Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dave Willis on May 16, 2013, 06:42:38 pm

Title: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Dave Willis on May 16, 2013, 06:42:38 pm
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: niceandclean on May 16, 2013, 07:04:36 pm
That's good to hear!!
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: bobplum on May 16, 2013, 07:21:14 pm
just waiting for mine :D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: SB Cleaning on May 16, 2013, 07:26:32 pm
I have just finished fitting  mine .....looking forward to trying them tomorrow :)
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Ronnie Bryce on May 16, 2013, 07:51:12 pm
They're leaving spot's. >:( >:(
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: tlwcs on May 16, 2013, 09:31:40 pm
They're leaving spot's. >:( >:(
lmao
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on May 16, 2013, 09:40:11 pm
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!

i know what you mean about the clamps flopping when you open them, but i have  used my new slx for 6 full days of work and i have the knack now.

i fitted a set of  upgrade clamps on my 3 year old slx and they really do clamp just as easy on the worn and the unworn surface with no adjustment....a massive leap forward.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Fin Clearview on May 16, 2013, 10:05:53 pm
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!

i know what you mean about the clamps flopping when you open them, but i have  used my new slx for 6 full days of work and i have the knack now.

i fitted a set of  upgrade clamps on my 3 year old slx and they really do clamp just as easy on the worn and the unworn surface with no adjustment....a massive leap forward.

What is the knack? I've tried half opening the clamp but the pole won't collapse/extend. If I fully open then it has a tendency to flop..
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Alex Gardiner on May 16, 2013, 10:24:42 pm
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!

i know what you mean about the clamps flopping when you open them, but i have  used my new slx for 6 full days of work and i have the knack now.

i fitted a set of  upgrade clamps on my 3 year old slx and they really do clamp just as easy on the worn and the unworn surface with no adjustment....a massive leap forward.

What is the knack? I've tried half opening the clamp but the pole won't collapse/extend. If I fully open then it has a tendency to flop..

A 'knack' shouldn't be needed with these clamps. They are designed so that the levers are slightly loose when fully open. However if they are too loose then tighten the clamp bolt adjuster by a full turn or so and this should limit the range of movement on the lever arm.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on May 16, 2013, 10:25:47 pm
Thanks for the review. im gonna get some soon too
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on May 16, 2013, 10:27:01 pm
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!

i know what you mean about the clamps flopping when you open them, but i have  used my new slx for 6 full days of work and i have the knack now.

i fitted a set of  upgrade clamps on my 3 year old slx and they really do clamp just as easy on the worn and the unworn surface with no adjustment....a massive leap forward.

What is the knack? I've tried half opening the clamp but the pole won't collapse/extend. If I fully open then it has a tendency to flop..

I flick the clamp open with my index finger and catch the clamp on my thumb, exstend section then close with thumb.  :)

As you say occasionally if you dont flick the clamp open enough it wont exstend, its a case of flicking the clamp open..

Have you seen Alex in his video showing the new clamps? He plays those clamps beautifully, he should be on The Joules Holland show  ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Fin Clearview on May 16, 2013, 10:54:26 pm
Cheers chaps, I'll definately check out the video for the masterclass!
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: rich fraser on May 16, 2013, 10:58:18 pm
Plays the clamps! L M A O  ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Mike #1 on May 17, 2013, 06:57:33 am
I hope it does'nt take more than 3 days to change clamps Alex had different clothes on in each section  ;D ;D . Mike
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Geoff on May 17, 2013, 07:27:09 am
Anyone got a link to these new clamps?
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: ben M on May 17, 2013, 09:46:02 am
Anyone got a link to these new clamps?
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Gardiner-Smart-Clamp-DIY-Upgrade-Kits-ClampII_SET.html
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on May 17, 2013, 11:09:18 am
I have a set now on my worn xtreme pole. Previously it was prone to collapsing, difficult to match the tension of the clamps in differing clamping points and well, a pain in the backside in use.

The new clamps take a little time to adapt to - they tend to flop when undone but in use they are superb. Sprung loaded with wider opening clamp bodies they seem much smoother too. If your pole is new then there is no need to upgrade - just wait for it to wear then change. Very similar to the old ones at first glance but totally different in reality.

Well done Gardiners!

i know what you mean about the clamps flopping when you open them, but i have  used my new slx for 6 full days of work and i have the knack now.

i fitted a set of  upgrade clamps on my 3 year old slx and they really do clamp just as easy on the worn and the unworn surface with no adjustment....a massive leap forward.

What is the knack? I've tried half opening the clamp but the pole won't collapse/extend. If I fully open then it has a tendency to flop..

I flick the clamp open with my index finger and catch the clamp on my thumb, exstend section then close with thumb.  :)

As you say occasionally if you dont flick the clamp open enough it wont exstend, its a case of flicking the clamp open..

