Handle/switch repair Panasonic MC6810

[henryville]

All-time favorite vac, the slide switch is now stuck. Anyone have advice on how to repair this? Replacement seems not to be available. Looks like I could saw it open along the seam in order to get access to whatever is wrong with the mechanical slide/rod, but getting it back together... Might ruin it.

Thanks!

 

[louvac]

I had the same problem

with one of my Panasonics. What I discovered was the metal used for the rod that pushes the switch on, oxidizes and creates friction inside the handle. I remember once I got it finally to move, working it on/off, on/off seemed to make it work better-for the moment. But now that I am seeing yours, I wonder if you can simply spray some silicone spray on the portion of the rod that is exposed. Leave it upside down for a while and give it a second spray. I think it was a poor design.

 

[madman]

So there's no electrical switch in there? It's just a sealed plastic housing with a steel rod attached to the "switch"? Well, if the steel rod is rusted, submerge the whole thing in acid. Acid is usually harmless to plastic, and will dissolve the rust making the rod stick. Not for too long, mind you. Only long enough to free the rod and see some rust come out in the acid bath. Afterwards, rinse throughly, dry, then soak the whole thing in WD40. (The "WD" stands for "Water Displacement.") Allow that to dry, then lube the rod with white lithium grease.

Maybe test some muriatic acid on an inconspicuous part of the plastic. Hopefully there's nothing else in there.

Granted, it's a radical idea, but what's the alternative? Attempting to lubricate it will work for a while, until the tight-fitting rust simply pushes all the lubricant away.