Yes understand what you saying have strength build up your stamina be fit etc and that’s OK.
That was me about thirty years ago.
So been doing WC about 16 years now, found that over the years that holding, griping ,lifting and all the things that is involved doing WC can be hard work.
Had problems using squeegees early in the piece.
But no problems in the way of strength.
Still had problems with pains in the wrists, fingers, shooting pains up the forearms to the shoulders etc.
Numbness’ in fingers.
Why??
It’s not only the way you hold it but how many different way’s you can hold the squeegee handle and use it comfortably.
It’s a matter of working smarter not harder.
5 Likes
My question is, can you clean 1000ish panes a week and not have some sort of pain?
2 Likes
I believe the basic answer to that is “no.”
I think you can lower the risk and the pain though.
3 Likes
I would say if you have that amount of work, and that amount of discomfort, then it’s time to hire staff and revise your role in the company.
2 Likes
Easier said than done.
3 Likes
True. I’m not there yet either.
I believe you are right through experience. I don’t use it anymore. Afraid to sell it though.
1 Like
That’s it. I’m taking up trim carpentry.
5 Likes
My roto cuff injury from my carpet cleaning days flaired up when I tried out a 30" wide body squeegee for only one week. I could feel the strain but I was enjoying the experience. Not a big fan of wide body channels. Not sure if they really save that much time when you look back on a whole weeks worth of work. I agree that on one door they beat an 18" channel.
I think those guys were complaining about RSI on their forum yesterday. Haha
5 Likes
thats confirming it then. its a weight issue thats the problem in the long term user . altho i currently have no problem with the squeegee i currently use [wagtail slimline] i think i might spend some time lightening it further by drilling holes in the handle is my first thought and possibly replacing the channel with a pulex featherlight . i once fitted a featherlight to a wagtail years ago [and lost the squeegee soon after!] but i recall the alloy was much stiffer and thinner hence lighter than the wag alloy ,i believe it was advertized as being aircraft grade alloy
1 Like
Invite them over to join the party! Misery loves company. Lol
1 Like
Actually I’m using ettore brass channels. I use to be a big steccone feather weight fan until someone pointed out that you have to press down on the glass because they are so light. Too light. People still love the brass channel because the weight and balance is perfect for window cleaning.
I think it was the torque in turning a 30" wide body channel that caused me problems not the weight. When I had the wide body I felt like it covered a lot of glass per stroke BUT it moved slower. When I see the competition and the guys on YouTube they seem to be moving at a slower speed but making up for the slowness with wider coverage. Never done a side by side comparison.
I watched Steve O on two of his videos at the same store and he saved one stroke per pane in the video with the longer channel. I think it was 5 instead of 6 strokes. Doesn’t seem worth it to me. I wonder how much time he actually saved? A couple seconds per pane maybe?
@Rich7428
3 Likes
Steve O uses an 18" Sorbo most of the time. I could guess why but I’m hoping he’ll chime in.
3 Likes
I use bigger squeegees when I want for fun but I’ll use my 24" on bigger panes on dealerships and store fronts with large panes to get done faster. As far as saving time…I’m not sure, I feel like I’m faster when I just have my 18", because I’m never looking at a window wondering should I use my 18 or 24, I just whip out the 18 and go to town and an 18 fits most windows. As far as pain in my shoulders, elbows or hands, I find going to the gym regularly and taking simple vitamins, drinking tons of water, and letting the squeegee do the work helps me a lot. I’ll do a video on this all soon, I think it would be a great topic! Thanks @BostonMike.
4 Likes
Thanks for the post Steve O. 
I feel exactly the same way.
That’s my experience as well. I have a 12 and a 6 on my belt to make it easy when I need them.
Any one tried Compression Therapy Gloves ??
I hurt my hand at work last week. Kinda like having plantar fasciitis in the palm of my hand. It’s healing but it’s been a week. Herman, what do you know about therapy gloves? @HE_MAN
Imak are rated #1 in one survey
There are few types that I’ve found might give them a try.
