Wagtail

« **on:** July 13, 2009, 09:28:29 pm »

Need to get some trad kit together and am thinking of going down the wagtail route as ive heard there really good and like the YouTube adver

So what would you reccomend and why ?

« **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2009, 09:38:11 pm »

it takes at least a day for a new flipper to "bed in" the scrubber pad but then its a really quick tool . the Flipper wins hands down every time . the designer of the wagtail stuff is a really decent guy too /good inventor

« **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2009, 09:43:09 pm »

When you say a day to bed it in, would doing my insides and lower level windows 'bed it in' ?

« **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:03:56 pm »

Had no "bedding in" probs here but I have to say the flipper is one very, very good tool!! It's not as good in very tight spaces i.e. small panes but everything else you're flying with it. I use it on most of my trad work now, it saves time & is less hassle but it requires a regular refresh so your bucket is to be at hand more than it would with a normal applicator & squeegee as the flipper pad doesn't hold as much water.This is sometimes a pain on huge glass but more often a blessing as there is hardley any wipe-up afterwards. Because the pad lubricates the rubber as it trails before it (in squeegee mode) it makes for a far easier & better job, especially in the sun & because of this the rubber lasts for ages! As you use the swivel action it takes less effort to do the same job and gives you more reach at any angle.

I am like a kid with a new toy with the flipper, it's a joy to use.

The best advise I could give though is that you will need time to get used to it. It's a new, different way of working.

Haven't used the seperate applicator & squeegee wagtails though.

« **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:07:25 pm »

to" bed it in " well id guess it takes about ten houses worth . when its new the scrubber pad is flat/bit stiff, but after a while it gets flexible and then it flips properly . i think a lot of people give up but if you get past that point ,the tool is ace

on another thread on this forum i read about somebody attaching a piece of velcro (to a brush) to clean off stuck on bird poo/ when ive thought of a way im going to attach some velcro like that to my flipper as the scrubber pad on the flipper isnt good at getting that off

« **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:12:03 pm »

Your like a BIG kid with a small kids toy you used to play with as a LITTLE kid yourself if that makes any sense ?

Rather than using a bucket.... would a spray bottle on a belt work for applying to the flipper pad ?

I think im going to have to get me a flipper

« **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:51:02 pm »

Quote from: Window Wipers on July 13, 2009, 10:12:03 pm

Your like a BIG kid with a small kids toy you used to play with as a LITTLE kid yourself if that makes any sense ?

Rather than using a bucket.... would a spray bottle on a belt work for applying to the flipper pad ?

I think im going to have to get me a flipper

It might do. Are you experienced at trad or are you just wfp?

« **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:58:59 pm »

Mac mac
i had to use the wagtail for some big insides on sunday even though i don't really know how to use it.This glass was clean anyway.

I squirted with a bottle and then squeegeid, with the yellow cloth in front of the blade?

« **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2009, 11:07:01 pm »

Quote from: slumpbuster on July 13, 2009, 10:58:59 pm

Mac mac
i had to use the wagtail for some big insides on sunday even though i don't really know how to use it.This glass was clean anyway.

I squirted with a bottle and then squeegeid, with the yellow cloth in front of the blade?

Not quite sure what you mean slumpy & I've never personally used a spray bottle as I have a fresh solution every day in a bucket.
The pad (yellow mop) is dipped in solution then flipped up in front of the rubber blade. This is now an applicator, so soap the glass up. Then, lift off glass & let the pad fall away from the rubber & squeegee the soap off with the rubber. Does that make sense?

Just one point- Personally, I think an experienced tradder will appreciate the flipper more & find it easier to use & when to use it.

« **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2009, 11:14:00 pm »

Yes that makes sense thanyou. It did a good job even if my method was incorrect.

« **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2009, 11:23:42 pm »

Quote from: slumpbuster on July 13, 2009, 11:14:00 pm

Yes that makes sense thanyou. It did a good job even if my method was incorrect.

I would give it some serious practice slumpy, it's a very benneficial tool to have once mastered, especially for inside work!

My normal applicators & squeegees are getting more redundant every day.

« **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:18:27 am »

The flipper is a good tool, but has any body else had it where your using the thing on a pole and the clip that holds the scrubber on falls off. It's REALLY annoying especially when it lands in some bushes.

Simon.

« **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2009, 06:35:18 pm »

Quote from: SherwoodCleaningSe on July 14, 2009, 07:18:27 am

The flipper is a good tool, but has any body else had it where your using the thing on a pole and the clip that holds the scrubber on falls off. It's REALLY annoying especially when it lands in some bushes.

Simon.

I can't use it on a pole, not with good enough results anyway!

« **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2009, 09:14:48 pm »

I'm no pro with it, but I have a few windows that don't wfp well and it saves getting the ladders off of the truck.

« **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2009, 01:37:11 pm »

I use wagtail for almost all my trad stuff, and tend to use the flipper on a pole like the guys above have said and the seperate tools for ground floor, really like the green microfibre mop.

Some of my mates think its crap but if you stick with it its so quick and you can achieve jedi window cleaner status

« **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2009, 04:32:18 pm »

Quote

Some of my mates think its crap but if you stick with it its so quick and you can achieve jedi window cleaner status

That's the key with it. Stick with it & master it for ultra fast & easy performance!

« **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2009, 06:43:52 pm »

hope it's good, I ordered the blue ribbon flipper today

is it as sad as i think that these things get us excited :

:

« **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2009, 06:53:26 pm »

Quote from: Boo Diddley on July 15, 2009, 06:43:52 pm

hope it's good, I ordered the blue ribbon flipper today
is it as sad as i think that these things get us excited : :

Where did you order the blue ribbon one from?

« **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2009, 08:11:31 pm »

went straight to source http://www.wagtail.com.au/

« **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2009, 10:07:34 pm »

Why oh why did they ever stop making the best wagtail of all the combi?
The combi is like a light weight Backflip, a truly all in one single pass tool.
It had the swivel handle too.

Poll

Which and why ?