Frequently asked questions
Answers from the guy who invented the tools - and still uses them.
Louvre Gun
Does the Louvre Gun actually make cleaning louvres faster, or is it just a gimmick?
It's the real deal. Louvres are slow because you're essentially cleaning two sides of every blade individually. The Louvre Gun wets and rinses both sides at one time.. For a window cleaner doing louvres regularly, it changes the job entirely.
I built it because I was sick of how louvres:
- took such a long time
- are hard to get really clean
- are painful and exhausting on hands
The XPRT Louvre Gun solves all those problems.
My Louvre Gun trigger feels stiff or sticky. Is it broken?
Almost certainly not. The trigger just needs a little silicone grease on the O-rings. It's normal maintenance. We've got a step-by-step guide right here: xprt.tools/louvre-gun-care.
Takes two minutes and it'll feel like new. Avoid WD-40 or Vaseline - silicone grease only.
Does the Louvre Gun work with tap water or does it need to be treated water?
You get best results from pure water. The whole point of the Louvre Gun is a spot-free finish on louvre blades, and that only works if the water leaves no mineral residue. Tap water generally has minerals, which leaves spots. If you're not already running a pure water system, the Hose Connection Kit connects to a standard garden tap and works with a DI or RO filter inline.
What pressure does the Louvre Gun need to work properly?
Standard garden hose pressure is fine, but not full blast. You don't need a high-pressure system. The gun is designed for low-volume, controlled delivery. More pressure doesn't mean better results on louvres; it means more splash and more mess.
Louvre Mop
Which Louvre Mop size do I need - 102mm or 152mm?
It depends on your louvre blade width. In my experience it's roughly 50/50 out there. About half the louvres I encounter take the 102mm, half take the 152mm. If you're not sure, measure the width of a single blade before you order.
You can use the 152mm on narrower blades in a pinch, but if there's a fly screen in place, the larger mop can scrape along it as you work, slowing you down. Using the right size is just faster and cleaner. If you're regularly doing both blade widths, it's worth having one of each in the kit.
Can I just use a regular window mop on louvres?
You can, but it's a frustrating compromise. A standard mop is too wide and awkward to hold. The Louvre Mop is the exact profile of the blade, so it gets both faces properly in one stroke. Once you've used it, going back to a standard mop feels like cleaning with a pillow.
How do I get the microfibre sleeve onto the mop bar?
When it's time to putting the sleeve back onto the metal frame, use the plastic helper card that comes in the packaging. Fold the sleeve with one side slightly longer. Place the card against the white side, slide it into the frame shorter-side first. Push it home, then pull the card out. The velcro grips it in place. Takes about 10 seconds once you know the trick.
Can I wash the Louvre Mop sleeves?
Yes. Machine wash, cold, no fabric softener. Fabric softener coats the microfibre and kills the absorbency. Air dry or tumble dry low. They hold up well with regular washing.
Grip Clips
What does the Grip Clip actually do?
It connects your ladder to the gutter using two clamps joined by an elastic cord. One clamp goes on each side of the ladder, cord wrapped once around the rung just above the gutter. The built-in tension helps reduce unwanted ladder movement - horizontal sliding along the gutter and backwards tipping while you're climbing or working.
Note: the Grip Clip is a ladder stability accessory. It's not a fall-protection or fall-arrest device, and doesn't replace correct ladder setup and footing.
Is the Grip Clip load tested?
Yes. Independently tested by LMATS (NATA-accredited laboratory) to withstand force both sideways and outward. Full test results are available at xprt.tools/test-results.
Which size Grip Clip do I need?
The Grip Clip Long is the standard version and suits most applications. It fits most residential and commercial gutters. We no longer sell the Short version separately, so the Long is the one to get.
Gutter Tongs
What are Gutter Tongs used for?
Retrieving debris from gutters and downpipe openings without repositioning the ladder every metre. The main use is clearing the downpipe entry point, reaching in where your hand can't fit, to pull out the compacted leaf matter that actually causes gutters to overflow. Leaves, tennis balls, dead birds, the usual muck.
The stainless steel tongs are long enough to give you extra reach along the gutter to save you moving the ladder so much.
Which size Gutter Tongs should I get?
