Invented over 30 years ago, the Ledger by Companion Tools has become an essential tool for cleaning windows with ledges.

The inventor of the ledger, Jerry Rigdon, was a window cleaner. He had an idea of a better way to clean windows that have ledges at the bottom. At first, he had made the tool simply for his own use. The story goes that he was at a window cleaning gathering and showed the tool to a couple of other window cleaners. The response was immediate, “I have to have that tool!” From there, Jerry took the invention of the ledger and ran with it.

Always designed as a tool for use by a pro window cleaning contractor, Jerry manufactures the tool with a rugged, field-tested design. The ledgers are made out of aluminum, ensuring that the tool will hold up to the test of time in the window cleaners tool box.

Over the years, more sizes and variations of the Ledgers have been added to the lineup. The principle of each unit remains the same. The key to the design is that the angle is created only at the point of the bend in the Ledger. This leaves the squeegee to be held at what is now referred to as zero degrees. With the squeegee blade straight, the window cleaner can “close out” or finish a window all the way to the bottom with one single swipe. This feature is the secret sauce of the performance.

The Ledgers are available in different models that represent options for windows with different ledge depths. In addition, Jerry has a selection of pivoting style ledger handles for extra versatility. Here is a breakdown of the different lengths of ledgers and the dimensions of the ledges they are intended for.

The traditional, classic tool is offered in the following:

7 inch ledger – ledges up to 4 inches deep

9 inch ledger – ledges up to 6 inches deep

14 inch ledger – ledges up to 10 ½ inches deep

21 inch ledger – ledges up to (what for it…. ) 17 inches deep

And the newest of the classic design ledgers, the double bend. This has two bends to help create more angle for tricky ledges up to 12 inches deep.

The Swivel Ledger is offered in the following sizes:

11 inch swivel – for ledges up to 8 inches deep

14 inch swivel – for ledges up to 10 inches deep

Each option of the ledger is available with three different methods for attaching a squeegee channel to the handle. This has to do with the ease of installing the channel into the ledger.

1. There is the basic version that has screws that are tightened to hold the squeegee channel in place.

2. The swivel kit option for thinner profile channels, like the brass and stainless-steel designs.

3. The Thick swivel kit option for thicker profile channels like the Sorbo, Ettore Super Channel, Unger Ninja, and Pulex Alumax.


The Ledger tool works best with channels that use end clips to hold the rubber in place. Think of traditional Ettore Brass or Stainless-steel Channels for example.

Over the years, it has become very clear that Jerry designed a squeegee handle that solves a lot of challenges for window cleaners. The components are still the most rugged available.

When you call companion tools, Jerry’s voicemail still says, “You have reached Companion tools, maker of the Wonderful Ledger.” When you have a window job to clean that as many ledges, consider adding this timeless tool to your window bucket. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Detroit Sponge team or check out all our products on our website.

Continue reading...