Did knocker-uppers have any special tools or techniques for waking people up?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Knocker-Upper
Yes, knocker-uppers used a long stick or a long pole with a soft end, such as a piece of cloth or a padded hammer, to gently tap on windows or doors to wake people up. Some also used pea shooters or even pebbles to tap on windows. They also had a good sense of time and would often carry a watch or use a water clock to keep track of the time.