Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: H MAN on August 04, 2018, 01:21:38 am

Title: Window squeegee no real change theory
Post by: H MAN on August 04, 2018, 01:21:38 am
Have been window cleaning for about 18 years.
Noticed that squeegee wise, that there has been no real change how they are made.
Fixed squeegee make up most of the market.
And swivel type squeegees.
What we are talking about is the (handles)
They are thin, thick, big or small at one end of the handle small indentions on grip handle or rubber grip pads etc.
So the handle has economic grip??
Yes it has when you hold it vertically.
However when using squeegee you do not use it vertically but more like horizontally to the surfaced.
Believe this is what’s causing many people to getting RSI cramping in the hands, wrists, forearms, fingers and shoulders.
Maybe that manufactures do not want to change now because it might obsolete what products they sell now??
So it is very possible they (manufactures) may have solutions to this but choose to not make them because of the above.
So as said it is only theory.
In this day and age do you really think there is not other better alterative to what they are making now?
Do you believe that squeegee  handles need to be designed to the way it griped /held.

If there any (manufactures) like to have bit of input on this you have the stage.


Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: windowswashed on August 04, 2018, 10:16:35 am
Gardiner sell pole handles that can be fitted on 45ft poles and Reach it sell two pole handles that can be attached to poles as well. Trouble is that whilst trying to hold a wide circumference pole for long periods is straining the wrists at times and ergonomically challenging it would make more sense to develop these handles for your everyday domestic poles like 25, 30, 35 ft poles, that would make more sense. I can't comment on Gardiner pole handles, they look well buit but I can comment on reach it's pole handles which in practise do work very well and reduce wrist strain and make the job easier. The problem is trying to adapt  them to fit smaller diameter poles. Would be nice to see someone selling a swivelling handle like Reach it's for smaller diameter poles as  it's the swivel joint that takes the wear and tear that can be replaced for little money instead of the wear and tear on our wrist joints with repetitive straining over long time use
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: zesty on August 04, 2018, 10:45:23 am
Gardiner sell pole handles that can be fitted on 45ft poles and Reach it sell two pole handles that can be attached to poles as well. Trouble is that whilst trying to hold a wide circumference pole for long periods is straining the wrists at times and ergonomically challenging it would make more sense to develop these handles for your everyday domestic poles like 25, 30, 35 ft poles, that would make more sense. I can't comment on Gardiner pole handles, they look well buit but I can comment on reach it's pole handles which in practise do work very well and reduce wrist strain and make the job easier. The problem is trying to adapt  them to fit smaller diameter poles. Would be nice to see someone selling a swivelling handle like Reach it's for smaller diameter poles as  it's the swivel joint that takes the wear and tear that can be replaced for little money instead of the wear and tear on our wrist joints with repetitive straining over long time use

Erm, he’s talking about squeegees....
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: dazmond on August 04, 2018, 08:44:55 pm
I don't believe squeegees need to change.....my Unger ergotech ones are fine....I've never had a problem with wrist strains etc even when I was 100% trad.....now my trad work is around 5% of my work(95% WFP these days).....

By the way I spent 17 years using a squeegee every day.....
 
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 04, 2018, 09:44:59 pm
Yes that what many people have told me.
But there are just as many told me that they have problems as above.
Not expecting any change soon.
But then again people using these at the time said the same as you did.
50 years ago.
(https://rayneressex.com/content/uploads/2017/03/iStock-165881743_600x600.jpg)
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: windowswashed on August 04, 2018, 10:09:48 pm
I misread the article so I appologise. Whilst I've mentioned about wfpole, why can't manufacturers make swivel handles for their poles, it's doable and would save a whole lot of repetitive straining for long term users. Comments appreciated for anyone who has used them  WFpole handles is like waterfed rinse bars comparing to jets
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: dazmond on August 05, 2018, 10:21:34 am
Yes that what many people have told me.
But there are just as many told me that they have problems as above.
Not expecting any change soon.
But then again people using these at the time said the same as you did.
50 years ago.
(https://rayneressex.com/content/uploads/2017/03/iStock-165881743_600x600.jpg)

Some people are just weak....(or very old)...ain't no squeegee gonna make a difference..... ;D
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 05, 2018, 10:57:03 am
No your right there is no squeegee handle out there that is going to make any  difference at the moment.
But like the phone in time, sure someone will develop one that will ease /stop RSI cramping in the hands wrists etc when using.


