Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Skyglide on October 11, 2007, 05:20:41 pm
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We all have to deal with locked gates.
What do you find best to carry on board to get over them or undo bolts?
Chris
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jump!
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always try to undo the bolts if we can, that way you only have to get the steps out of the side door rather than un clamp ladders etc, bit tricky with a bottom bolt, we sometimes use an unger pole that we dont clean windows with anymore we can usually bash the bolt over with that
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Bolt cutters, wire snips, chainsaw and a needle.
Should just about get you through anything without the need to use your ladders and nearly break your back
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I use an old universsal 25ft to pole vault! Luke
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We use various things - a sturdy bucket upide down,short pointer, longer pointer.
Someone out there must have something better.
Chris
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if they are pad locked, split the ladder put half over, then pull the other half over.
if its just a bolt unger pole, whack
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bolt cutters
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telescopic ladder
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One half of an old ext'n ladder cut down to 5'. Carry this alongside my pole. Short ext'n pole carried on my trolley for those bolts half way down gate.
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Hand granade, works every time. ;D
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Knock and ask em to unlock it :o
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I tend to use a phone.
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first i phone
if that don't work try a crowbar
if that don't work i clean fronts only
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We all have to deal with locked gates.
What do you find best to carry on board to get over them or undo bolts?
Chris
I have one of those things they use in supermarkets for stacking higher shelves. I don't know what they're called but they are circular on top and have wheels on so you can push it along. When you stand on it the whole thing drops and the wheels disengage. That lets me reach most gate bolts. If I'm unable to reach a bolt with it, I get my stepladder out. If that doesn't work, they can get another window cleaner.
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Get a broom stick and duck tape a small claw hammer to it, when u need to push open a bottom bolton on a gate it worrks a treat , you can use the claw side to push the bolt holder bit into place , then with the hammer end nock it open :), and after a while of doing it you will learn how to lock them after ;)
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Get a brook stick and duck tape a small claw hammerto it, when u needto push open a bottom bolton a gate it word a treat , you can use the claw side to push the bold holder bit into place , then with the hammer end nock it open :), and after a while of doing it you will learn how to lock them after ;)
I carry a claw hammer for that very purpose too :)
I don't put it on a broomstick though. If I had a broomstick I would fly over the gate anyway.
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Get a brook stick and duck tape a small claw hammerto it, when u needto push open a bottom bolton a gate it word a treat , you can use the claw side to push the bold holder bit into place , then with the hammer end nock it open :), and after a while of doing it you will learn how to lock them after ;)
I carry a claw hammer for that very purpose too :)
I don't put it on a broomstick though. If I had a broomstick I would fly over the gate anyway.
Ha! ;D
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Phone them the night before, or I have the combination number or keys.
Used to use my small pointer, but don't carry it any more.
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I leave the night before and dig a tunnel
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Phone them the night before, or I have the combination number or keys.
Used to use my small pointer, but don't carry it any more.
I do a txt service... 'message from your window cleaner. your windows are due for a clean tomorrow ,please leave the gate unlocked' but i keep the hammer on a broomstick just incase :)
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I leave the night before and dig a tunnel
;D ;D ;D that tickled me, especially as a first post.
Matt
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I leave the night before and dig a tunnel
;D ;D ;D
I like that one! ;)
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hop over ..... or has the gate got spikes on ? god i thought window cleaners fit ,
come on , ladder bucket, tool belt ..... now its just a pole , have we gone soft?
steve
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Houses with locked gates I ask the owners for a spare key or suggest they fit a combination lock that I know the number to.
If they won't let me have a key then I phone the bigger houses the evening before and if the gate is locked the backs don't get cleaned and I charge extra in proportion for cleaning the front and sides only as I've been inconvenienced because of the owners forgetfulness for which there is no excuse. Fairs fair!
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Just thought of another 2 options,,
pogo stick ( over )
Beergut in and Limbo ( under )
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Thanks for all the replies - very helpful as usual.
Neil_A great idea with the claw hammer attached to a stick.
M&C I will use a cut down ladder as well.
However Cybersye - we have a telescopic ladder gathering dust in the corner of our unit. Didn't get on with it over gates. Trying to haul it up from the other side and it telescoping out, getting the thing slightly out of alignment or trapping fingers, bendy and unweildly, etc. Very frustrating.
Will get kitted out this weekend.
Chris
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I use my climbing skills and agility!
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Sometimes I use my "walk away and say sod it" ;D
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Houses with locked gates I ask the owners for a spare key or suggest they fit a combination lock that I know the number to.
If they won't let me have a key then I phone the bigger houses the evening before and if the gate is locked the backs don't get cleaned and I charge extra in proportion for cleaning the front and sides only as I've been inconvenienced because of the owners forgetfulness for which there is no excuse. Fairs fair!
Make a list of people who have a locked gate, Call the night before and say you will be there to clean next day, if they forget to unlock (thats their mistake) they get billed the full amount ;)
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a screwdriver it opes up the padlock screws a dream
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drive off..... with a view to being dropped by me eventually. :o