Quick answer: A PDR line board is a reflection reference that helps a technician inspect panel shape before, during, and after a repair. Use the stripe pattern against nearby clean metal, not as a standalone verdict: lows generally widen reflected stripes and highs generally pinch or crowd them, but orientation, viewing angle, and panel curvature can alter the apparent pattern. Set a readable reference first, then confirm any interpretation from another angle before choosing a push, pull, or knockdown action.
1. How should I set up a PDR line board?
Set the board so its stripes cross the suspected damage and continue onto clean metal of a similar contour. When the clean reference and dent are both readable, adjust board height, angle, or brightness one at a time; do not keep changing everything together because the pattern becomes hard to compare. If glare hides the reference area, stop diagnosing the panel and reposition the board. Next, make a small head movement and confirm that the distortion stays in the same panel location.
2. Can a beginner use a PDR line board?
Yes, a beginner can use a line board as a disciplined seeing tool before making any repair move. When practicing, start with a known shallow dent and compare its stripes to the adjacent clean panel; do not treat a single bent line as proof of the exact repair action. If the beginner cannot describe the difference after changing view, stop pushing and reset the setup. Next, use the three-angle method in the line-board reading guide before applying more pressure.
3. How do reflected lines distinguish a low from a high?
Reflected stripes crossing a low generally spread or widen, while stripes crossing a high generally pinch or crowd together, as shown in Learn PDR Online's line-board training explanation. When that pattern appears, compare it to nearby clean metal and view it from another angle, because board orientation, viewing angle, strong curvature, and crown-to-center transitions can change the appearance. Do not force the panel from one visual cue alone. Next, reorient the board if the reference cannot be read cleanly and confirm the direction before choosing a correction.
4. When should I use a line board instead of a fog board?
Use a striped line board when you need a clear directional pattern for locating broad lows, highs, or crown movement. A fog or gradient board can be more useful when subtle finishing texture is the condition you are inspecting, but it may not show every defect as clearly on every paint color or curve. If either board produces glare or no clean reference, stop and change the setup rather than guessing. Next, inspect the same area with the board that makes the remaining difference most readable.
5. What should I do when glare hides the lines?
Reduce glare by changing the board distance, angle, or brightness until the stripe edges are readable against clean paint. When glare follows the light position rather than a fixed panel location, it is a setup signal, not a metal diagnosis; do not knock down or push based on that artifact. If you still cannot compare a clean reference area, stop the inspection and reorient the board. Next, inspect the stripe edges after lowering or offsetting the board slightly, then repeat the comparison.
6. How bright should a PDR inspection light be?
Use enough brightness to separate the stripes from the paint without washing out their edges. When glossy paint or a close board position creates a bright bloom, lower the output or change the angle; maximum brightness is not automatically more informative. Do not interpret a disappearing line as a repaired panel until the contrast is stable. Next, set brightness at the lowest level that leaves both the dent and clean reference legible.
7. Why does battery power matter for a line board?
Battery power matters because mobile inspection needs a stable light source where an outlet may not be convenient. When evaluating a portable board, check the actual charging method, mounting, and runtime documentation for the unit being considered; do not infer those details from an unresolved model listing. If power drops or the board cannot stay mounted safely, stop using it for final inspection. Next, confirm the current product documentation and test the board's secure setup before relying on it at a job.
8. How far should a PDR line board be from the panel?
Place the board far enough away that the reflected stripes remain distinct across both the damage and a clean reference area. When the board is too close, glare and exaggerated stripe movement can make the defect harder to interpret; too far away can reduce useful contrast. Do not use a fixed distance for every panel because curvature, paint finish, and the size of the damage change the view. Next, move the board gradually until the reference pattern is clear, then keep that position while you compare angles.
9. How should I use a line board for final inspection?
Use the line board to compare the repaired area with nearby original panel texture from more than one reasonable angle. When a residual wave, tiny high, or crown transition appears only in one view, inspect it again before making a final correction; do not call the repair complete because one stripe looks straight. If the reflection cannot be compared to clean metal, stop and reset the board. Next, perform a primary, offset, and cross-view check before closing the repair.
10. What should buyers check before choosing a PDR line board?
Buyers should check whether the board produces a readable pattern, mounts securely, and has documented power and service details appropriate to their workflow. When comparing options, assess contrast, brightness control, board size, mounting, charging or power interface, and replacement support; do not rely on an unverified model name or a generic product claim. If the seller cannot document a needed feature, stop treating it as confirmed. Next, use the buying criteria in the PDR tool selection guide and request the current product documentation.
For the underlying reflection logic, consult Learn PDR Online's line-board tutorial and Dent Time's basic line-board explanation.
Editorial review
- Super PDR: SuperPDR Editorial Team
- Review date: 2026-07-14
- Review basis: Editorially checked against the listed professional PDR training sources; no individual technical reviewer is claimed.
- Revision note: Corrected the low/high reflection guidance: lows generally spread or widen reflected stripes, while highs generally pinch or crowd them.