Restoring plastic swivel bits

[tseg]

Many plastic dusting brushes have swivel functionality, but over time with wear the swivel action can become loose beyond appropriate functionality. I did some You Tube homework and came across a recommendation how to restore loose swivel action on action figures' arms and legs. The recommendation also works for loose swiveling plastic bits on vacuums.

I purchased Pledge Floor Care Finish floor wax and an eye dropper. Using the dropper I drop the floor wax in the swivel seams, wipe off the excess and let dry for a few hours. A few hours later, original functionality is restored. I suppose depending on the severity, the process may need to be repeated to build up some layers.

Thought I would share this tidbit if you were not aware.

 

[fan-of-fans]

That's interesting. I remember on the older white Kenmore dusting brushes where that was a problem.

 

[huskyvacs]

Dry graphite powder is a very good lubricant for plastic parts. I have a 40-50 year old tube of "Mr. Zip" in my garage, likely not made anymore. I use it on my Hot Wheels car wheels that have rusted to make them spin freely again.

I'm not sure I'd put any kind of liquid in a vacuum, because it would draw dust and dirt into it, and then form a paste and gum it all up.

 

[tseg]

For clarity, the original post is about how to tighten up swivel bits that have become worn and loose.

 

[fantomfan57]

Thanks World Traveler.........

This is a great idea. I am thinking of keeping a small notebook with ideas like this. I seem to remember running across a website journal, no obvious order, that seemed like it was "secrets" shared by Vacuum Cleaner Repair Shop Employees. For example...what vacuum belts can be substituted for obsolete or no longer made vacuum belts.

If I find it I will post the link.

 

[tseg]

OK, one more tidbit... for some reason many new Miele turbo and power heads have wheels/axles that tend to hit a harmonic vibration on the backstroke, making a buzzing sound one can feel through the wand/handle when pulling the head back quickly (I've felt/heard this sensation on each of mine). It is more an annoyance than anything, as one would want their cleaning head feeling/sounding more like slicing through butter. I sprayed each wheel/axle with 3M silicone dry lubricant spray, let it dry for a few minutes and that occasional vibration has disappeared. Silicone dry lubricant spray is a wonderful thing.

 

[tseg]

While at it... HooverLux on YouTube gave another helpful one buried about 36 minutes into a 45 minute restoration video... which is to use one of those spongy Magic Erasers to scrub out scuff marks from smooth plastic bits on vacuums. One caution would be if your plastic surface is very glossy it could be dulled a bit by the Eraser, which could then be re-polished with car wax, but on the surfaces I've used it on, the dulling effect has been all but non-existent. No more white and brown scuff marks all over my vacuums.