inch widths. Most of my clients use the shorter lengths more often.  So, if your budget is tight, you might want to purchase the shorter versions first and then move up when the need demands a longer one.