Which handle have you used that have a square base??
I do not.
I do not use swivel squeegees in the hand. Period.
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Yes present swivel squeegee handles are something left to be desired for sure.
Your missing the point.
Swivel squeegees will always use the wrist.
For my personal preference i dislike this and would never use it.
Swivel squeegees were invented because some people could not figure out how to correctly use a normal squeegee, imo the whole premise of a swivel squeegee is a flawed thought as if focuses all the force into the wrist instead of spreading it thoughout the entire arm. Any one who tells you the secret is all in the wrist is doing it wrongā¦
Yep the current swivels are flawed you have to try and change how you even 'use you wrists not be able to move you wrist in a more natural way and understand your thinking on this.
And they will not change the movement it self so this will be a problem till someone brings a swivel to the market that aluminates this problem.
I think this entire thread is misguided and pretty useless.
You are questioning the ergonomics of tools that have been in use for decades, and have been used by professional window cleaners and businesses for decades.
And it works! And many people have made good money on the design.
To be honest, unless you have some amazing alternative, you should not bash what 100% of window cleaners use on a daily basis.
Yes, we get repetitive strain injuries, but this is a repetitive business. We have to figure out how to manage our methods and bodies.
And, if you truly think that there has been no change to squeegees, then you are either really new or have had your head buried in the sand.
I have been in this trade for over 20 years, and I have seen a TON of changes to squeegees and handles.
I just donāt think you have any idea what you are talking about.
FIFY: Donāt use swivel squeegees in the hand. Period.
Well, I do use free pivoting squeegees in hand (14ā modified Wagtail slimline with Liquidator and a 12ā Excelerator/Liquidator) and find them invaluable on the glass that is slightly out of reach, either height or width. I donāt use them with the pads in hand because that loads the weight far too much and I use them almost identically to a fixed squeegee. The wrist stays firm and the complete arm is used. RSI is always a possibility no matter what tools you use BUT thatās the nature of it. Look after yourself physically, be ergonomic and get regular massage and essential body work. My 16+ā squeegees I use on a fixed handles. It is a recipe for disaster to use wrist only. I havenāt yet found a handle that I totally detest but admit that I do have a favourite and that is the lates from Moerman called a Snapper. As purchased the angle is far too steep for deep frames but the handle itself is the most comfortable in hand that Iāve ever used. When I add a pad to Excelerator or Wagtail I always use them on a pole even if itās only a short one (my flex pole is 30ā).
Ok first this nowhere misleading or useless.
Yes we are questioning the ergonomics of the squeegee handles as they stand now.
As you said the squeegee handle has not changed in decades.
So as you also said quote: (Yes we get repetitive strain injure, but this is a repetitive business. We have to figure out how to manger our methods and bodies.)
Why do we have to figure anything out (if the handle was designed properly in the first place?)
And yes have an alterative designed working swivel handle.
That addresses RSI and cramping when using.
Reinvent is the incorrect term. Refine and/or evolve is a better term. Those that know Herman will understand that he has been working on a more efficient pivoting tool for many years and history would dictate that now that he feels heās nailed it he has every right to keep the finer detail to himself. Remember that square loc connect that he has on that blue handle was HIS original idea, posted on here a number of years ago. Hijacked from under his nose by Gardiner it has become the Quik Loc system. Speaking of his illustrated tool that is an adaptor. This would enable it to be plugged directly onto a pole or alternatively an appropriately sized handle could be plugged into it for hand work.
Im all for making my job easier and if a new tool looks like helping? I have no issue with buying and trying. I personally donāt have an issue with handles but if Herman has something up his sleeve that will improve on existing options out there. Why not.
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Big call man. You may have been in the industry for over twenty years (bloody newbieš), but you obviously havenāt been here too long. Hit the search button and youāll find Herman is a veteran of many years standing and although I donāt always agree with his creations he CERTAINLY knows what heās talking about. For the record, Herman has me blocked on FB so he wonāt be shouting me a beer for stepping in here.
The hand tools HAVE virtually remain unchanged (and I was trained on Ettore Brass in the early 80ās). There was a small shift when Sorbo pioneered his widebody channel to enable accurate blading at 18ā plus in length. Willie Erken with his Wagtail free pivot concept entered the market a few years ago and they made pole work in particular much more efficient, but really? Apart from a few bits of pretty plastic on various companies handles, thatās about it.
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@HE_MAN if a squeegee handle was developed that was better for my body it still depends on angle with channel and ease of use.
Just because it may reduce RSI doesnāt carry weight in itself itās how practical it is to use in the field on glass. This is #1 for my purchases
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As said before when you actually use it will see the deferenceā¦
The most innervated part is the patented new swivel /orbital movement.
The whole set up allows you to hold /use the squeegee many different ways as your using it.
Thatās all can tell you until you actually use it you wonāt know.
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Iām not a fan of swivels, who knows.
No not a fan of the current swivels ether thatās why developed our own .
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so send him one
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What product are you referring to? Please share a link or something.
And, @HE_MAN claims to have a better alternative, and I have yet to see it. I donāt care how long anyone has been here. Either share your product link and solution or stop complaining.
Also, I challenge your statement that āwagtail made pole work more efficientā, I am way faster with my ettore backflip up to 3 stories than any wagtail, guaranteed.
Good god man so your faster with your backflip guaranteed? Of course you are if thatās your tool of choice. Have you actually taken the time to master a free pivoting tool? If not, then give it up and as for your solipsistic demands on Herman? Youāre just being objectionable. Over and out.
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@DanTheWindowMan
Please try to bring some of the graciousness shown to you on PWRA here to others.
@HE_MAN isnāt complaining so much as perhaps trying to stimulate some much needed thinking about antiquated, nonsensical tools that dominate our quaint little industry.
On 3 story work, yes, Iād have to say the Backflip is better and faster than having to flip a pad on a noodle of an aluminum pole. No question.
