To stop the bag squeak
To stop bag squeak do not remove the tab off the bag, that keeps it from making that noise.
You painted the sheath? It looked like it matched the hose and was fine. I noticed the tape on the sheath is it damaged? If the lower wand won’t stay in that’s because the clip to hold the together is bent and it can be adjusted so this doesn’t happen and you don’t have to tape it. I don’t know about you but I’m not a big fan of having things taped together, I prefer to repair the issue making things work properly.
I haven’t had great luck with painting stuff, tend to chip off and then look bad so I learned my lesson the hard way on that . At least most of what you have painted can be replaced if they end up a mess.
Hope it works out for you though.
Jon