[Neil_A]

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

[xxmattyxx]

I leave the night before and dig a tunnel

     that tickled me, especially as a first post.

Matt

[visiontechnician]

I leave the night before and dig a tunnel

 

I like that one! 

[stevedale]

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

[Wayne Thomas]

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!

[barryanderson]

Just thought of another 2 options,,

pogo stick ( over )

Beergut in and Limbo ( under )

[Skyglide]

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

[Sir Squeaky]

I use my climbing skills and agility!

[Sir Squeaky]

Sometimes I use my "walk away and say sod it"

[windowwashers]

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 

[tonyoliver]

a screwdriver it opes up the padlock screws  a dream

[geefree]

drive off..... with a view to being dropped by me eventually.