Ｆｒｏｍ Ｋｅｉｔｈ

    23 April 2011  

           Kapiolani Park Tennis – Care & Maintenance of Roller Squeegees

I suspect that all of us have at some time put our foot on the frame of a roller squeegee to aid in getting pressure on the roller; and/or, started rolling a court with the circular pattern.  Both these procedures are not conducive to the long life of the roller.

The photo below shows what happens when too much downward force is put on a roller. In addition to breaking the plastic tube with excessive pressure, the aluminum frame can get misaligned. The latter and heavy pressure on the roller increases the wear on the cap end bearing surface and since the cap ends are plastic this occurs regularly.

When a frame becomes misaligned the short spindle/axles no longer have a uniform wearing surface with the cap end. (see the photo below).

Using the roller in a circular pattern causes one end of the roller to rotate at a different rate than the other. Thus, particularly at the roller ends, stress is put on the adhesive that holds the PVA (the absorbent) on the plastic tub. (Automobile rear axles have a differential that prevents such stress on the tires)

Since the roller squeegees and their spare parts are purchased from funds collected from the Kapiolani Park Tennis patrons, any way we add to the rollers longevity is a monetary saving.

Recommendation: Keep feet off the roller squeegee!!!

The plastic tube that the PVA is attached to with adhesive is not made to be very sturdy. The end cap which fits in the plastic tube is also of a plastic material. The end cap is only 5/8” wide and acts as the sole bearing surface for any pressure applied to the roller.
The short spindle/axle shown below is the part which transmits any pressure on the roller frame/handle to the rolling parts.


Older model frames came with a rod that was attached at ends of the roller frame; this acted as an axle, but the bearing surface was all where the cap ends were located. 
All types of roller frames use the cap ends and it is important the there be only minimal end play in the roller because the cap must always be snug in the tube to prevent damage.

Thank You !!