frankenvacs

[n0oxy]

Thought this would be an interesting topic, there is no right or wrong answer, but, what does everyone think of a frankenvac, that is, combining attachments or power nozzles from other vacuums? I can see both sides to this, some users may want to use only the attachments that a vacuum includes so it works the way the manufacturer intended. On the other hand, if you can enhanse how well a vacuum works by using other attachments, that's a good thing. I fit in to the second category, since all of my vacuums are canisters of one kind or another, I have lots of different attachments and power nozzles. I actually tend to avoid vacuums that do not have a standard hose end and if applicable, a standard power nozzle connector. Wondering what everyone else thinks. Do you combine other attachments with your vacuums or do you only use the attachments that were made for them? It's really common to do this with central vacuums since most central vacuum attachments, besides Electrolux and Beam use a standard hose end, but I think it's also interesting to combine something like an Electrolux 1205 with a Sebo power nozzle, or the Riccar Prima with the Centec CT10 power nozzle? So many different combinations are possible.
Mike

 

[human]

Whatever works...

I have a Kirby G5 that now has parts from/for a G3, G4, Ultimate G and Sentria. I don't know that it works any better than a fully stock G5--and certainly no better than my Gsix. I just went with the least expensive compatible parts I could find.

Even though my Electrolux Diamond Jubilee came with a PN-5 in excellent condiiton, I use it with a PN-4A, which I recently restored with a slightly custom paint job. I just prefer the more compact shape of the earlier Electrolux power nozzles to the later L-shaped ones. Repainting the PN-4A was a bit of an aberration for me in that I largely emphasize function over form.

 

[real1shep]

I think that whatever cleans the best and makes you happy, go for it. The only trouble with frankenvacs is if they turn up on eBay et al and are represented as original. Or somebody gets into a pissing match with you over floor attachments or hoses that aren't original, but claims they are.


 


I'd like to be able to interchange Hoover Connie/Celebrity/Spirit floor attachments with Elux...back and forth. I see a way to do it, but I haven't bothered yet.


 


Kevin


 

 

[tolivac]

I have used Kirby dust brushes with other vacuums I have-the Kirby tools get used more often on other vacuums besides the Kirby.On the rare times I use the Kirby as a "canister" I use a Wessel works hard floor tool on the Kirby MUCH better than the USELESS hard floor tool Kirby provides.The Wessel tool has swivel neck-the Kirby tool does not.

 

[luxlife]

My only attempt at FrankenVacs........

was with a Sandia backpack machine. I pulled out the whiny, high pitched one stage motor and replaced it with a 2 stage 10 amp Lamb from a Kenmore Whispertone. I added a pigtail cord for the power nozzle and then I used a Elux Discovery electric hose with a PN-5 power nozzle. That thing had incredible suction! When I got tired of it, I sold it on eBay with all the Elux attachments and a Sidekick.

 

[Deleted member 1090]

yes always

I do this all the time! I have a spare attachments bin i look for the brush i want and connect It to the vacuum im using. Be it either my Compact C9 or my Lux Discovery or Electrolux AP 200 ,i switch attachments every tool for every job love it, ahha or what ever im in the mood to use versatile i guess thats how i call it.

 

[human]

What really constitutes a 'frankenvac'?

Now that I think of it, when I first got my Electrolux Discovery Plus, I filled up the onboard tool holders with wands and a crevice tool from an old wet/dry shop vac I never use. The wands are essentially identical to those that I recently got in a tool kit for my Genesis LXe. I also added a generic combo dusting brush/upholstery tool, based on the venerable Electrolux design but also somewhat different, to the mix and later replaced the shop vac's crevice tool with a more correct five-inch version that bears the Swedish Electrolux logo, but I'm not so sure any of that makes the machine itself a 'frankenvac' any more than the fact that the crevice tool and one segment of the cord for the power nozzle for my Filter Queen Majestic are brown instead of black.

Now that I've written all that, I have to stop and wonder why I've never even considered using a tool from one of my Kirbys with an Electrolux or vice versa.