Another 505 detail to share

[vacmadman]

Pictured are two 505 in process I noticed this a few years back. If you look closely at the handle lock screw heads they have a perfect round or dome shape to them.

I noticed that later 500 series models these screws are flattened at the very tip top of the screws. I think this change began with the late model 508....Thought's??

Jim [this post was last edited: 6/27/2021-14:44]

 

[lesinutah]

Hmm

I wonder if more flat screws are used on maybe 508. That's an interesting observation.
I was going to ask how did you flip the vacuum on the right but noticed you rotated it 180 degrees.

 

[kirbyklekter]

That's interesting

They ticked both boxes, form and function, using the flattened screws. General Motors was the first to use the newly invented Phillips screw on their Cadillac.They were made available to the public in 1937. I'm not sure which model Kirby began using Phillips screws. Those flat head screws you show,I'll bet it would be hard to nail down exactly when they switched from one to the other. They're interchangeable so I wouldn't be surprised to see both used used on same model as your example confirms.

I guess the answer would be on the original design blueprint.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

kirbyklekter

Billy,

I will share with you everything I know about when Kirby used Phillips screws, and where...

1960 - model 560
Where:
Motor shell housing (3)
Belt lifter assembly (3)

1962 - model 562 Sanitronic
Where:
Wheels (4)

1964 - model Sanitronic VII
Where:
Front wheel shaft clamp (2)
Front bearing plate (4)

1970 - model Classic 1CR
Where:
Rear wheel shaft (2)

1973 - model Classic Omega 1CB
Where:
Fan housing/motor housing (long 1-1/4" screw on front of fan case, above suction intake opening)

1974 - model Classic Omega 1CB
Where:
Fan housing/motor housing (four short 5/8" screws on back of motor housing; three round head and one flat head)

1979 - model Tradition 3CB
Where:
Headlight lens (2)
Vent seal (2)
Speed switch (top mount)/terminal block retainer bar (2)

~Ben

 

[kirbyklekter]

KirbyClassicIII

Ben,

Thanks so much for the list. It's interesting that it took 23 years for Kirby to start using the Phillips screw heads. Actually even longer as they were first available for industrial use in the early 30's and then released to the public in 1937.