Friday 7 May 2010

ISSA Amsterdam/InterClean - New Wagtail Window Cleaning Tools




I'm giving away a 14" and an 18" Wagtail for the first window cleaner to email me with with the best excuse of why they want the Wagtails so much. Just e-mail me with your begging letter & how you think the Wagtail would be such a good addition to your arsenal. You'll find my email address top right in the blog. If you haven't already, sign up for the newsletter. I know, I know - I'll get round to it! Too busy giving away with free Wagtails at the moment..

Willie Erkin & family of "Wagtail Pivotal Tools" were at ISSA Amsterdam/InterClean, proving to be one of the most popular stalls. Being a last minute entry in to the Exhibition it was unlucky that "Willie Wagtail" was set apart from the main conference hall but this didn't stop the crowds going to him. I was stopped a few times to ask of his whereabouts. Willie has some remarkable new products coming out soon. Being fickle window cleaners that we are - I haven't included some of the products in the video or with pictures until the versions are fully ready for release.

The One-Pass Squeegee: A modification of the "Whirlwind Squeegee," this will actually clean the glass in one pass. The angle of the squeegee is important to make the pad work together with the squeegee. But soon achieved - I can see see this becoming a favourite for many window cleaners who have relatively clean windows on a monthly route/round. Using the same pivotal action - this squeegee will help you work even faster (is that possible!). It can even scrub those grimy windows without the rubber touching the glass by lowering the angle of the handle to the window. Although I'm now the proud owner of the prototype - it won't be long before it hits the stores! Look out for this one!

Wagtail Whirlwind: All the rage at the show & this squeegee lit up many a face who tried it for the first time. Not a new product for the readers of this blog, but all the same it has become a staple in many professional window cleaners buckets since it's release in such a short time - Don't leave home without it. A faster, combination washer/wiper that works simultaneously with a new aggressive microfibre pad. Mop and squeegee between modes in less than a second. A very robust squeegee. Great for most cleaning applications especially windows, pole work and floors. Comes with rubber and clip-on pad. See how to use one here. Enter "Wagtail" into the search bar to find more Wagtail news.

New Wagtail Rubber: Willie has sourced a new rubber mix, meaning that although it still retains the original formula elements - additives give it an improved profile & a superior glide. On top of all this - it is extra long lasting! The new Wagtail rubber has now turned to black (fans may recognise it at the moment as red). It sells in the same 3 meter rolls as pictured. It definitely had a nice feel to it at the show, as all the tools were equipped with this new rubber.

New Wagtail Bucket-On-A-Belt: The new boab looks like nothing you've ever seen before. Easy to use, super lightweight, this prototype will amaze veteran window cleaners as it is a move away from the clunking solid heavy piece of plastic that we are all used to. Being too new to feature in the blog & an unfinished work in progress - this boab, will I hope - have a great name as well! If you want to contact Willie about it's progress, just ask about the "CTM BOAB."

New Wagtail Indoor Cleaning Device (Currently being tested): This prototype is a move away from some of the other predictable devices of the same 'ilk.' Featuring pure water & a pressurised system, this work in progress caught the eye of a few buyers. We will just have to wait & see if Willie moves this one from the drawing board to classroom as I feel it needed a few minor modifications to compete with some of the other indoor cleaners in it's range.

Wagtail Extractor and Bucket Clip: Not a new product, but it's capabilities have never been explored before on this blog or on the internet. I've concentrated some of the video to this under-used device as I feel it's another tool in the window cleaners arsenal that helps you ergonomically. The Extractor removes excess water, holds the bucket handle upright to minimise bending and also holds tools upright all in one go.

Wagtail Angle Arm: Again not a new product, but if you use your Wagtail tools frequently on a pole, this is a must have. It will give you the angle you need at height instead of being close up to the window & also let you work lower as you pass down the window. An extremely versatile attachment that gives extra reach, I often add a couple together instead of reaching for an extension pole. It improves access to awkward surfaces & also adapts Wagtail products for use on floors.

Wagtail Wet Pivoting Scraper: Having been on the market for at least a year now, this tool has been featured on the blog before. A popular addition to your range of window cleaners tools - there ain't nothing similar out there! It features an adjustable pivot to match the angle of window frames. To minimise scratching the wet scraper uses the flip type pad & the same tool wets and scrapes in the same action. It is useful on an extension pole & features easy blade replacement.


1 comment:

Maurice said...

I was also there to meet Willie and his familie. I also looked at the new tools he showed there. As wagtail dealer in europe its always nice to stay in contact with willie and all the wagtail users where ever they are!

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