{"id":556,"date":"2017-05-08T15:27:13","date_gmt":"2017-05-08T19:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/?p=556"},"modified":"2024-04-03T21:18:49","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T01:18:49","slug":"one-vs-two-person-installation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/one-vs-two-person-installation\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Install Auto Glass: One- vs. Two-Person Installation"},"content":{"rendered":"

How many workers does it take to install a new windshield? It\u2019s a question that most auto glass technicians must consider. It also brings up some points that you may want to question windshield replacement shops on before\u00a0committing to replacement. Which is better: the labor-intensive, two-man installation or technology-driven machinery? The pros and cons of both methods can play an important role in a safe and successful installation. This isn\u2019t a typical throw down, but the debate on who\u2014or what\u2014can best install windshields shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.<\/p>\n

It Takes Two<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Most windshield<\/a> replacements can be done by one technician. A two-man set utilizes two technicians to guide, hold and set the windshield for precision and accuracy. In certain instances, the windshield\u2019s weight or size keeps it from being handled by just one technician. The windshield replacement in some larger vehicles requires a second technician because of the massive weight of the glass.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A two-man set utilizes two technicians to guide, hold and set the windshield in place for precision and accuracy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This method also helps verify that the glass is seated properly and doesn’t leak. While very large, heavy or bulky windshields require two technicians, some companies always use two for greater accuracy.<\/p>\n

First-Hand Experience<\/strong><\/h1>\n

According to Cornelia, Ga.-based Anderson Windshield Complete Auto Glass<\/a> Service\u2019s website, the company \u201calways use[s] a two-man-set \u2026 whether we do it in our auto glass shop or in the field. We never allow one man to set a windshield. This ensures a proper set and seal and is the primary reason we have so few call-backs.\u201d<\/p>\n

For mobile installations, experts say two technicians can improve personal and roadway safety. Acting as a co-pilot, the technician sitting in the passenger\u2019s seat can provide driving instructions. The second person can also better correspond with customers and the glass shop on the phone or checking email. This keeps the driver from being distracted. The team of two can remember special tasks better than one tech. This also allows another pair of eyes to review\u00a0and inspect the work.<\/p>\n

The Rebuttal\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

New industry equipment is available that allows auto glass technicians to install windshields alone on traditional two-tech jobs<\/a>. Caryn Birkhauser is the operations manager of AEGIS Tools International Inc. The company created the Solo II, which helps one technician set windshields. One advantage of utilizing windshield handling equipment is the increased prevention value from serious health ailments. The Solo II is a system that acts as a second person by holding one side of the windshield.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Equipment has been developed designed to allow one technician to handle the full windshield replacement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe tool helps prevent work-related injuries, such as back, neck and shoulder strains, by supporting the windshield for the technician,\u201d says Birkhauser. \u201cMany technicians use the Solo II for every installation to avoid repetitive lifting and reaching with a windshield.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Birkhauser, mechanical installers also increase productivity because it takes one technician to install a wider variety of windshields. In addition, the glass shop has more flexibility in scheduling installations when only one technician is needed.<\/p>\n

Even More Options<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Doug Daigle, with The Auto Glass Installer (TAGI), says\u00a0training new technicians to operate the equipment can be quick and easy. On average it takes less than 10 minutes to apply a windshield with this installation method, according to TAGI officials. One of the tool\u2019s unique features is that installation is done by remote control. This allows the technician the ability to walk around and check the position of the glass before the final set.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe advantage of using TAGI to install a windshield compared to a two-man set is the labor savings and safety,\u201d says Daigle. \u201cWith TAGI, one technician can install a windshield in a vehicle up to eight feet in height with TAGI carrying all the weight through the installation procedure. The two-man installation on an over-height vehicle is very unsafe because each technician has to be on a ladder to install the windshield.\u201d<\/p>\n

Installation Helper<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Another product is the SideKick, developed and manufactured by the Pipe Knife Co. exclusively for Equalizer. Dell Skluzak came up with the idea while working side by side with an installer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is primarily suction cups with a stop on the bottom and an L-shaped bracket on top to hold or gap the glass off the frame prior to setting. The design is simple. While it doesn\u2019t do everything some of the more sophisticated setting tools will do, it\u2019s less expensive so more techs can afford it.\u201d<\/p>\n

While many shops still use the two-man technique, some foresee a gradual switch to using tools to replace one technician.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will always be some shops that choose to set windshields with two technicians, especially if they are in the shop and the extra person is available,\u201d says Birkhauser. \u201cIf businesses are concerned about productivity and technician safety they will want to move toward setting assistance tools.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meeting on Common Ground\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

When it comes to the two-man set versus mechanical windshield installation, a number of factors can come into play. These include the auto glass shop\u2019s staff size, employee interest in learning the technology as well as the shop\u2019s budget. Whether replacing by hand or handle, if it\u2019s a quality job, includes quick service and long-lasting results, the job will be successful.<\/p>\n

Help When You Need It<\/strong><\/h1>\n

When you\u2019re ready to find a quality technician near you, turn to Glass.com to help navigate your search. If you had your windshield replaced recently, comment below and let us know which method was used.<\/u><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How many workers does it take to install a new windshield? It\u2019s a question that most auto glass technicians must consider. It also brings up some points that you may want to question windshield replacement shops on before\u00a0committing to replacement. Which is better: the labor-intensive, two-man installation or technology-driven machinery? The pros and cons of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1352],"tags":[12,38],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/556"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=556"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70395,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/556\/revisions\/70395"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}