Hoover Handivacs

[gottahaveahoove]

These seem to be regaining popularity. I see several on ebay. I have lots of them, and always use one. I've even used the attachments to clean the car. I USED to use those tools to clean the 2 staircases here. They are sturdy little machines, all Hoover quality. Even Tom in Ohio now uses one for a quick run through the kitchen after meals. I always liked them. I sometimes use a Pixie (with the strap) for thew chandeliers. the bookcase, etc.
I just noticed that it seems that they are possibly becoming popular again. Ann Haines gave me one that had a vault tag on it. "Yay".

 

[fan-of-fans]

I have a very basic blue stick vac one, but I guess not truly Handivac because there is no handle on the suction unit to use as hand vac. No model name, it just says Hoover. It uses same style twist lock ring to attach the metal handle as well as the floor nozzle.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Oh, that's a handivac

Some have that 'handle', where others do not. That blue one was my first one to purchase at Vac Way in Scranton. I use it to this day. Bought it in 1976

 

[fan-of-fans]

Mine must be newer - it has the black slide switch instead of the flip switch, and it has the square plug like an Elite. Model S2015. I keep forgetting I have it, it's in the back of my closet. It's in mint condition, but no bags came with it. I'll have to try ACE Hardware, I think I saw some older bags in there. Heard the Hoover bags for these are hard to find, there were two sizes...

I vaguely remember my mom having one like mine, when I was really little. Don't remember what happened to it, but I remember it was blue and the latches on it.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Yes, yours IS later.

There are: short bag housing, and long. These are short. IF you need a few bags, I'm I could get some to you.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Yes, yours IS later

They made long and short bag housing. These are short. If you need a few bags, I'm sure I could get some to you.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Sorry, had a double post

tried to add a missed word.

 

[caligula]

Hi John:

While I don't need a Hoover Handi-Vac, if you happen to come across a yellow Hoover Floor Washer let me know. I used to have one when I lived in California and it was great for kitchen floors. Would love another one for the treated hardwoods here.

Thanks,

Alex Taber.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Hi Alex,

I have both the blue and the yellow one. I know they're difficult to find. Never used them, but, I realize they are the forerunner to the Floormate.
IF I come across one, I'll grab it for you.

 

[caligula]

Thanks John, that would be great.

 

[thevacuumman]

I have a red Handivac I and a Wards Jiffy Vac that's a rebadged Handivac. the Wards sees almost daily use around the house in the kitchen and usually following behind our toddler since she's about like a Tornado sometimes. My wife likes the Wards over her old Bissell Featherweight that we had in our first house and has pretty much replaced it. The Handivac I usually gets used with whatever upright I'm using at the time for the couches and the walls since I've paired some wands and a floor brush with it in addition to its standard tools.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Apparently, the blue model I have was meant to be used with tools too. I saw one like mine, new in the box on eBay and it showed the optional attachments. I mean, I knew you could put other tools or a hose on it, but I didn't realize they meant for it to be used like that, being there's no handle on suction unit. Maybe meant to use a shoulder strap?

 

[huskyvacs]

I also noticed Bissell carpet sweepers are going up in price. People paying $30-$50 for them. Not sure what is going on that is influencing the market. Maybe people finally realized they are better and more versatile than new stuff.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Well anything "vintage" is going to be overpriced, outside of thrift stores or estate sales, and sometimes even then. EBay is too expensive in many cases to be worth it to me. I've actually never bought a vacuum cleaner from eBay, although I have bought parts to them on there. It's gotten even worse since I started buying vintage stuff on there 10 years ago, although there are still some good prices to be had.