Questions about Electrolux Combo Tool

[eurekaprince]

I have always wondered how effective the famous Electrolux combination tool is - the one that is both a dusting brush and an upholstery nozzle.

My questions for any experts out there:

1. When the wings are unfolded for cleaning upholstery, does the suction actually make it to the edge of the "wings"? The wings look so flat that I am amazed that there is any room for any airflow along the wings at all.
2. When in "upholstery nozzle" mode, how does the suction stay strong in the nozzle, if there are gaps in the centre where the wings meet?
3. I have seen this being used where the wings are not "flat" out, and are at a 90 degree angle to each other - I guess for cleaning edges of sofas and chairs, or for cleaning pleated drapes. Does this positioning of the wings actually allow suction to be maintained all across the length of each wing? Or is this just a sales gimmick?
4. Do the wings eventually break off after much use?
5. What about the new 3-in-1 version where the wings become a crevice tool (Electrolux Ultra One)? What if the wings get bent out of shape or break or don't fold back properly? Won't this affect the suction at the tip when used as a crevice tool?

It seems like such a classic Electrolux feature both in Europe and the USA (Canadian Electroluxes seemed to have "normal" upholstery nozzles). Even Simplicity and Riccar are now offering this kind of tool. I am wondering how effective these combo tools are, in comparison with a regular upholstery nozzle.

EurekaPrince Brian

 

[aeoliandave]

Good question, Brian.

I get the impression that you don't have one of these Electrolux combo tools, Brian?

I think they are a brilliant design.

First of all, the plastic used is a tough 'rubbery' compound much like the GE Cycolac. The mold dies produce a thick body and fold-out wings, with no sharp edges, that have a perceptible 'give' but I have yet to see one that is the least bit deformed or misshapen from age. The brush ring is snapped into the round body and there is a separate real rubber collar in the center of the horsehair brush end to accept and seal against the hose or wand inserted. This ensures that the upholstery nozzle configuration will not loosen and fall off while 'scrubbing' the rough upholstery surface and bumping tufting buttons.

This rubber ring collar also serves as a soft bumper that will not mar fine furniture when used as a dusting brush.

 

[aeoliandave]

Folded out flat you can see how deep the airflow channels are - 1/2" at the center tapering down to 1/4" deep at the tips.
To prevent the nozzle from sucking tight to the surface there are two individual bumps that allow airflow from four central corners, as in any stationary standard upholstery nozzle...

The extended ends of the central bar almost meet at the center preventing fabrics from being sucked in.

 

[sireluxomatic]

This is purely observation, not an expert opinion, but I've found that:

1. The suction is relatively strong and constant along the length of the wings when spread flat.

2. I'm not so convinced of the maintenance of the suction on all surfaces when the wings are at an angle...it really depends on the contours of the furniture.

3. I've never seen the wings broken (although I suppose after much use and abuse they certainly could be), but I have seen the tip on the end closest to the suction broken. However, this doesn't affect the operation in any way...the only thing it does is prevent the wings from standing up perfectly straight when not in use.

4. I've never used any of the "Eurekalux" tools so I'm not sure about them, but my Chinese Electrolux "Ingenio" has a similar combo tool to the North American one...the only difference is the Chinese one has a small strip of red "felt" (actually, I don't know what the material is) to help gather lint and hair up.

 

[aeoliandave]

A second view of the upholstery configuration showing the deep wing channels.

 

[aeoliandave]

The Combotool is so well balanced it sits flat on the wings without falling over.

 

[aeoliandave]

Proudly Electrolux.

The fit of the rotating wings to the body is so precise that any air leaking gap is negligible if not eliminated. And remember, this tool was engineered and imagineered well before anyone thought of CAD.; mold makers hand crafted the models.

On the other hand, I have no doubt most contemporary vacuums are virtually Computer Assisted Designed before molten plastic is forced into molds.

My 57 year old sense worth.

Dave
I've seen the Simplicity and Riccar versions and they are very good copies but...
They are made of a thinner hard plastic that will certainly not stand up to the required rigors as many decades as the Lux Combotool does.

 

[eurekaprince]

Hey Dave and Bob! Thanks for this....

the pics are wonderful and really explain the physics of the tool. Now I can see how well it works.

I wonder if Sweden's Electrolux has maintained the precise specs for their contemporary machines - would be interesting to see pics from our friends overseas. The new Electrolux air-only canisters (Ultra Silencer for one) also include a combo tool that stores under the hose handle. Would be interesting to find out if these versions are as good as those from the 1950's US machines.....

Again, THANK YOU for the pics - now that's a helluva comprehensive answer!!!!

EPB

 

[eurekaprince]

Addendum....

I guess now the only down-side I can see from this combo-tool design would be that the leading edge of the "upholstery tool configuration" is not flat, and so trying to get at dirt stuck in the cranny of say a carpeted stair facing you (not on the side) would be more difficult than a standard tool with an even, flat leading front edge.

I remember really liking the upholstery nozzle on my Eureka World Vac and Mighty Mite II - the front edge was very thin and you could really suck up any dirt stuck in a crevice facing you in a sofa or chair. With this classic combo tool, you'd have some trouble doing that because of the irregularity in the profile of the front edge.

I like the idea that the Ingenio has put some of that "Miracle Brush" lint trapping velcro material in the newer versions - that's bound to help the pick up of lint and threads.

As you can see, I am fascinated by the design of vac attachments. I think that's because as a toddler, I was only allowed to play with the hose and tools, not the vac itself!

I really must start a thread in the "off-topic" section called "Tool Talk" where we can all post opinions about what tool designs we prefer! Promise to start that soon....

 

[sireluxomatic]

Actually I don't use the upholstery side of the Lux combo tool very much; I use the carpet side of the carpet/bare floor Lux tool. It's nice and wide, has the gleaner to pick up lint and hair, and gets the job done quicker, especially on something like a bed.

A tool thread sounds like a plan. Would that include motorized and/or air driven tools as well?

 

[joe22]

i do love the dust brush, lots of bristles. as a fabric tool it could use a brush or lint picker.

 

[eurekaprince]

"Would that include motorized and/or air driven tools as well?"

Absolutely!

I would probably want to create separate threads for each kind of attachment, from crevice tools to power nozzles and hoses. This way, the threads could keep things focused on each kind of attachment.

I really like the idea of turning the focus away from the main machine, and over to the working end of a vacuum cleaning experience. You can have the greatest suction or most maneouverable tank or canister, but if the tool you are using is bad, the whole activity becomes problematic.

Look for the threads to start soon!

 

[suckolux]

I love mine, use them on any machine they will fit on! Combo floor brush pretty darn sweet too.

 

[bimmer740]

Attachment Thread

I think that different threads on attchments would be a wonderful thing. I do love canisters and uprights, but I absolutely love my VacuFlo central vac, the power is just amazing. Anyway, since you can use any attchment that fits a standard hose, it has been interesting to mix and match tools with the system. Being that the system has so much power, it is nice to be able to pick and choose from a variety and it makes you realize how important good design and funtion are. And by the way, I do love the Lux Combo Brush, its great for dusting because those natural bristles will never sratch fine furniture.