[[GQC] Tim]

Hi, I've done quite a bit of research, and I got everything figured out, but I need one pole, two isn't in my budget.

For traditional cleaning, I have a 20' Unger pole, with the locking cones. Now, I can reach every window in my round with that, (if my ladder doesn't work for that window), checked it, because I have one or two second story windows. *(Let's just keep in the back of our mind, cuz I could modify that one I suppose for the highest windows)

Now, what I am thinking of, is either a 17', or 21' Xtel pole. I still need to be able to do ground floors with them.

I checked, and with a alu gooseneck, not extended the 17' is about 6' with 4' sections.

And the 21' is 7' not extended, with 5' sections.

Now I'm totally confused what would be the right pole for me. Just one pole to do it all with. The 17' or the 21', considering all the factors, like being able to do groundfloors with easy, and also not too tiring to work the whole day with, but still being able to do those very high windows, or over wide conservatories.

Am I asking too much? Gonna go out, and measure my two Unger poles now, to see what's a good size for groundfloors. Maybe that will help aswell.

Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.

[[GQC] Tim]

Well, I think the 21' is going to be quite clumsy for ground floor windows, with the 5' sections. I dunno, what to do?   

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I've got the 17 ft xtel and recommend it.  It is a bit floppy fully extended but ok.  17 ft will get you every where a ladder would.  21 ft I think would probably be too floppy.  If going above 20 ft get a hybrid they are brill.

The 17 is idea  for downstairs as well.  Small when closed.  I wouldn't hasel with a gooseneck just get an angle adapter and maybe a swivel as well.

Simon.

[Peter Fogwill]

Well, I think the 21' is going to be quite clumsy for ground floor windows, with the 5' sections. I dunno, what to do?   

Use your 20-foot Unger pole.  Keep the hose on the outside, and use the brush in your hand for bottoms.

Peter

[Village Gleam]

No contest. 17xtel all the way.

Any higher, and sometimes over cons use step ladders. It's easy to put a brush on an unger and i've worked with it. A do it yourself bodge with a hose tail flapping everywhere and cold hands on ali. Customers will watch you and think what a pratt.

Repeat after me 17xtel, step ladders, 17xtel step ladders.

I've got all the kit but that's what the job comes down to.

[Peter Fogwill]

Guys he already has a 21' pole, and on a tight budget, why would he need to buy another one?

Peter

[Village Gleam]

He needs to feel good about himself and what he's using. 21 for downstairs will turn him into a weightlifter. Yes it can be done, but why?

[Captain Scarlet]

You may be on a tight budget but using an xtel will save you money in the long run, it is small when closed so easy for downstairs work. It is a much easier pole to work with, trust me, you can get them very cheap from here, Luke

http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Glass_Fibre_X-Tel_Premium_Poles.html I reccomend a super-lite brush, not a vikan because there is a bit of flex on the xtel so a light brush will help

[Nathanael Jones]

Make a DIY clamp less 24' pole. The pole costs £25 (10mtr telescopic flagpole from www.skyblueleisure.co.uk), enough hose to do 4 poles is £9.99 off ebay (search for 30mtrs braided PVC hose, ID 6mm OD 11mm), and a monifilament Salmon or Bently brush for less than a fiver (Try tesco's or asda!), a couple of jets (£1.50 odd each from any WFP supplier) and an angle adapter for £2.50 will complete.
With postage, it'll prob add up to £50
Clamp-less poles are also extremely fast in use, and less than 5' closed,.. so you'll make your money back quicker

[Peter Fogwill]

He needs to feel good about himself and what he's using. 21 for downstairs will turn him into a weightlifter. Yes it can be done, but why?

He can add sections as he needs them, and take them away when he doesn’t. He can take the brush off the pole for downstairs work, if the pole closed is too big to use in tight spaces.

Peter

[Nathanael Jones]

I use Peter's 24' clampless pole downstairs no problem. Its light and easy to handle, and less than 5' closed. I tried shorter poles for downstairs but just ended up getting wet feet!

[[GQC] Tim]

I ordered the 17' Xtel, yea, the 21' is heavy as hell for the ground floors, and taking it apart etc, well, I do have a budget, but not an ultimate bare bones budget. I suppose I can always get another adaptor and brush, and some tubing just in case.

Thank you for your kind advice people, much appreciated.

[Captain Scarlet]

Nathanael, doesnt that pole collapse with pressure, say if you knocked it downwards would it close. I did hold Jeffs flagpole a few weeks a go but didnt use it, Luke

ps. you forgot to include a thread insert in your list but you can get that from a supermarket broom handle, Luke

[Village Gleam]

Are you saying we haven't got anything to argue about anymore?

I do hope you went for a vikan flocked with fan jets, please don't tell me you went light. If you did make that other brush a vikan because that will be the one you'll use if you want to clean windows.

Keep clear of DIY.

[Captain Scarlet]

Are you saying we haven't got anything to argue about anymore?

did we disagree on something? I cant remember now!! what was it, Luke

[[GQC] Tim]

Are you saying we haven't got anything to argue about anymore?

I do hope you went for a vikan flocked with fan jets, please don't tell me you went light. If you did make that other brush a vikan because that will be the one you'll use if you want to clean windows.

Keep clear of DIY.

Yea got a rec. monofil. Vikan.

[NWH]

Sorry,awful brush that one.

[Nathanael Jones]

Nathanael, doesnt that pole collapse with pressure, say if you knocked it downwards would it close. I did hold Jeffs flagpole a few weeks a go but didnt use it, Luke

ps. you forgot to include a thread insert in your list but you can get that from a supermarket broom handle, Luke

Like you said Luke, the broom handle thread works fine, and quite lightweight too.
I set my DIY poles up a bit different to Jeff, by running a hose up through the pole and out the rubber bung in the base. One finger on the hose where it exits the pole is enough to hold the pole at the desired height,.. flick the pole up to window height and clean the window, then just release the hose to lower it back down again! Extremely fast for domestic work.

[[GQC] Tim]

Sorry,awful brush that one.

Why?

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I use that brush (rec monofillament) on a 17 xtel and find it fine.  Definatly enough scrubbing power and looks professional, it's heavier than a bently but I think it's got better cleaning power.  You really won't be disappointed with that setup.  It's very rare that you would need a much longer pole, so why work all the time with a heavy pole when you would only use the extra length once or twice a month.  Only downside is the setup is a tad whippy, but at 17 ft that isn't a problem and I like it for getting over con roofs.

Simon.

Hope it goes well with your new pole.