Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Ian Rochester on November 19, 2007, 05:43:54 pm

Title: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 19, 2007, 05:43:54 pm
I know this is very much personal choice, but I was just wondering what everyones preferences were for hand tools.

I have always used the extracta 3 1/2 inch hide a hose and have really liked it, just been trying out a standard stlye detailer hand tool and found it quite awkward and clumbersome in comparison.

Does anyone use any of the following and how do they find them.

CFR
Drimaster
Kleenrite

Alternatively can the extracta tool be modified to cope with a higher pressure?
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: stevegunn on November 19, 2007, 05:47:25 pm
Ian you can borrow my cfr tool to see how you find it can drop it off at Jk's then you can try the drimaster once you finished with the cfr.

Personally cfr better but drimaster better suited to prowler.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Mike Halliday on November 19, 2007, 06:03:12 pm
without a doubt the CFR is the best tool going, with the suction of a T/M (even on low revs) alot of tools grip the fabric too hard.

I use mine with a 1.5inchX20ft hide-a-hose, so the 2inch hose and solution line finish at the front door and the hide-a-hose is in the house.

my CFr was broke last week and had to clean a suite with my collection of other tools, I felt like stopping and re-booking the job when my CFR was fixed.

Luckily I realised that the CFR uses a standard PMF valve so I stripped out the plunger off one of my other tools and fixed my  cfr.

Mike
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 19, 2007, 07:22:55 pm
For a truckmount CFR
For Portable Kleenrite swivel head.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Buster Ingram on November 19, 2007, 07:26:47 pm
Why not the CFR for both Paul??
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 19, 2007, 07:30:23 pm
Truckmount too powerfull for it even down at 100 psi you still get lots of splash back, but not on a portable at 100psi  ???
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Buster Ingram on November 19, 2007, 07:31:33 pm
Sorry paul what I ment to say was why the CFR for both porty and tuck ??
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 19, 2007, 07:37:41 pm
I find the CFR  needs more suction and the result not as good using it on the porty( I know it is designed for a porty) but strangly enough it seems to work better with the truck.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 19, 2007, 10:06:10 pm
Steve,

I'd love to take you up on your offer, I'll give you a call tomorrow.

Cheers

Ian
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: mark_roberts on November 19, 2007, 11:14:49 pm
Mike

Do you not find on the Tm that 20ft of 1.5inch hide a hose restricts vac power even for upholstery.

Mark
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: John Kelly on November 20, 2007, 12:07:12 am
I run a 20' whip on a Prowler, probably get more suck using 2" and short whip but suction and airflow is still excellent.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Mike Halliday on November 20, 2007, 07:41:05 am
Mark, Like Paul I might lose some suction with the 20ft whip hide-a-hose but  considering the suction is applied over a 3inches tool it is still more powerful the full vacuum used with a 12inch wand.

and I run half revs, if I needed more vac power I could turn up the engine.

Mike
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on November 20, 2007, 09:25:59 am
I know this is very much personal choice, but I was just wondering what everyones preferences were for hand tools.

I have always used the extracta 3 1/2 inch hide a hose and have really liked it, just been trying out a standard stlye detailer hand tool and found it quite awkward and clumbersome in comparison.

Does anyone use any of the following and how do they find them.

CFR
Drimaster
Kleenrite

Alternatively can the extracta tool be modified to cope with a higher pressure?

im the same as you i loved the small extracta tool and i now have a dri master tool , but i am not getting away with it so im going to try the cfr and if that no good im going to by a new extracta tool pull it to bits and get the cuts changed so it will take the power of the t.m

wheres the best place to get a cff tool ??
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 20, 2007, 03:57:33 pm
If you manage to modify it let me know, I'm half tempted to ring Brian at extracta and ask him if they could do it. 

Is it just the hose that can't stand the pressure/temp or is it the trigger assy as well?
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: mark_roberts on November 20, 2007, 06:15:03 pm
Having cleaned two suites today with the CFR tool I find a cramp like feeling in my right hand fingers.

Im putting this down to the design and esp the trigger resistance of the CFR tool.

