The TRIUMPH scraper does not scratch glass 

By glass specialist Gary Mauer

Because the hardness of metal scrapers and glass is very similar, a TRIUMPH scraper used as directed will not scratch uncoated glass. For the same reason it is very difficult to scratch glass using a scraper improperly.

Chopping at a window with a scraper will not cause a scratch, unless done with such force the glass may break. For obvious reasons we do not recommend attempting this.

There is a simple, safe way to prove scrapers do not scratch glass. While wearing protective eyewear, chop a large stone block or brick with a firmly held Triumph scraper. Chop until the edge of the blade is damaged.

Clean the blade, and then try to use it on window glass. The damaged blade will be useless for window cleaning, but you will not find scratches on the glass.

What causes scratched glass?

To the untrained eye, scratches may all appear the same, but the truth is a variety of features and characteristics can be observed, such as curves, crush marks, or sharp turns.

Below are some examples of scratches that are of known cause.

About fabricating debris scratches

Scratches may occur on poor quality tempered (toughened) glass surfaces during cleaning, as a result of a microscopic manufacturing defect called fabricating debris.

These are small (invisible to the naked eye) imperfections; small flecks of glass that become affixed to the glass surface during the heat treating process.

These defects can break loose and scratch the glass during cleaning, sometimes causing very fine "fabricating debris scratches" - best seen in direct sunlight - that are most noticeable when present in great numbers on poor quality surfaces.

These scratches have unique characteristics. Because each begins where a moving blade encounters a defect, multiple scratches are parallel to each other.

Often with proper lighting and the aid of a magnifier, some have the appearance of comets. (The head is a fabricating debris defect and the tail is the scratch that it caused.)

We have no photos of scratches caused by scrapers because the Triumph scraper does not scratch glass. Remember that scrapers are to be used on uncoated glass only. Never scrape windows with a coating or tint film tint applied, because damage is likely.

To learn about fabricating debris defects, please visit these sites

www.iwca.org   www.scratched-glass.net    www.stopscratchedglass.com

To learn about using TRIUMPH scrapers, please refer to the JBF article: “The Use of Scrapers in Window Cleaning”.

Why use a scraper on a glass surface?
 

Although the glass may appear smooth, you need a scraper to make a light work of all your special scraping jobs. Paint, wallpaper, posters, dirt, water stains, bird droppings etc. can all be quickly and efficiently removed.

For the professional window cleaner, a JBF scraper with a sharp steel blade has an advantage compared to a rubber scraper, if the dirt on the window sticks so tightly that the rubber scraper cannot clean the window sufficiently.

In this case a steel blade is much more efficient. Besides that, JBF scrapers are extremely economical in use. All our scrapers are fitted with double-edge blades, and most of our blades are supplied in a safe blade dispenser with room for worn-out blades, so no rusty blades are left lying around.

The handle on the Triumph and Champion models can be used with all standard extension poles. The ergonomic design of our scrapers makes the job light, safe and easy.

For the removal of stubborn deposits as for example even the most resistant algae on aquarium glass, JBF’s aqua scrapers are simply a must. Handy MK2 Aqua and Triumph MK2 Aqua do not damage the silicon seal of the aquarium, as they are fitted with a shorter blade than the standard models.

This prevents accidental damage to the sealing compound at the tank’s corners. JBF’s aqua scrapers are fitted with stainless blades. Besides that, the covers for Triumph MK2 Aqua are fitted with a rubber, acting as a squeegee to clean the outside surface of the aquarium glass.


IMPORTANT!
Never use a scraper on a dry surface. We also recommend lifting the scraper off the glass at the end of each stroke before beginning new stroke.



Scrapers are precision instruments that must be stored, used and maintained properly. They are also extremely sharp, so great care must be taken in their use, handling and storage!