As a rope descent technician, it is incredibly frustrating when your suction cup simply doesn’t stay on the glass like you need it to. You position yourself to perform your work, lean to cover extra reach on the glass and “poof” the suction cup breaks suction. Frustrating and a bit unnerving to say the least.
Let’s discuss the most likely cause of the issue and what are some suggested fixes.
The curved handle, 4 and 5 inch suction cups can be a real asset for “horizontal stabilization” when working while suspended. The units available in a variety of options. These include two sizes as well as single and double styles. While most models feature the natural black rubber cups, the newest versions to be added to the selection are the red Silicone rubber units.
Additionally, you will find stainless steel or standard models in our store. The difference is in the type of metal used to make the threads and body on the top, or inside of the cup itself. Stainless steel will hold up a bit better when used around moisture and water as stainless will not corrode as quickly as the standard metals. Again, this is the metal that the threaded backing of the cup is made from. From the outside, you will not be able to spot the difference.
In talking about the potential issues with the unexpected release of the cup units, it is fair to mention that you might want to consider using a different style of cup to see if it fits better with your usage. For professional high rise window cleaners, moisture is always present in the job site. The stainless steel might very well last longer and perform more consistently with less corrosion than the standard versions.
Regardless of the type of metal for the construction, the cup units all function with the same design. The cup is attached to the metal frame with that threaded “nipple” that is designed into the cup. Inside the assembly, there is a rubber valve that acts as a plunger to create and release the air tight suction when using the cup unit. The trigger assembly consists of the rubber valve, the post the valve is mounted to, a spring and the corresponding trigger that fits into the handle.
To summarize the anatomy of the suction cup, there are 3 basic components:
- The actual rubber cup – available in stainless steel, regular, and with silicon red rubber
- The trigger assembly – creates and maintains the suction for the cup to perform
- The handle assembly – this is the part held in the hand while being used
The most common two scenarios that window cleaners have reported have to do with the trigger assembly or the suction cup itself.
When the trigger assembly is the culprit, the rubber valve inside begins to be unable to create that air tight suction. Reasons most often have to do with the corrosion of the threaded “nipple” on the cup itself. If the cup is taken apart, often the inside of the threaded part can be cleaned out, removing rough edges and debris. At the same time, replacing the trigger assembly will often allow the unit to be reassembled and to experience improved performance.
The second source of failure can be the suction cup itself. Inspect the rim, or outer area of the surface of the cup. Look for any nicks, cuts, or rough areas. These areas will cause the suction to seep and not hold as it should. To replace the cup is pretty easy as you simply unscrew the cup and attach the new one.
At Detroit Sponge, the most common user of the suction cup that we see is the professional high rise window cleaner. Of all of the concerns of the technician, the suction cup is an efficiency improver that should function without thinking about it. The cup is used ONLY for horizontal stabilization, to allow the window cleaner to cover a larger area of the glass and to assist with positioning. All of the features of the cup are designed to allow easy use and for the cup to be easily secured to your chair. When the cup doesn’t work as it should, it can feel like a major slow down on the job site.
This article explained a little bit about the different cups available as well as how to service the most commonly serviced components of the cup units. Each of these parts are available on our site, www.DetroitSponge.com. Check them out and feel free to email CustomerService@DetroitSponge.com or call 800-535-6394 with any questions or if there are tips we can share with other professional window cleaners!
Be safe and Eat Sleep Squeegee!