Has anyone modified a CFR tool to make it more user friendly.

thanks
Mark
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 20, 2007, 06:59:33 pm
Mark I had the same thing, I cut the metal trigger down by about an inch which makes it easier to use, but even so its still a pain to get used to. Im o with it now but it too several months to combat the aches from using it. Its a great tool but not very user friendly.
The best tool and easiest to use out the lot is the Klenrite swivelhead.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Chris R on November 20, 2007, 09:29:52 pm
If you manage to modify it let me know, I'm half tempted to ring Brian at extracta and ask him if they could do it. 

Is it just the hose that can't stand the pressure/temp or is it the trigger assy as well?

its the trigger valve and hose that can only take up to 150 psi.

Extracta will not do the conversion. Which is a shame because i am sure they would sell a lot if they would. Best stair tool by a mile, but no good with a T/M  >:(
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on November 21, 2007, 06:58:45 am
If you manage to modify it let me know, I'm half tempted to ring Brian at extracta and ask him if they could do it. 

Is it just the hose that can't stand the pressure/temp or is it the trigger assy as well?

its the trigger valve and hose that can only take up to 150 psi.

Extracta will not do the conversion. Which is a shame because i am sure they would sell a lot if they would. Best stair tool by a mile, but no good with a T/M  >:(

its ashame extracta wont help themselfs im going to send mine to h.m. im sure they will sort it for me , but you can do it yourself , but im not sure where to get the bits , there will be some one that will on here maybe john kelly or the guys from express cleaning may help ??????
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 21, 2007, 07:33:58 am
Steve's going to loan me his CFR to try out, I've just realised I've got 9 suites to do between this morning and next wednesday morning!!

Choosing the wrong hand tool can be an expensive mistake to make, all the decent ones are banging around the £250-£300 mark which is a lot to pay out if it's not going to give you what you want from it.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: PaulKing on November 21, 2007, 06:08:23 pm
If you manage to modify it let me know, I'm half tempted to ring Brian at extracta and ask him if they could do it. 

Is it just the hose that can't stand the pressure/temp or is it the trigger assy as well?

valve jam up at over 150 psi on those tools as had one that i like and had the soloution hose replaced and swaged and that found out hat the valve can't take it, I'll have a look and see if there is a spare PMF bypass in the unit for you tomorrow
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 21, 2007, 07:21:18 pm
If you manage to modify it let me know, I'm half tempted to ring Brian at extracta and ask him if they could do it. 

Is it just the hose that can't stand the pressure/temp or is it the trigger assy as well?

its the trigger valve and hose that can only take up to 150 psi.

Extracta will not do the conversion. Which is a shame because i am sure they would sell a lot if they would. Best stair tool by a mile, but no good with a T/M  >:(

The CFR hand tool is designed for high psi . The optimun psi for this tool is 300.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: brian willis on November 21, 2007, 07:30:19 pm
 I use the HM dry master tool this works fine for me.more than happy..

  Cheers Bri
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: *paul_moss on November 21, 2007, 07:32:06 pm
The CFR hand tool is designed for high psi . The optimun psi for this tool is 300.
 
 
 
 
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 24, 2007, 05:13:25 pm
Just been using Steve G's CFR hand tool yesterday and today at 300 psi, why is the head so far in front of the trigger and handle mechanism?

It's like they have designed the tool but not thought of the hand that is going to be using it!  I also find that the actual handle is too thick to grasp easily.  By the end of cleaning a suite this morning my hand felt like a 17 year olds after a morning in bed with a copy of FHM ;D
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on November 26, 2007, 10:27:21 pm
Two more suites today with the CFR, getting used to it a bit but still not comfortable with it.
 
Got to give it back tomorrow!
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Jason Hedges on November 26, 2007, 10:40:46 pm
Hi Ian,

I used to use a drimaster but have been using prochems t/m upholstery tool lately. Was considering a cfr as everyone seems to rave about them. But you and others have said about being awkward to use. Apart from not being comfortable to use, any other comments good or bad?

All the best,
Jason.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Joe H on November 27, 2007, 07:40:32 am
Whn I first got my CFR handtool, I too found it awkward to use.
I bought a "relacement" handtool.
I mentioned the "problem" to the supplier one time. His advice was to persevere.
So I did.
Still dont find it really comfortable to use, its heavy, but it does the job extremely well.
I am glad I persevered and the "replacement" tool hardly gets used.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on December 05, 2007, 05:05:45 pm
Had a little go with Steve Gunns Drimaster tool today, thanks again Steve, but I think it's a bit too radical for me!!! 