Have you seen Alex in his video showing the new clamps? He plays those clamps beautifully, he should be on The Joules Holland show  ;D

TAKE NO NOTICE OF WHAT I SAID ABOVE  ::)roll I went to work this morning and realised I had posted utter rubish! (whats new you say? ;D)

Its all in the THUMB! when i posted that i was trying to remember how i worked the clamps and got it wrong, oh well not the end of the world but dont want a reputation as an idiot anymore than I have already proved  ;D

Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Geoff on May 17, 2013, 01:25:37 pm
ok, the idea looks good, but what Alex doesn't talk about in the vids on his site is that it's the mating surfaces of the clamps that wear out - I think more than the pole it grips.

Why otherwise can you buy spare clamps?  It's the clamps that wear most.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Lee GLS on May 17, 2013, 01:41:28 pm
ok, the idea looks good, but what Alex doesn't talk about in the vids on his site is that it's the mating surfaces of the clamps that wear out - I think more than the pole it grips.

Why otherwise can you buy spare clamps?  It's the clamps that wear most.

That doesn't explain why the section spin only in certain places (top and bottom of the pole) If the clamps wear you can adjust the screw to take up the slack.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Ronnie Bryce on May 17, 2013, 01:49:30 pm
ok, the idea looks good, but what Alex doesn't talk about in the vids on his site is that it's the mating surfaces of the clamps that wear out - I think more than the pole it grips.

Why otherwise can you buy spare clamps?  It's the clamps that wear most.

If you ever get to use a pole Norra Batty then you will know. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Geoff on May 17, 2013, 01:56:21 pm
You can speak, Arkwright.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on May 17, 2013, 05:49:22 pm
ok, the idea looks good, but what Alex doesn't talk about in the vids on his site is that it's the mating surfaces of the clamps that wear out - I think more than the pole it grips.

Why otherwise can you buy spare clamps?  It's the clamps that wear most.

What planet are you from if you don't mind me asking? ::)roll
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Dave Willis on May 17, 2013, 06:48:30 pm
Another day with them today. I have a very low angle set of windows above a lean to conservatory with the pole at thirty feet. Normally the pressure at that angle used to make at least one clamp slip and collapse the pole. No problem today, no adjustment needed of the clamps at all, no more clamps poking up when the pole goes back in the van.
Very clever and subtle solution to a  problem that used to drive me nuts.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Cliff perkins on May 17, 2013, 10:19:28 pm
If any 1 can come up with a solution to the pole hose catching on wheelie bins then we r all sorted ;-)
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: SB Cleaning on May 17, 2013, 10:29:04 pm
ok, the idea looks good, but what Alex doesn't talk about in the vids on his site is that it's the mating surfaces of the clamps that wear out - I think more than the pole it grips.

Why otherwise can you buy spare clamps?  It's the clamps that wear most.

What planet are you from if you don't mind me asking? ::)roll
I was thinking the same.....
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Mike #1 on June 18, 2013, 12:51:12 pm
Notice to anyone upgrading their clamps dont do it in the nice sunny weather as this accelerates the glue curing process just managed to get clamp No 5 on before it went off totally .

And i worked pretty fast in gluing each clamp on . Mike
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: dd on June 18, 2013, 04:59:40 pm
Not convinced by the new clamps.

I have a new slx 25 which has had about 2 weeks of daily use and I am now having to adjust the clamps a few times each day. Thought the new design was supposed to stop this.

The clamps do flop but if you tighten them to stop this it causes too much friction and thus wear on the pole sections IMO. I can live with the clamp "flop" but am peeved at the prospect of having to frequently adjust the clamps during the life of the pole.

I do look after my pole cleaning the pole hose on every job.

Nice pole in other respects but will probably try a Facelift next time around as i think their clamps are probably the best.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on June 18, 2013, 05:18:05 pm
got mine today just try to get the courage to start clueing them on as ive never done it be for
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Alex Gardiner on June 18, 2013, 05:20:58 pm
Not convinced by the new clamps.

I have a new slx 25 which has had about 2 weeks of daily use and I am now having to adjust the clamps a few times each day. Thought the new design was supposed to stop this.

The clamps do flop but if you tighten them to stop this it causes too much friction and thus wear on the pole sections IMO. I can live with the clamp "flop" but am peeved at the prospect of having to frequently adjust the clamps during the life of the pole.

I do look after my pole cleaning the pole hose on every job.

Nice pole in other respects but will probably try a Facelift next time around as i think their clamps are probably the best.

Hi dd

As you may have guessed the new clamps should not need adjusting frequently through the day! Something is not right - could you email me your telephone number to alex@agardiner.co.uk and I will give you a call back to discuss and sort this for you.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: bobplum on June 18, 2013, 06:35:10 pm
Not convinced by the new clamps.

I have a new slx 25 which has had about 2 weeks of daily use and I am now having to adjust the clamps a few times each day. Thought the new design was supposed to stop this.

