Question on aluminum frame & dent removal

[Smithjss70]

Is it possible to remove a small dent from an anodized aluminum frame that has a ever so slight dent in the top tube without sacrificing the finish? If so, what is the process?

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

Take it to a decent frame builder for advice. It's possible your local Dentmaster franchise might be able to help.-doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Smithjss70]

Thanks Chopper! I thought about the auto dent guys but thought someone here may have direct experience in this area too.

 

[mattr]

Dentmasters experience will mostly be with steel, which is far easier to "undent" than aluminium.
A lot of frame builders will have limited experience with aluminium as well, but it's still probably a better place to ask than dentmaster.

Depending on how deep/sharp the dent is, and what material grade it is, any dent removal might leave you open to a later cracking problem (work hardening of aluminium is quite hard to avoid! With steel it's relatively easy......)

 

[Rampage]

Re:

No.
The anodising will crack. Shouldn't be too noticeable though.

 

[Smithjss70]

Thanks Rampage. I was afraid of that.

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

Re:

Effectively if you pull the dent back out then you are bending the metal which surely will weaken aluminium to a degree. If it bothers you that much then strip the frame then skim the dent over and get it painted. If not then leave it be

Sean

 

[sickpup]

There is a way to do it called planishing which is a rarely used skill these days BUT it requires access to the inside of the top tube which most bike frames don't have.

 

[mattr]

There is a way to do it called planishing which is a rarely used skill these days BUT it requires access to the inside of the top tube which most bike frames don't have.

Planishing is used all the time in some industries. We had a planishing bay at a place i used to work.

Soundproofed, so we didn't have to listen to the buggers belting 7 shades of excrement out of dented parts.......

And it'd still work harden the material, and crack the anodising.