Sometimes I like to just "mist" the fabric and do drying passes to clean if that is all that's required, you can't do this with the drimaster tool.

However, after having a go with a Prochem swivel head handtool (with bypass) at John Kelly's Restormate today, I've decided that this is the one for me.

It feels very comfortable in the hand, similar in style to the extracta tool, got a nice heavy head and I really like the idea of the swivel collar between the tool and the hose.

Hopefully Lynn has put the order in today and I should have it by the weekend.

Will let you know how I get on with it when it arrives, there's plenty of suites to try in on over the next couple of weeks!!
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: gwrightson on December 05, 2007, 05:15:03 pm
Ian,

why dont you just say that you cut corners  :) ;)  ;) 

What you mean is you mist the sides and back, and a quick once over . YES !!! ;D   save time , but saving time with the drimaster is an essence , no drying strokes required, 
I do know what you mean though  :D  because no spray you cannot acheive a misting .

geoff
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on December 05, 2007, 06:17:40 pm
well i spok to brain at extracta today andafter the xmas rush ill be getting a extracta tool made for the t.m. cant wait i hate all the others  :'( i guess its what im used too
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on December 05, 2007, 06:30:14 pm
Cut corners........me, I'll have you for slander!!!!!!

I do what is necessary to clean the fabric, as I was taught to do!!

I spoke to Brain and John last week and they said that the tooling costs would be too expensive!  Maybe they've had enough people asking for them to take the plunge.

Are you getting a 3 1/2" tool or the 6".

I would definatly get a 6" tool made up as there is no better tool for stairs or rugs (IMO ;D)
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on December 05, 2007, 07:28:09 pm
Cut corners........me, I'll have you for slander!!!!!!

I do what is necessary to clean the fabric, as I was taught to do!!

I spoke to Brain and John last week and they said that the tooling costs would be too expensive!  Maybe they've had enough people asking for them to take the plunge.

Are you getting a 3 1/2" tool or the 6".

I would definatly get a 6" tool made up as there is no better tool for stairs or rugs (IMO ;D)


theres no need for any tooling at all just need to change the bits ! trigger and lines,  going to take my pro chem one in to show them what i want got to be worth ago , im going to get both done a 3inc and a 6inc will let you know how i get on 

Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Chris R on December 05, 2007, 11:38:11 pm
well i spok to brain at extracta today andafter the xmas rush ill be getting a extracta tool made for the t.m. cant wait i hate all the others  :'( i guess its what im used too

Have you got to buy a new one or will they modify a secondhand one ?
thanks
Chris
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on December 06, 2007, 07:04:49 am
well i spok to brain at extracta today andafter the xmas rush ill be getting a extracta tool made for the t.m. cant wait i hate all the others  :'( i guess its what im used too

Have you got to buy a new one or will they modify a secondhand one ?
thanks
Chris

not sure yet , i need a new small one but ive got a brand new 6inc so ill see what they say
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Alan Brooker. Aqualink Carpet Care on December 06, 2007, 07:49:34 am
Has anyone on hear tried Steamways Kinetic handtool designed for use at 400 psi on anything? I know Paul Pearce swears by it.
Alan
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: Ian Rochester on December 06, 2007, 04:46:58 pm
Got a phone call from Lynn at Restormate today, Prochem tool has arrived, super fast delivery from Prochem.

Just did a small job with it this afternoon, recliner chair and rug and ........ I like it!!  It feels really good in the hand and the swivel makes cleaning in corners easy.
Title: Re: Preferred Hand Tool - TM
Post by: liahona on December 06, 2007, 05:21:10 pm
Alan, I use the steamway one amongst others and find it to be very good.  I cant really comment too much more than that on it or others as I dont clean hardly any furniture as I hate doing it and I dont really get a call for it anyway.  The job I did yesterday of which I posted pictures of in a different topic had 6 large silk bench/chairs.  I used the steamway on them and had no problems.

Best, Dave.