Tech Tip: Choosing the Right Windshield Repair Bridge

The bridge is the heart of every windshield chip repair kit, so choosing the right bridge is one of the most important decisions a new technician makes. It’s no wonder we receive so many calls questioning which bridge is “best” and why. We also get many calls from technicians considering a bridge upgrade who have the same questions.

To assist you with this important decision, we thought it might be helpful to answer the most common question we receive, but first here are a few important things to look for in any windscreen repair bridge.

What to look for:

1. Must have an injector capable of filling multiple types of damage quickly and efficiently. While this seems obvious, one of the most common reasons for a bridge upgrade is due to dissatisfactory performance of a previous purchase.
2. When placed on the glass, it must stay there. Again, this seems like a no-brainer. But, the fact is, bridges attaching to the glass with standard suction cups are prone to falling off before the repair is complete. Not only does this compromise the quality of the repair but may also damage the customer’s vehicle. If an injector is too heavy, the problem is even more.
3. A good bridge is adjustable. So, damage to any part of the windshield is repairable without adapters. A bridge with a fixed or center mounted injector has very limited capabilities, but this fact is often overlooked when choosing your first injector.
4. Durability and ease of cleaning are essential. A simple design made of high-quality materials will require minimal maintenance and provide consistent performance. New technicians often get caught up in the bells and whistles and overlook all the small parts that require frequent maintenance or replacement. Worse yet, an overly complicated design may malfunction in the middle of a repair.
5. Size matters, but in this case, bigger is not better, especially for mobile technicians. Many technicians use several bridges at one time, so a compact design is preferable. Large, bulky bridges weigh you down and slow you down.

Common Questions

Okay, now for the most common question about Delta Kits windshield repair bridges:

The B250 has been one of the best-selling windshield repair bridges in the industry for over a decade. The three point design adjusts to various curved windshields. The base is  nylon/fiberglass composite that is nearly indestructible, and the injector is stainless steel. The injector features Delta’s exclusive spring-loaded mechanism for quick and easy injection/vacuum cycling. It’s a top shelf bridge, priced well below our competitor’s top-selling bridges. The B250 is designed for a lifetime of service, backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Size

The B150 is even smaller than the B250, fitting easily into shop aprons or the Delta Kits tool belt. The two point design provides slightly less adjustability on curved glass. But, it is still rock solid due to the flip lever vacuum cup and rigid aluminum base. The B150 is available in a variety of colors and the durable aluminum screw type injector is easy to use and clean. The B150 is designed for years of dependable service, and the price is comparable to competitor bridges with far fewer features.

So, which is “best”? While I use both regularly, I believe the three point design and the stainless-steel injector put the B250 on top. But, the smaller size and lower cost make the B150 a close contender and a great option. Many Delta Kits customer must feel the same because they often end up buying both.

Next month we’ll answer more specific questions about these two great bridges!

For more information about windshield repair bridges and other windshield repair equipment, please call us at 541-345-8554 or visit our helpful tech tip videos at Deltakits.com.