Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 03:46:53 pm

Title: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 03:46:53 pm
Hi lads just thought i would add this, may help some of you who are unsure as to how some of your top windows have turned out,

Well when i first went wfp i was unsure if the tops were done ok as some were high up could not really see from the ground!

So a couple of years ago i bought a pair of opera glasses of ebay for £5
they are very handy as they are the collapsible pocket type binoculars,
so now if i am unse i just get the glasses out for a quick check to see if they are ok and they just fit into your top pocket these are they type i use,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Folding-Opera-Theatre-Glasses-Binoculars-/180596369224?pt=UK_Collectables_Theatre_Opera_Ballet_Theatre_Programmes_Brochures_Flyers_CV&hash=item2a0c61e748
and all you do is check the windows are ok from the ground they are very handy.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: suds window service on December 10, 2010, 03:48:48 pm
your having a laff right?
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: andyM on December 10, 2010, 03:52:01 pm
BRAVO!!!  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Dave Willis on December 10, 2010, 03:52:33 pm
I use a microscope on the ground floor windows and one of those massive telescopes that bird watchers use for the top windows. Anything higher and it's the Hubble for me.  ;)
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 03:56:33 pm
Why? i can walk away knowing my windows are fine as i can see them from the ground, and if they are spots or runs then i can see them and do something about it there and then rather than hope they are ok, i check my tops before i leave a house
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: clearlyclean on December 10, 2010, 03:57:39 pm
Dont check the bedrooms before you leave  :D like confessions of a window cleaner
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: cozy on December 10, 2010, 04:07:09 pm
I find these quite handy for checking windows as we work upto 40 miles from home sometimes.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 04:10:10 pm
For thoses of you who mock the glasses how many times have you gone and done a first clean and where sure you had cleaned them right! only for the customer to tell you there was spots or runs!
Since i started using the glasses to check the tops on first cleans and cleaned what needed to be cleaned i have never had a call back since!
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: cozy on December 10, 2010, 04:18:00 pm
James, you seem like a nice bloke and you do have the odd brainstorm now and again. However, put yourself in a residents place of a street you are working in using the bino's. What are people going to think when they see some geezer wandering about looking at upstairs windows with a set of bino's. Are you in BUPA? Might be a good idea to check on medical insurance mate.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 04:23:42 pm
İozy, you can`t see all windows from the ground 20ft and over is hard to see if they are cleaned right from the ground, i use them mainly on first cleans to double check and as i have said never had a call back since using them, admit it may look odd but not had anybody say anything yet,
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Stewart01 on December 10, 2010, 05:12:50 pm
You just have to trust that the equipments doing as it should and get on with it? if i checked every window above ground floor level everyday it would take a big chunk of time out my working day, if you clean them to the best of your ability and get a call saying thy've dried bad go and re do them, i personally have never had a problem so dont see the need to go looking for problems!! ::)
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: lee09 on December 10, 2010, 05:17:11 pm
I find these quite handy for checking windows as we work upto 40 miles from home sometimes.


lmao.
James some of your posts are superb.
When I work that far from home I normally check in to local b and b as it's not so far if I am called back.
Lee
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 05:25:55 pm
opera glasses are quite strong and have a range upto 30ft
I have been using them for a few years very good for checking your work on first cleans!
as i have said since using them i have had no call backs!
I have read many a post saying to customers any problems give us a ring and we will come round and do them again free of charge!
Me i would rather wait 10 mins or so to see how the windows have turned out and deal with them there and then why go back to a house you have already cleaned!
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Ian101 on December 10, 2010, 05:34:47 pm
i would rather wait 10 mins or so to see how the windows have turned out and deal with them there and then why go back to a house you have already cleaned!

10 mins waiting blimey can do another house in that time  ;)
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Steven Shoreditch on December 10, 2010, 05:36:39 pm
Who was it that wanted to wear a welder's mask while wfping?  Something about stopping the 'caustic' water from getting in his eyes.
 ::)
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Dave Willis on December 10, 2010, 05:45:43 pm
Take hours to dry this time of year  :o
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: james44 on December 10, 2010, 05:48:13 pm
Quote
Take hours to dry this time of year

Yep your right that`s why i blade them to speed up the process!

First cleans can be a nightmare that`s why i don`t fancy going back to a house i have already cleaned!
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Stewart01 on December 10, 2010, 06:14:38 pm
Quote
Take hours to dry this time of year

Yep your right that`s why i blade them to speed up the process!

