Dolly and planishing hammer (511033)

Wielander & Schill Bumping and Planishing Hammer (511033)

The Wielander & Schill bumping and planishing hammer is a professional panel repair tool designed for smoothing, levelling, and finishing sheet metal during collision repair. Because of its flat striking face and lightweight 200 g head, this hammer delivers precise, controlled strikes that gradually work dents and imperfections out of the panel. As a result, technicians achieve a smooth, factory-quality surface finish with minimal filler.

Key Features

• Flat striking face (50 × 30 mm work window) – the generous flat surface distributes each strike evenly across the panel. Consequently, it smooths high spots and levels the metal without creating new marks or distortion.
• 200 g impact weight – light enough for precise, controlled finishing work, yet heavy enough to move metal effectively during bumping passes.
• Hickory wood handle – naturally absorbs vibration and provides a comfortable, secure grip during extended use. Moreover, hickory is exceptionally durable and resists splitting under repeated impact.
• Dual-purpose design – use the flat face for both bumping (raising low spots) and planishing (smoothing and levelling the surface), so you need fewer tools at the bench.
• Compact 324 × 60 × 30 mm dimensions – therefore, the hammer fits comfortably into tight working areas and manoeuvres easily around panel contours.

Bumping vs. Planishing – What’s the Difference?

Bumping is the initial stage of panel repair. During this phase, the technician works the damaged metal back toward its approximate original shape using a hammer and dolly. The goal is to raise low spots and push the panel close to its correct contour. However, bumping alone leaves the surface rough and uneven.

Planishing is the finishing stage that follows bumping. In this phase, the technician uses lighter, more controlled strikes to smooth and level the surface. The flat face of the planishing hammer compresses small high spots and evens out the texture left by the bumping process. As a result, the panel achieves a smooth, uniform surface that requires minimal filler before painting.

This Wielander & Schill hammer handles both stages effectively. First, use firmer strikes during the bumping phase to move the metal into shape. Then, switch to lighter taps for the planishing pass to achieve the final smooth finish.

How to Use a Bumping and Planishing Hammer

The hammer works best when paired with a dolly block held behind the panel. The basic technique follows a simple process:

1. First, position a dolly block behind the damaged area to support the metal.
2. Next, strike the high spots on the front of the panel with the flat face of the hammer.
3. Then, work outward from the centre of the dent toward the edges using overlapping strikes.
4. After that, switch to lighter taps and planish the entire repaired area to level the surface.
5. Finally, check the panel with a hand or straightedge to confirm the surface is smooth and even.

For dolly-on work, hold the dolly directly behind the strike point. This technique flattens and smooths the metal between the hammer and dolly. In contrast, dolly-off work positions the dolly slightly away from the strike point. Consequently, the hammer pushes the high spot down while the dolly raises the surrounding low area. Both techniques are essential for achieving a professional finish.

Applications

This bumping and planishing hammer suits a wide range of bodyshop panel repair tasks. For example, it is ideal for:

• Dent removal and reshaping – bump out dents on doors, wings, bonnets, and quarter panels before finishing with planishing passes.
• Surface levelling – smooth out ripples, high spots, and hammer marks left by rougher repair stages.
• Final finishing before filler – planish the repaired area to minimise the amount of body filler needed, which saves time and produces a stronger repair.
• Classic and vintage vehicle restoration – traditional hand-forming techniques rely heavily on bumping and planishing to achieve factory-correct panel shapes without modern fillers.
• Aluminium panel work – the lightweight 200 g head provides the gentle control needed for softer aluminium panels, which dent and stretch more easily than steel.

Part of the Wielander & Schill Panel Hammer Range

This bumping and planishing hammer sits alongside a full range of Wielander & Schill specialist panel hammers. In addition to this flat-face model, the range includes twist head shrinking hammers, pick hammers, and cross-pein hammers. As a result, technicians can build a complete hand-forming toolkit by adding individual hammers as their workshop requires.

Technical Specifications

• SKU: 511033
• Impact weight: 200 g
• Work window: 50 × 30 mm
• Overall length: 280 mm
• Dimensions: 324 × 60 × 30 mm
• Handle material: Hickory wood
• Head material: Steel
• Total weight: 0.330 kg
• Quantity: 1 piece

Why Choose Bodyshop Solutions?

Bodyshop Solutions Ltd is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Wielander & Schill professional bodywork tools. Because of this, every order comes with expert technical advice, fast shipping, and dedicated aftercare support. Simply call 01327 300700 for guidance on choosing the right panel hammers and dolly tools for your workshop.