 



 
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Soupy on August 05, 2018, 11:29:07 am
No your right there is no squeegee handle out there that is going to make any  difference at the moment.
But like the phone in time, sure someone will develop one that will ease /stop RSI cramping in the hands wrists etc when using.

I don't think ergonomics was the issue with the phone to be honest. My phone I have now isn't particularly ergonomic. The reason the early mobiles were so big was because the options were limited by the battery technology.

We have used a brass 'fixed handle' squeegees for years. Never had an issue.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Slacky on August 05, 2018, 03:18:54 pm
I haven’t had a squeegee issue window cleaning for a long time.

I just pass trad work on to the local ladder monkey.

RSI is his issue now.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 05, 2018, 10:04:34 pm
Yes that what many people have told me.
But there are just as many told me that they have problems as above.
Not expecting any change soon.
But then again people using these at the time said the same as you did.
50 years ago.
(https://rayneressex.com/content/uploads/2017/03/iStock-165881743_600x600.jpg)

Some people are just weak....(or very old)...ain't no squeegee gonna make a difference..... ;D
Suppose you are right then.
We will not worry about the other people that do have problems griping /holding squeegee handles???
Is this what you mean??

Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: dazmond on August 06, 2018, 12:25:48 pm
i think if your having a problem gripping/holding a squeegee handle then you must have arthritis of some kind and maybe its time to hang up your squeegee and retire.....or go part time window cleaning....

Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Slacky on August 06, 2018, 01:21:20 pm
Or WFP.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 06, 2018, 01:40:39 pm
i think if your having a problem gripping/holding a squeegee handle then you must have arthritis of some kind and maybe its time to hang up your squeegee and retire.....or go part time window cleaning....
You are right have got arthritis did have problems gripping / holding  squeegee handles cramping hands fingers going numb etc.
Notice said did have problems.
Not now in fact can use the squeegee all day without any problems.

Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: dazmond on August 06, 2018, 04:31:26 pm
Or WFP.

i think if your having problems holding a squeegee then WFP will probably be worse!
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Dave Willis on August 06, 2018, 08:10:16 pm
I’d imagine the market is so small for disabled window cleaners that it’s just not worth the set up costs to manufacture specialist handles. By the way, anyone tried a floppy windscreen wiper on the glass yet? Only four quid in Tesco. Go on Herman, you know you want too.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 07, 2018, 09:04:52 am
I’d imagine the market is so small for disabled window cleaners that it’s just not worth the set up costs to manufacture specialist handles. By the way, anyone tried a floppy windscreen wiper on the glass yet? Only four quid in Tesco. Go on Herman, you know you want too.
Very good Dave you always had ideas on another forum few years back.
Although you stoped with  the ideas  why would that be.
.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: John Mart on August 07, 2018, 11:46:11 am
I’d imagine the market is so small for disabled window cleaners that it’s just not worth the set up costs to manufacture specialist handles. By the way, anyone tried a floppy windscreen wiper on the glass yet? Only four quid in Tesco. Go on Herman, you know you want too.
Very good Dave you always had ideas on another forum few years back.
Although you stoped with  the ideas  why would that be.
.
Open mic nights.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Dave Willis on August 07, 2018, 08:03:17 pm
Bored with cleaning windows basically. Done it for eleven years and have little interest anymore. Just a job now.
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 09, 2018, 07:05:35 am
I’d imagine the market is so small for disabled window cleaners that it’s just not worth the set up costs to manufacture specialist handles. By the way, anyone tried a floppy windscreen wiper on the glass yet? Only four quid in Tesco. Go on Herman, you know you want too.
Very good Dave you always had ideas on another forum few years back.
Although you stoped with  the ideas  why would that be.
.

There's another forum??? ??? ??? ???

 :D
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: Dave Willis on August 09, 2018, 08:39:15 am
There’s also another Dave Willis 🙂
Title: Re: WINDOW SQUEEGEE NO REAL CHANGE THEORY
Post by: H MAN on August 14, 2018, 06:09:01 am
It probably will not happen anyway.
May have some sort of conspiracy?
Just think for a moment,(Hypothetically of cause)
Someone has developed handle for squeegee that allows you to hold/grip many way’s (while using in natural movement).
Same time eliminating cramping and less likelihood of developing RSI.
Would you buy such a tool with a handle like that??
If manufacture brings this handle into market place.
They will effectually eliminate there own current handles from the market.
For them it would be counter productive
Point being why, would manufacture want to let it on the market.
Only if there is a stand alone manufacture that have not the restraints or just make for a company.
That has these different handles.