How to Use a Windshield Removal Kit

Removing windshields is sometimes difficult with little space between the dashboard and the glass to fit tools. Windshield removal kits are designed to make removal of vehicle windshields safe and reduce your chances of breaking the glass. Typically a windshield removal kit consists of heavy duty braided wire, an awl or hook tool to feed the wire through the glass and two T-handles with Allen screws and a wrench or a similar device to secure them.

Instructions

1

Ask someone to help you remove the windshield. Two people are required to use a windshield removal kit properly and to remove the windshield safely.

2

Check that the vehicle is parked with the emergency brake on and that you have plenty of light.

3

Lay a towel or small washcloth on the windshield and insert the trim removal tool under the trim covering the edge of the windshield. The cloth prevents the tool from scratching the glass as you work.

4

Pop off and remove all of the trim from the windshield.

5

Cut a 2-to-3-foot length of braided wire.

6

Insert the wire into the groove at the end of the hook tool so that enough wire is overhanging on one side that you can grab onto it and bend the wire at the center (where it lies in the groove).

7

Work from the outside of the vehicle and force the wire between the windshield and the frame it is glued to.

8

Pull out the hook tool, leaving the wire in place between the windshield and frame.

9

Move inside the vehicle and pull half the wire's length through.

10

Attach the T-handle grips to each end of the wire and push the T-handle attachment post to the opposite end of the handle to open.

11

Push the end of the wire into the attachment post and feed it into the grip hole. Push the attachment post back into the T-handle so it can't be pulled out.

12

Grab a handle grip and have your helper grab the other one. Work with one of you inside the vehicle and one outside the vehicle and pull the wire along the perimeter of the windshield to separate it from the frame and glue.

13

Lift the windshield when it separates and remove it from the vehicle. If the windshield is cracked, use care when lifting because it may shatter when lifted. Set it in where it won't fall or be accidentally bumped or shattered.