Fan or Straight Pull Residential Windows?

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Does fanning a residential window really save that much time? I think fanning smaller panes will increase the chances of streaking the window. Do you fan or use straight pulls on smaller residential panes?[/FONT][/COLOR]

//youtu.be/5 Steps to Clean a Window - YouTube

I think fanning a very small window is just a way to wear your wrist out. Why do it?

i dont let my guys fan small panes… i told them if i catch them ill break their wrist so they cant do it for 6 weeks… straight pulls for small panes always… we made up a song that goes along with a fallout boy song “wet it down nicely, cut it and pull it” :slight_smile:

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Hey Nick,[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Our conversation on this topic a couple days ago inspired me to start this thread. I did a large commercial job I do with small panes the other day. I usually fan the little panes. Thanks to you I pulled them and finished in the same time. :eek:[/FONT][/COLOR]
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i bet your wrist wasnt worn out from fanning pane after pane after pane… no matter how good you are at fanning if you fan small panes i would say more than half the time youre going to have to wipe a diagonal streak/wet mark never mind if your doing it in the sun…

The one in the video I’d quick dry the left edge use two side pulls and on the last pull I’ll keep a rag or sponge behind the lower edge of the rubber to avoid puddling at the bottom.

Fan or pull I don’t think the time will be any different, so long as you are only pulling twice.

yes pull more then twice and you can go blind.

I fan most of the time, even on small panes. The only time im doing straight pulls is when im working with a zero degree, and then im only doing it to eye level so i can continue fanning. My wrist used to hurt when i was using ettore brass, but ever since i switched to the Unger ergotech wrist pains are gone.

On smaller residential panes I do the U shape when possible. Imagine a U turned sideways to the left. INSTRUCTIONS: Cut into the top left corner, pull to the top right then down to the bottom right and finish by pulling to the bottom left.

Other wise I straight pull after a quick pre-cut on top and side edge.

I almost never fan residential windows unless they are picture windows.

I pretty much fan all double hungs. I do straight pulls too though on very small panes, sidelights along side of, and over doors,etc.

I actually quite often use that technique that Mark explained too. For residential I mostly use an Unger ErgoTec 14" but also utilize the 6" for the extremely small panes or the 18" for the very large panes.

Of course straight pulls here also when using my Unger zero degree swivel squeegee. That thing is worth it’s weight in gold!

The unger zero degree 12" is my everyday residential squeegee, weird, yes, but really got used to it and it feels comfortable, so no reason to change it.

I fan everything that’s worth fanning, sidelites and smaller panes sideway pulls or top to bottom.

I fan them. If done correctly you actually have less chance of a streak than w/ straight pulls. Also cuts down on detailing. I used a 6" to fan some cut ups last week and they turned out great. Plus fanning looks cool!:smiley:

I use to be like who cares if you fan or not. I don’t fan as often as i use to. but when customer’s are watching. I always fan.

I agree the zero degree is definitely worth its weight in gold. Take note newbie, a zero degree is a must have. Works great when doing those deep set bay windows above the sink, skylights, of windows right above staircases. And for commercial, doing windows right in front of someones desk. So easy to do straight pulls from a distance, dont know what i would do without it sometimes.

Snifff, sniff…That was beautiful man…kinda brings a tear to the eye.

I have an office I do once a month (many desks in front) and I just go in with my 8ft opti-loc pole, 18" scrubber and 16" 0° squeegee and I’m good to go!

I dont have one of those zero degree’s

sniff…sniff… I know dont you love that thing, its such a beautiful piece of equipment.

you need to get one gangster. Makes it easy to do straight pulls from a distance.

Get an Ettore Contour handle and it will work as a standard handle and zero degree!:wink:

Only on small french panes/cut ups do I use straight pulls or the “Z” method, otherwise on everything else - I fan.