First cleans can be a nightmare that`s why i don`t fancy going back to a house i have already cleaned!
whats the point wfp them if you blade them, may aswell just do them traditionally if your up the ladder anyway then you know there ok?  ???
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: G Griffin on December 10, 2010, 08:10:56 pm
I have tried them. But the customer saw me and drew the bedroom curtains.
My natural instinct was to start applauding when the curtains closed. Then she opened them again and took a bow.
It was all very strange.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: suds window service on December 10, 2010, 09:48:29 pm
james have you met ewan?
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: weetot on December 10, 2010, 10:14:24 pm
Just check the downstairs windows, they'll be the same as the upstairs windows :)

I do a couple of prisons and if the warden seen me staring at the joint with bino's there'd be hell on!
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: ronnie paton on December 10, 2010, 10:24:57 pm
serously i know im proberly mad bt i like the idea

 have to spot check the lads work and i dont want to be getting the ladders off so may get a pair......might have to use the lenses for normal glasses or i  may get arrested.

just imagine sorry mr police man i was justr making sure the windows were cleaned properly lol

slam.....4 walls and a hard bed for the night lol
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on December 10, 2010, 10:26:15 pm
james or should i say lee???????
suds will agree
We would get shot up here if we wandered around with opera glasses cleaning windows!!!!!!!!!!
love it tho!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Happy days
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: suds window service on December 10, 2010, 10:34:08 pm
james or should i say lee???????
suds will agree
We would get shot up here if we wandered around with opera glasses cleaning windows!!!!!!!!!!
love it tho!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Happy days

kent.... i find that using a couple of t pieces and some extra hose i can clean windows faster.sticking two half poles up my jumper and one to my forehead    ......what do you think
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on December 10, 2010, 10:45:16 pm
I take my pet dog out with me! he wears the opera glasses and barks if i leave some spots!! saves me 23.4 seconds a house. 
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: suds window service on December 10, 2010, 10:48:12 pm
I take my pet dog out with me! he wears the opera glasses and barks if i leave some spots!! saves me 23.4 seconds a house. 
thats where i went wrong i only have cats. can they be trained to bark?
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: prestige cleaners on December 10, 2010, 11:20:39 pm
james you are funny sometimes.

im upset that i didnt think of it first.

will have to get my thinking cap on. back in a sec.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: prestige cleaners on December 10, 2010, 11:24:24 pm
got it.

if your unsure of bino's just rig up an abseiling rig to the chimney and scale down to check for runs. but wait 2 hrs to make sure its dried to check for runs, as its hard to see when theyre wet.

also get a set of ladders and go up (dont worry about risking your neck) and check.

my customers loves it!

or go back the next day and clean them again just to make sure
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: prestige cleaners on December 10, 2010, 11:28:44 pm
can stop laughing at the sight of a pervy windy checking out a bedroom. not good for your rep
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Matthew Bateman on December 10, 2010, 11:29:01 pm
I find these quite handy for checking windows as we work upto 40 miles from home sometimes.

Does your boyfriend have binos like too Dozy?

I bet he inverts his so they appear to show your ugly mug at a distance.

 :P
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: prestige cleaners on December 10, 2010, 11:29:25 pm
whatever you do, dont put your hand in your pants the same time!  ;D
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: prestige cleaners on December 10, 2010, 11:38:49 pm
A think the 1600 customers thread is still open :P

or its kicking off in there poor guy
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Handyman Window Cleaning Services on December 11, 2010, 12:09:47 am
i take it you drive and to pass a driving test you are required to read a number plate from about 60foot away. so to see bird muck or a spider sack on the 1st floor sould be easy.  i suggust you get glasses if you are struggling to see
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Handyman Window Cleaning Services on December 11, 2010, 12:56:22 am
that would be hard but as i was saying if you can read a plate from 60ft away a spider sack on a window from first floor (15ft away) will be easy.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: GoodFella2006 on December 11, 2010, 12:56:42 am
I always tell the new customer "as this is the first clean,you might get little dots and spots but it will be cleared off with the next clean"

If they ask me why,i tell them the frames were too dirty,but they will be much cleaner next clean so better results....

They are usually amazed to see their UPVC windows weren't actually grey,they are white,they don't complaint about the dots.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Steven Shoreditch on December 11, 2010, 12:59:35 am
Dots?
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Handyman Window Cleaning Services on December 11, 2010, 01:01:49 am
Dots?

dots nont sount as bad as spots
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Handyman Window Cleaning Services on December 11, 2010, 01:04:36 pm
i was saying 15ft for a 1st floor

you want see spots till they dried (thats if your water isnt pre enough or you havnt cleaned the winow proply). dont know if you know the full concept of WFP.
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: Jack Wallace on December 11, 2010, 04:33:22 pm
Have you tried these,
http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Yukon_NVMT4_-_Goggle_Kit.html

After all, why go home when the light fades, why not work all night.  ;D
Title: Re: Opera glasses
Post by: barry mallett on December 11, 2010, 08:48:28 pm
i just knock on the custys door and ask if i can go upstairs and check from the inside ;)