The 45cm (18") is the most popular. It's long enough for most residential gutters without being unwieldy. The 35cm (14") suits tighter access or shorter reach situations. The 50cm is there if you need extra length. When in doubt, go 45cm.
Are the Gutter Tongs strong enough for wet, compacted leaf matter?
Yes. They're stainless steel with a solid spring. Wet leaf matter, wet mulch, small branches, and sausages, no issues. They're not designed for gripping individual large objects like roof tiles, but for gutter debris they're perfect.
Snap Wrap / Hose Connection Kit
What is the Snap Wrap for?
It's a silicone snap bracelet that you use to keep your hose coiled and tidy when you're not using it. Wrap the hose, snap it closed to avoid the headache of tangles, and mess.
It's included in the Hose Connection Kit and the Louvre Pro Kit.
What does the Hose Connection Kit include?
10 metres of Verdi Superflex hose with push-fit fittings at both ends, a ball valve, a straight connector, a garden tap adaptor, and a Snap Wrap. Everything you need to connect a standard garden tap to the Louvre Gun. Fittings are push-fit, so no tools required.
Can I use the Hose Connection Kit with other window cleaning gear?
It's standard 8mm size, which is what most fits any other 8mm window cleaning equipment. And the garden hose fitting is the standard size and shape for Australia.
Fly Screen Remover
What makes the Fly Screen Remover different from just using a screwdriver?
The shape and material. A screwdriver tip is too wedged shaped and too rigid. It concentrates force on one small point, which is exactly how you end up with a bent screen or a gouged frame. The Fly Screen Remover has a wide, narrow, face, curved to fit exactly into the gap cleanly and spreads the load. Without scratching or buckling.
Will it work on all fly screen types?
It works on the two types of fly screens that cause the most trouble: friction-fit screens pressed into a rebate, and screens held with velcro. It also works on tab-and-spring screens where the original clips or tabs have broken off and there's nothing left to grip. It's not designed for screwed-in or hinged screens. If you're not sure, it's inexpensive enough to try.
How do I remove a fly screen from a window?
It depends on the screen type. There are three common designs.
1. Groove-fit screens sit inside a channel in the aluminium frame. These usually need the sliding window removed first, then the screen lifts free from the groove (window track).
2. Outside-fit screens attach to the face of the frame using swivel clips, friction, or velcro. Swivel-clipped screens release once you rotate the clips. Friction and velcro screens need a flat tool to get in behind the edge without marking the frame.
3.Tab-and-spring screens use a clip or tab at the top of the frame combined with a spring plunger or slide tab. Release the top fastening first, then the screen hinges away at the bottom.
For the full breakdown with photos, see the guide: How to Remove a Fly Screen Without Bending It.
What do I do if the tab or clip on my fly screen is broken?
This is the most common reason fly screens get stuck. Once a tab snaps off or a spring plunger stops working, there's nothing left to grip or lever with. The screen sits flush against the frame and a screwdriver or metal tool will cause damage.
The Fly Screen Remover is designed for exactly this. The flat face gets into the tiny gap at the screen edge and gives you enough purchase to work the screen out, even with no original hardware left intact.
General / Ordering / Shipping
Where do you ship to?
Australia-wide, and we ship internationally. Most orders ship from Sydney within 1 to 5 business days.
Do your prices include GST?
The prices you see on the site are ex-GST. GST (10%) is added at checkout. Wholesale invoice prices work the same way.
Do you offer wholesale / trade pricing?
Yes. If you run a window cleaning supply business or buy in volume, email jono@xprt.tools with what you're after and I'll send you the wholesale price list.
Can I return a product if it's not right for me?
We accept returns on faulty or defective items within 30 days of receipt. If a product arrives damaged or not as described, email jono@xprt.tools and we'll sort it. We don't accept change-of-mind returns on used tools.
I have a question that isn't answered here.
Email jono@xprt.tools or use the contact form on the site. I read every email and usually reply same day.
Ladder clip is very handy for keeping ladder still. I also use it to clip hoses in place when working on roofs.
Recommended
Excellent personal service from the business owner! Swift shipping across Sydney.
The tools are well thought out and work really well on the job. Rinsing louvre... More
Great window cleaning equipment and gutter cleaning equipment. Fast postage, would recommend. I recently got the Gutter tongs and the length is great. Best way to clean a gutter.
