When I say Alex’s video for the first time I felt like a window cleaning flunky because I only fanned large panes. So I learned how to fan the smaller stuff and felt like a real pro. But I’m not sure if I’m really saving that much time. I have talked with some of the most respected guys in the industry and I was amazed to learn that they do not fan double hung windows. That got me thinking. Fanning does look cool and it does have a zen feel to it but I’m in business to make money not look cool. Anyway any more thoughts on time and money in regards to fanning or pulling?
In my opinion I dont think there is a whole lot of time difference in fanning or straight pulling the smaller stuff. I’m a “fan” of fanning, I even do it on small frenchies, but I think it’s whatever youre comfortable with.
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What I like to do is to fan if we don’t have a channel that fits the pane side-to-side or top-to-bottom. Obviously if we do have a one that fits the pane then we’ll use it.
I also think it looks more professional when you fan vs straight pulls. A monkey can drag a squeegee straight across glass but to swivel it around and close out at the bottom without leaving streaks takes skill.
I have two current guys. One can fan his ass off and the other does all straight pulls because he hasn’t learned to fan smoothly yet. 
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As a rule I don’t fan residentials unless they are wide and tall, such as picture windows. Fanning smaller windows doesn’t really save me any time, maybe loses me time. After 23 years maybe I still don’t get it- who knows.
I’m always looking for perfect fits which Andersen almost always accommodates, save for the oddballs like their 13" casement, 28" double-hung, and 34" casement. A lot of the less known brands often do the same.
Even Pella, rare as it is, will give you a perfect 20" casement once in awhile.
Sometimes if a single pull leaves 1/2" of water or less on the glass, I’ll just follow with a towel in the same motion and detail.
Like others here, I do find myself fanning a little more when I have an audience!
So… I have a choice? Fan and look really cool or pull and look like a monkey. I’ll have to give that some thought. Thanks Dwight. 
After reading Dwights post I realize that I felt more like a monkey than a flunky. :o
just wanted to chime in that I too think that the unger 0degree swivel lock is the coolest squeegee of all-time.
That combined with a wagtail angel arm extender thingy and you almost never need to bring another ladder into a home.
And you can fan like a zen guy or straight pull like a monkey or chimpanzee
and also, the ettore suspension handle isn’t a good substitute for a 0degree squeegee. It can’t hold a candle to the unger 0degree cause of it’s durability and fanning capabilities on a pole.
+100 ha, im gonna try it with the wagtail angle adapter. Thanks for the tip Kris.
You are right Kris, The Ettore contour handle really doesn’t double as a zero degree handle, because the Unger zero degree is so much better. The Wagtail angle adapter is the bomb. I had a light weight plastic Unger angle adapter but there was so much flex in the joint I didn’t like it. So I got a metal angle adapter by Unger. The joint was strong and had no flex which was good but the thing weighs way to much. The wagtail gizmo is perfect. Light weight and no flex. My post sounds like Goldy Locks and the 3 angle adapters. Anyway the Wagtails thing only costs a little more than $5.
You’re so right about the plastic Unger angle adapter. I often find that there is too much play in it, very frustrating, especially with an 18" soaked strip washer.:eek: I believe Willie is sending me the Wagtail version; can’t wait!
Oh! I forgot to mention that the wagtail adapter slips onto a pole like a squeegee or strip washer. So your squeegee can become a ledger very quickly. I carry mine in my pouch, it’s small.
Yeah, it is a great ledger huh. The wagtail adaptor with the 0deg is great.
I never tried the unger angle adaptors, but good to hear your guys’ reviews. If I was to get one though, plastic or metal?
Also, I like the ettore angle adaptor just cause it has an adjustable angle, but it too has a lot of play. I tried to modify it by beefing up the insert side with some duct-tape but that isn’t the greatest fix.
+1 about how the wagtail adaptor slips over any extension pole! It’s really a great design. I too keep it in my pouch, cause it also serves as a little 6" extension pole
Any piece of glass that is roughly 2ftX2ft or bigger I’ll fan. Small bathroom windows or long skinny windows I’ll pull straight. Fanning leaves a cleaner finish on glass if done right. I’ll often see marks on the sides or tops of windows when Ive done straight pulls. Even after detailing. I dunno, I also just enjoy fanning more. Less detailing as well.
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Hey Alex,
I think you may be right. I have gone back to the straight pull on small panes and do not see a big drop in production. Nick Long said his crew makes less errors with the straight pull. I think you both may be right. I have to admit I don’t feel as cool, especially if someone is watching.
