[Scally]

Hi, I'm just about to start up window cleaning & after reading some comments on this site decided to buy a set of Titan A frame (pointer) ladders, only I can't picture how they are used i.e. where to place them & work off them & can't find any information on them anywhere, can anyone tell me please.
Would appreciate any advice.

[martinsadie]

no one around here uses them if you havnt bought them i would stick with normal ladders

[Stephen Dwyer]

I don't use them myself but I think they are mainly used for cleaning the upper areas of lower windows or in some cases large shop windows.  I imagine the top point of the ladder is placed against the window frame in most cases assuming the window you are cleaning is not just one big piece of glass.  Otherwise I guess you would have to lean it up against  the wall besides the window and lean over as best you could. 

What I use instead is a piece of equipment called a step stool which I got from Homebase I think.  If you picture a very small stepladder with about 2 rungs on it then you are on the right path.  It's very useful and far cheaper than an A ladder. 

[martinsadie]

I don't use them myself but I think they are mainly used for cleaning the upper areas of lower windows or in some cases large shop windows.  I imagine the top point of the ladder is placed against the window frame in most cases assuming the window you are cleaning is not just one big piece of glass.  Otherwise I guess you would have to lean it up against  the wall besides the window and lean over as best you could. 

What I use instead is a piece of equipment called a step stool which I got from Homebase I think.  If you picture a very small stepladder with about 2 rungs on it then you are on the right path.  It's very useful and far cheaper than an A ladder. 

you can get a single A ladder what you are thinkink of and a proper ladder which has a normal base and the extending bit is A shaped

[Window Washers]

A frame ladders are placed on window frames walls the works,I used one years ago and hated it, I use normal pro ladders, saying that I see many window cleaners doing trad with these ladders they place the A on the frame and up they go, weather that is safe or not I would not know as I really don't laders to much as mostly wfp. they are good for harder to reach places that Stan cant reach (debatable) but saying that I would rather do the lot from the floor quciker and safer imo.

I would scan youtube you should find better answers there and can see first hand, I do have a single pointer, fine for small works, not sure I would trust at height but many do.

Sry not much help.

Ian

[Ravensford]

Pointers can feel rickety to begin with as there can be some 'twisting' as you move up & down but they are far safer as it is easy to get three points of contact on sloping or uneven ground.

Often referred to as Window Cleaners Points (or A Frames) these are the 'Pro' ladders.

W/W refers to 'Pro' ladders but probably is referring to trade quality straight ladders - not ideal for window cleaning especially where they would be needed for short duration on uneven ground as you need 4 points of contact as one of the factors to make them safe.

WFP (cue the usual arguments) is the way to go if you can afford it.

Hope this helps

[pt]

hi,
Started off with normal ladders and never could cope with being so close to the window while cleaning. Converted to A frame ladders. Place them on the corner of the window recess and front wall. IMO so much safer and quicker the normals. Having said that most of my work is now wfp

[paulben]

Never used A frames most work wfp but when I do use ladders 99% of time I use a ladder stand off feels a lot safer

[martinsadie]

Never used A frames most work wfp but when I do use ladders 99% of time I use a ladder stand off feels a lot safer

when you are 100% trad its to much hard work leaving a stand off on the ladder ,only use on jobs that require one

[brighouse_wc_trad]

on my domestic work, all i use is a double 'a'. you can either use it as you would a normal ladder eg, use it flat against a wall or stick it in / on an internal / external corner. you cannot use them on any industrial / commercial / building sites as they cannot satisfy a risk assessment. i like it because you can place it on frames / top openers. just don not stretch under any circumstances at all or they WILL spin. just keep you hips inside the stiles and you can't go wrong.

[petemg]

evening all i like using point laders on my round , as it is on hilly and slopng ground, you just lean the point in to the window reveal and as there is only three points of contact the ladder sits as it should. no blocks of wood or contraptions to stabalize a normal ladder, traditional as you like

[visionmasterclean]

the idea of the pointer ladder, is that  your weight when on the ladder is transferred to the
ground, therefore the top of the ladder can be placed on the glass, without going through it.

[martinsadie]

the idea of the pointer ladder, is that  your weight when on the ladder is transferred to the
ground, therefore the top of the ladder can be placed on the glass, without going through it.

whats the point of that you cant clean the glass that the points on and i wouldnt put much faith in the glass not breaking

[GWCS]

the idea of the pointer ladder, is that  your weight when on the ladder is transferred to the
ground, therefore the top of the ladder can be placed on the glass, without going through it.

whats the point of that you cant clean the glass that the points on and i wouldnt put much faith in the glass not breaking

yeah, dont put it on the glass you'll scratch it! (the rubber block will collect grit from brickwork)

and no its not designed to put less weight on the windows in fact it will put more weight on the window in that concentrated area it rests, the same amount of weight will still be applied at the top of the ladder regardless of a point or 2.

[RK Cleaning Services]

I use an 8ft A frame its great for bay windows shop fronts con roofs etc never used a big one if you want to sellit let my know.