Tech/maintenance Using a PDR dent removal system on a sax?

scotsman · Feb 17, 2026

🙂🙂.. Anyone used a PDR (paint less dent removal) system on a sax?? I am currently using one on my car and it seems to me that it could be quite useful on saxophones? Regards..🙂🙂

Stephen Howard · Feb 17, 2026

It's a fascinating process, but there's a big difference between a (typically large) dent in a thin steel panel and a dent in a brass horn body.
The major problem with dents in brass is that they stretch the metal somewhat - so the perennial problem is what do you do with the excess metal once you've pushed/pulled the dent out?

We do in fact use a similar method of PDR in some circumstances, which involves soft soldering a rod to the dent and then giving it large with a slide hammer. It's a messy business, but hot melt glue is never going to have enough holding power for the tooling (even soft solder struggles sometimes). We also use the system of tapping down around the dent - but this carries the risk of stretching the brass even more. You can shrink the brass...but you have to get it red hot, which tends to create more problems than it solves.
And all that stretching tends to do strange things to the lacquer, which results in the characteristic crazing pattern that serves as a witness mark to where the dent was - especially on vintage horns.

And then there's magnetic dent ball system, which probably wouldn't work too well on a steel body panel.

scotsman · Feb 17, 2026

🙂🙂 Thanks Stephen. What I found interesting was using the PDR led line lamp on the sax body to highlight the dent line and body concentricity... Interesting stuff eh? .. Regards 🙂🙂

Stephen Howard · Feb 18, 2026

We use a similar process, though because the areas we're dealing with are much smaller a simple overhead light does the job.
The big trick with dentwork is knowing when to stop. Trying to get the reflection of the light perfect nearly always results in having to expand the working area - which tends to draw more attention to the work.
There are times when the position and the type of dent coupled with a tough finish (such as epoxy lacquer or sometimes plating) can allow for a very neat job indeed.
However, I've seen some suspiciously perfect work over the years that's just too good to be true - and that truth is revealed when you inspect the bore. You'll see the ripples from the dentwork...but none on the surface - just a clean, polished area. It means they've taken a file to the remaining ripples.

PigSquealer · Feb 19, 2026

Stephen Howard said:
And then there's magnetic dent ball system, which probably wouldn't work too well on a steel body panel.

Nope, it doesn’t work well.
PDR tools don’t work well on many pre 1980 cars. The hide is too thick.

TobyB · Feb 21, 2026

And then there's magnetic dent ball system, which probably wouldn't work too well on a steel body panel.

Now I have to go try it... maybe attach a big slide hammer to the magnet handle?

t
oops, not paintless any more!

JayeNM · Feb 22, 2026

scotsman said:
🙂🙂.. Anyone used a PDR (paint less dent removal) system on a sax?? I am currently using one on my car and it seems to me that it could be quite useful on saxophones? Regards..🙂🙂

Not sure how one for autos would fare on brass instruments.
I have one made for brass instruments, and a variety of diameter steel balls which I have added to over the years.

It is great for some stuff...dented bows, finishing/smoothing body tubes, and to a lesser degree neck tubes.

It is absolutely great for tuba and baritone horn elbows and such....

Not good for bellpieces and bells, however. Actually quite awful, the wrong tool for sure.

But it doesn't cover all sax dent repair well. The best is to have on-hand a combination of MDR (magnetic dent removal) specifically for brass instruments, and then conventional dent ball + rods.....

But I am really glad I got it, it is useful.

PigSquealer · Feb 22, 2026

JayeNM said:
I have one made for brass instruments

Is this currently available ?

JayeNM said:
The best is to have on-hand a combination of MDR (magnetic dent removal) specifically for brass instruments, and then conventional dent ball + rods.....

Basically what I have plus all my automotive hammers & dollies. Mix in an assortment of wood mandrills and DIY hammers.

JayeNM · Feb 23, 2026

PigSquealer said:
Is this currently available ?

Basically what I have plus all my automotive hammers & dollies. Mix in an assortment of wood mandrills and DIY hammers.

