the screw system seems to last about 6 months tops, then it strips .a solution is to go to the next size up self tapper screw to get a few extra months. my crew of 4 really give our wagtail blue ribbons a pounding and its a marvellous squeegee with this screw being the only snag
Hermans solution in his vid above looks good , im thinking that the small metal plate he has grafted into the underside could have a couple of teeth on its outer edge ,so that the plate can grip the rubber as well as the channel.
it could be further improved with the retaining nut being welded to the plate bottom and the head of the bolt changing to have a wing-nut type head so no screwdriver is needed
the Wagtails far outshine everything else on the market , only minor tweaks are needed to it to get it to have a longer life . because it is the way it is (swivelling and lightweight ) i dont believe it should be asked to live forever without wearing out . for example Wagtail and other species of birds are lightweight and have lots of moving parts and they never live a long time either
You guys seem to have trouble with the screws - I’m just not experiencing this! I even use a power tool to undo & fasten the screw if I’m near the van (not recommended). And I still have working Wagtails from 10+ years a go. I can guarantee I clean a lot more windows than most & at more difficult angles with a Wagtail all day.
You need to buy the angles Herman - you will find the angle supplied will work 95% of the time - I thought they wouldn’t also when I first saw them, the old one & new one - But they do & are worth the investment. The adjustable angle adapters as you know, wobble & are time consuming - give it a try, you’ll love them.
I have tweaked little stuff like adding paperclips when the velcro gives at the end with the weight of the water. I added a water repellent fabric handle because I use it so much. A few years back when the slimline came out I even went as far as making one in to a WFP. But I find the Wagtail saved my life on back, wrists & arms, so I would not give up window cleaning altogether. I just don’t need to modify it that much, because I’m not having the problems you’re experienced. Perhaps I have a lighter touch?
Out of all the Wagtails that I have that have a screw to hold the channel, only one has worn out. I stepped up the size of the screw and it worked fine for a little while but now it is stripped as well. I believe it might have something to do with the angle that the drill bit went through the channel originally. I have a Wagtail slimline with a custom cut Steccone channel in it and it is my everyday ‘go to’ squeegee and the screw works flawlessly. i believe I did a proper job in making the hole with the drill bit making sure it went through straight.
As for the weight of a Wagtail with attached pad, sure it is heavier than any everyday squeegee but still lighter than any other combo on the market. Still lighter than a standard strip washer.
…and for those that have never used the Wagtail angle adapter, you are missing out. These things are a must for maximizing your Wagtail experience.
[FONT=tahoma][SIZE=3]Yes the Wagtail angle adapter is handy on a pole.
But it has it’s limitions.
Have not used wagtail adapter for a long time.
Use a reinforced angle adapter that served me well.
But as most people know that I now use those Quick-LoQ angle adapters.
Having this can now squeegee at any angle to the glass.
As we now have all our tools adapter to Quick-LoQ system.
Have not had to screw anything on/off.
And for the record Do not work in any way for Gardiner.
The only reason I talk about it is it works it does not or wobble.
It is made to take the heavy duty work.
Until you try it as you said you don’t know what you are missing.
Don’t take my word for it ask a few WC in the UK that have them.
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[FONT=tahoma][SIZE=3]If this is so simple to fix this problem.
The manufacturer has known of this for many years why did they not fix it?
May be able to fix it but you are talking about one or two.
Most WC that have people working for them expect the squeegee, tools to hold up to hard work.
Not spend a day fixing a strip threads in 20 or thirty squeegees.
On a weekly basis.
[FONT=tahoma][SIZE=3]That may be Karl.
The point trying to make here is when you buy something you do not expect to be muking around with a small screw.
That every one is aware of including the manufacturer and then not fix it.
I’m not siding with anyone, just tossing in some information. Willie has stated that the screw was meant to be left alone except for changing blades. Not to be loosened and tightened every time you change rubber. I think he means that once adjusted it should behave like the dimple on the yellow orbital.
[FONT=tahoma][SIZE=3]Oh well the ball is in there court is up to them.
However if they procrastinate, there would be someone out there that will see an opportunity.
To make and sell conversion or repair kits.[COLOR=#000000]