The clamps do flop but if you tighten them to stop this it causes too much friction and thus wear on the pole sections IMO. I can live with the clamp "flop" but am peeved at the prospect of having to frequently adjust the clamps during the life of the pole.

I do look after my pole cleaning the pole hose on every job.

Nice pole in other respects but will probably try a Facelift next time around as i think their clamps are probably the best.

Hi dd

As you may have guessed the new clamps should not need adjusting frequently through the day! Something is not right - could you email me your telephone number to alex@agardiner.co.uk and I will give you a call back to discuss and sort this for you.

Hi alex
Mine do the same and need adjusting but i think its more to with clamp/handle section when you release the clamp i find they tend to go sloppy(very technical) or spin a bit this causes the grip to loosen on the pole
i just think the handle section may be better if it was more fixed and all the adjustment was done thru the nut on the opposite side......in my opinion :D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: [GQC] Tim on June 18, 2013, 07:10:10 pm
If any 1 can come up with a solution to the pole hose catching on wheelie bins then we r all sorted ;-)

They are called wheelie bins for a reason, wheel them out of the way.  ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Alex Gardiner on June 18, 2013, 07:10:46 pm

Hi alex
Mine do the same and need adjusting but i think its more to with clamp/handle section when you release the clamp i find they tend to go sloppy(very technical) or spin a bit this causes the grip to loosen on the pole
i just think the handle section may be better if it was more fixed and all the adjustment was done thru the nut on the opposite side......in my opinion :D

Drop me your telephone number to alex@agardiner and I will give you a call.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Moderator David@stives on June 18, 2013, 07:15:38 pm
I still have the original SLX 1 clamps, still going strong
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on June 18, 2013, 07:24:33 pm
I still have the original SLX 1 clamps, still going strong

I still have the original MKI SLX & clamps, but not together!! ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: 8weekly on June 18, 2013, 07:46:11 pm
I don't want a phone call, but mine need adjusting quite a few times each day. It doesn't bother me overly, but the glue issue is the most frustrating. I had one go again today and whilst it was me that glued the new clamps, the original ones all came unstuck from factory gluing. My xtel clamps never came unstuck, so there must be a better way.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Alex Gardiner on June 18, 2013, 08:07:28 pm
I don't want a phone call, but mine need adjusting quite a few times each day. It doesn't bother me overly, but the glue issue is the most frustrating. I had one go again today and whilst it was me that glued the new clamps, the original ones all came unstuck from factory gluing. My xtel clamps never came unstuck, so there must be a better way.

If you are willing to pay postage and collection of your pole I will glue the new clamps on for you. The glue works really well when applied as I apply it and I can guarantee that they will not come off in standard use once I have glued them on. I wouldn't usually offer this, but I feel sorry for you now!

I can also look at the adjustment issue for you.
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: 8weekly on June 18, 2013, 08:30:49 pm
I don't want a phone call, but mine need adjusting quite a few times each day. It doesn't bother me overly, but the glue issue is the most frustrating. I had one go again today and whilst it was me that glued the new clamps, the original ones all came unstuck from factory gluing. My xtel clamps never came unstuck, so there must be a better way.

If you are willing to pay postage and collection of your pole I will glue the new clamps on for you. The glue works really well when applied as I apply it and I can guarantee that they will not come off in standard use once I have glued them on. I wouldn't usually offer this, but I feel sorry for you now!

I can also look at the adjustment issue for you.
That's a kind offer, but until I have another pole it would be too costly. No need to feel sorry for me as I carry insulation tape to fix it.  ;D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: SPE on June 18, 2013, 08:41:27 pm
If any 1 can come up with a solution to the pole hose catching on wheelie bins then we r all sorted ;-)

They are called wheelie bins for a reason, wheel them out of the way.  ;D
or get a job as a bin man in Brighton, they are a bit short of them at the moment  :D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Cliff perkins on June 18, 2013, 11:20:09 pm
If any 1 can come up with a solution to the pole hose catching on wheelie bins then we r all sorted ;-)

They are called wheelie bins for a reason, wheel them out of the way.  ;D
Thanks for that i must remember to do that next time. :o
or get a job as a bin man in Brighton, they are a bit short of them at the moment  :D
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Mike #1 on June 19, 2013, 09:01:37 pm
First day with clamps brilliant , the lever does flop open a little but dont see it as a problem easily manageable very little adjustment throughout the day ,

Just a case of getting them set correctly which over the course of the day , well pleased just need a new soft Xtreme brush now getting a bit fed up of waiting . Mike
Title: Re: Gardiners new clamps - brilliant!
Post by: Mike #1 on June 28, 2013, 08:31:39 am
Just thought i would update after just over a week clamps are great no probs at all .

But just to note in relation to some lads having to adjust clamps a few times a day , If the clamp flops open and rotates slightly one way and this happens with the lever arm rotating in the same direction over the course of a day.

And you dont rotate the lever arm back over this will result in the user effectively loosening the clamp , once you get the knack of using the new clamps they are problem free . Mike