Here's an over-the-top version, new:

Magnetic Dent Removal System Ultimate Set

This set includes the popular 1.55" MDRS Tool as well as the heavier 2" MDRS tool for larger jobs and stubborn dents or dents in thicker metal. This kit also features the 2.0" and 1.5" Radius Axial Tools (RAT) which are the recommended tools for use with the A ball set and for getting into hard...

www.musicmedic.com

I bought mine, branded CG Conn probably from the late 90's, on eFlay for $300 around 12 years ago. It came with a single hand held magnet piece about the size of a Red Bull can, around 6 disc magnets stacked inside a rubber sleeve, and 4 balls. I have since added 6 more balls, around $8-15 each, of other diameters, also off of eFlay

JayeNM · Feb 23, 2026

Ooooh, amazingly here is a normal-priced one, JL Smith , basic system - which is ironic, actually, as they are hella expensive for most things:

Shop Magnetic Dent Removal System (MDRS) Online from J.L. Smith

Explore the wide collection of Magnetic Dent Removal System (MDRS) at JL Smith & Co. J.L. Smith is your source for instrument repair services, tools, parts, and supplies.

www.jlsmithco.com

Dunno what happened there, I think they inadvertently left an end-around open, there....must not have gotten the McDonald's/Starbucks/Grocery store/Lumber supply/Pharmaceuticals/Etc. memos on reaming clientele....

JayeNM · Feb 23, 2026

Now, I have read reports elsewhere that one CAN MAKE their own system. Again, the balls cost maybe $10-15/ea, you get a half-dozen balls you will be set up pretty well. $80 there

The magnet handheld portion of mine is simply a stack of magnetic discs slapped together, in a custom fitting rubber sleeve with one end open.

Quick perusal eFlay, here's a seller of the discs:

Pardon Our Interruption...

40MM diameter discs around $30/ea, I wold say one would need six at least, stacked. Maybe seven. 50MM diameter would probably be better, maybe they give a discount for buying multiples ? $200 -250 there.

Then you gotta get or make a sleeve out of something, semi-rigid, to hold 'em stationary and in a clean stack.

Might end up with a $300-350 home-made version....would work just as well, probably

PigSquealer · Feb 23, 2026

JayeNM said:
Now, I have read reports elsewhere that one CAN MAKE their own system. Again, the balls cost maybe $10-15/ea, you get a half-dozen balls you will be set up pretty well. $80 there

The magnet handheld portion of mine is simply a stack of magnetic discs slapped together, in a custom fitting rubber sleeve with one end open.

Quick perusal eFlay, here's a seller of the discs:

Pardon Our Interruption...

40MM diameter discs around $30/ea, I wold say one would need six at least, stacked. Maybe seven. 50MM diameter would probably be better, maybe they give a discount for buying multiples ? $200 -250 there.

Then you gotta get or make a sleeve out of something, semi-rigid, to hold 'em stationary and in a clean stack.

Might end up with a $300-350 home-made version....would work just as well, probably

Thanks for the info. Thought I was going to see something different. I know about those sets. Fleabay listing is interesting.
I have two wands I made DIY. Magnets from Amozombie 2”x 1”. 3D handle.

JayeNM · Feb 23, 2026

PigSquealer said:
Thanks for the info. Thought I was going to see something different. I know about those sets. Fleabay listing is interesting.
I have two wands I made DIY. Magnets from Amozombie 2”x 1”. 3D handle.

post a pic of the wands, I'm curious

PigSquealer · Feb 28, 2026

JayeNM said:
post a pic of the wands, I'm curious

I’m totally freaking out. I can’t find my large one. Last seen just after New Year’s when I put away the Christmas decorations.
I have a neighbor who visits often that has a pacemaker. The magnets are stored in one spot only for safety.
Either I’ll find this next holiday, it’s stuck somewhere I can’t see or gone. I need it for a job this week. Grrrr that’s a $75 magnet delivered. 2 x 1” about 180lbs pull.

50mm dia x 30mm thick Large Neodymium Disc Magnet N52 Super Strong 50x30mm Heavy Duty Magnet Big Rare Earth Disc Magnets Sale - BUYNEOMAGNETS

Material NdFeB, Grade N52 Shape Disc / Cylinder Diameter 50 mm Height 30 mm Tolerance +/- 0.1 mm Coating Nickel-plated (Ni-Cu-Ni) Magnetisation Axial (Poles on Flat Ends) Pull Force approx. 78 kg Max. working temperature 80°C / 176°F Weight(1 piece) 360 g

www.buyneomagnets.com

This is the small one below. 1-1/2 x 3/4”, 125lbs pull magnet off Amazombie. $17

DIYMAG Large Neodymium Magnet, 1.57"x0.79"(40x20mm) 125LBS Strong Magnets Round High Power Rare Earth Magnets Permanent Magnetic Disc 1 Piece: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Both wands 3D printed from STL on Things Universe. It’s cracked a few times. Heat was probably to low or I didn’t use enough infill. Next print I will make the working surface convex.
The large ball is 15/16”.

PigSquealer · 2026-04-17T23:55:08+0100

@JayeNM no luck finding the large one. I even looked under the toolboxes 😤

A $130.00 later I have a replacement in hand. Still need to 3D print a new wand.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012AUUB6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=saxontheweb-sl-20

Be careful cutting the carton open. It pulled my razor knife out of my hand !