The right tool + the right time

Growing up, I remember how it was always fun to work with family and neighbors on projects. One of our neighbors was a craftsman carpenter. One year my family got to help friends build a barn and there were all sorts of people there to help. But when the specialist, the craftsman carpenter, arrived to help there was a noticeable difference. Before he got to work, he took time to organize and equip his tool belt. I am sure the quality of his work was not based on his organized tool belt, BUT- organizing his belt certainly made him more effective at being able to do what he did best.

Window cleaning is a professional trade. Yes, anyone can wash windows with an endless variety of tools and techniques. However, to go into the field daily and earn a living washing windows requires a level of craftsmanship and technique. Part of that technique is to maximize your efficiency while you are hard at work. This means having the right tool with you when you need it.

Belts and Holsters are a key part of your professional appearance and performance on the job site. There are many options available to allow you to make your set up exactly how you prefer.

The most common belts are made of web nylon material. Most commonly, they feature a plastic, snapping buckle, making it easy to put on and take off. One of the newest belts around is from the Maykker company and features an extra locking button, helping to eliminate the possibility of the belt “accidently” disconnecting when bending over.

The professional window cleaning belts available offer a variety of loops that are sewn onto the belt as well. You can choose from belts with no loops, one large loop, one large and one small loop, or one large and two small loops. Commonly, large loops are used for towels and smaller loops are used to hold hand tools like scrapers, squeegees, etc.

There are then a variety of holsters that can be suspended from your window cleaning work belt. Pretty much, any holster with fit any of the webbed work belts we offer. There are three main categories of holsters and tool holders: Tool holsters, Scrubber holsters, and accessory holsters.

The classic example of a window cleaning tool holster would be the single leather or double leather holsters. While simple in construction, the timeless design of a loop that is mounted to a leather backing provides a classic function of allowing a squeegee handle to slide into and out of the loop. Quick access and secure transport have made this design a staple of the window cleaning world for decades. From this basic design, there are varieties of materials, sizes, and attachment styles available on the market. All of the main manufacturers of Ettore, Unger, and Sorbo offer options. The point of this type of holster is to make it easy to have the tool and easily take it out of the holster when you need it. Usually, this style is used for tools that you use frequently.

Plastic scrubber combo holsters have become key tools of the window cleaning trade over the last 3 decades. Starting years ago, with the first holster that was designed by a window cleaner, the concept is to have a plastic holster that can carry your wet scrubber with you, on your hip. Unger, Ettore, Pulex and Moerman make the most popular styles on the market. Differences in features revolve around how many tools the product can hold, how the tool is suspended from the belt, how the tool can be removed from the belt, and the overall length when the tool hangs on your belt. The varieties really do make the performance of the models very different. Even just the overall suspended length of the holster can be huge. Depending on the length of your leg, an inch can mean banging your knee or being suspended mid-thigh. Be sure to compare all of the features of each product our wesite to see what you like best.

There are a variety of other types of holsters for tools that are commonly used in the window cleaning world as well. This includes scraper holsters, pouches for holding items like steel wool and towels, spray bottle holsters and even clips for holding towels. Sizes and number of slots vary from model to model. Obviously, not every window cleaner carry each of these tools on their person. However, the options are there to help make your performance more efficient on the job. Check out the choices and see what is ultimately the best option for you!

To be efficient is the goal at your window cleaning job. Less trips to the bucket can save you a lot of time over the course of a job, a week, and a career. There is a balance as you do not want to feel like an inspector gadget when you walk into a job! With the choices shown here, you can be sure to get the belts and holsters that you need to show yourself as the pro that you aspire to be.

True craftsmen take time to plan the resources and tools needed for stellar performance.

Build out your ideal tool belt for window cleaning today. Let us help you with your purchasing decisions- reach out to our team or shop on our website!

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