What Is The Best Do-it-yourself Windshield Repair Kit

Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own.

Sale Bestseller No. 1

Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit

Easy to use - takes only minutes
Repairs all types of laminated windshields
Minimizes the appearance of chips and cracks and stops them from spreading

Bestseller No. 3

Permatex 09103 Windshield Repair Kit

Make permanent air-tight repairs of bullseye damage up to 1 1/4" on most laminated windshield glass
Professional quality repairs with no mixing required
Complete kit provides everything needed for the repair including easy-to-follow instructions with photographs; single use kit

Bestseller No. 5

RockPro Commercial Windshield Repair Kit

PRO TOOLS: Includes Normal Pit & Big Pit Adapter, Standard & Corner Adapter. Pro quality DIY windshield crack and chip repair system; no mixing required; repairs small cracks and rock chips in under 10 minutes; prevents damage from spreading.
LIKE NEW: The resin, when applied correctly, helps to restore windshield to near brand-new state; the RockPro system is perfect for bulls-eye cracks, spider webs and star damage patterns, and some smaller diameter combination breaks.
HOT AND COLD: Two distinct formulas – hot and cold; Hot cartridges work best in 75o F (24o Celsius) or higher, and Cold cartridges work better in 75o F (24o Celsius) or under.

Bestseller No. 6

Equalizer Viper VIP1138 Deluxe Wire Removal Kit - New for 2016

The Equalizer Viper is a wire/cord removal device designed for small quarter glass removals, but can also be used on windshields and back glasses. The double direction capability of the reel allows for optimum use and the magnetic points on the ratchet shaft ensure that your ratchet stays firmly attached to the tool, even in steep/vertical scenarios.
Deluxe Kit Includes: 1-Viper Tool (Includes 1/2" Drive Ratchet & 1-1/8" Socket), 1-Pistol Grip Center Start, 1-Mini Anchor, 1-Venom Wire Dispensing Unit, 1-164' Roll of Squire2 Wire, 1-100' Roll of RipCordHD, 1-Wire Grabber Pliers & Cutter, 7-Guide Pins, 1-Clear Headliner Protector, 1-Clear Dash Protector. All packaged in a soft carry case with foam liner.

Bestseller No. 7

J-B Weld 2100 Windshield Saver Repair Kit, 2 fl. oz

Easy to use windshield repair system that allows for Do-It-Yourself repairs of windshield damage
Great for all laminated windshields and small damage repairs
Minimizes the appearance of chips and stars

Bestseller No. 10

MuiSci Glass Repair Kit, Car Windshield Crack Repair Resin Kit, Easy to Use Automotive Glass Nano Repair Fluid Glue, Scratch Chip Cracks Repair Kit(2 Pcs)

【Quick Repair】: The glass repair kit can quickly and effectively repair small damages in 20-30 minutes.Save you lots of cost and time to buy a piece of new glass. Very convenient !
【Easy To Use】: Car Windshield Crack Repair Resin Kit easy to use. And it doesn't contain chemical substances and will not emit harmful odors after the repair is completed. Please rest assured.
【Widely Used】: Glass repair kit suitable for all types of laminated windscreen chips and cracks repairment, such as bulls-eye, half-moon cracks, loophole, cobwebs, star-shaped damage, long line crack, scratch etc.

Methodology

We reviewed a cross-section of the highest-rated, most readily available DIY windshield repair options on the market, paying particular attention to their methods of epoxy resin injection as it's crucial to a successful repair. While some kits offer the ability to seal and stabilize small cracks, we focused on their efficacy at repairing stone chips, bullseyes, and star fractures. Forbes Wheels chose five top-rated windshield repair kits based on extensive surveys of end-user satisfaction and personal experience to present choices that will give long-lasting results and good value. These kits are readily available to most consumers from online and brick-and-mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

Do windshield repair kits really work?

Yes they do, though results probably won't be quite as perfect as a brand new windshield. To achieve the best possible repair, follow instructions carefully and make sure your work area is clean, shaded and well-ventilated.

How large of a windshield crack be repaired?

At least one kit we reviewed claims to be able to repair cracks up to 12 inches in length. However, kits work best on stone chips and bullseyes. Professional repair or replacement is probably the best way to go for large cracks.

Can Superglue repair chips and cracks?

It is possible to stabilize small chips with Superglue, but windshield repair kits use special resins explicitly designed to repair damaged glass. Using a repair kit and following instructions with care will give a better-looking, longer-lasting repair and probably one less likely to be a visual distraction on the road.

Can clear nail polish repair chips and cracks?

As with Superglue, small chips and tiny cracks can be stabilized with clear nail polish. But nail polish is much less durable than the special epoxy resins used in windshield repair kits, and definitely won't hold up as well in the long term.

How much does professional chip repair cost?

Professional chip repair generally ranges between $60.00 and $100.00, but can be more depending on the complexity of the damage.

How much does windshield replacement cost?

$200.00 to $400.00 will cover a replacement windshield for many vehicles. But some windshields can cost a great deal more, especially if they incorporate a radio antenna or heating element.

Cars are almost part of my physiology. I grew up playing amongst the dusty shelves of my family's auto parts store. In my reckless youth pushing our delivery trucks to the point of mechanical failure was the best way I could find to learn about cars and how they worked. As a responsible adult I channel that interest into connecting with fellow enthusiasts through events, writing and social media.