something missing from modern vacs - ability to use as a blower

[blknblu]

I was cleaning my Shark Vac with my Electrolux, ironic.
Long story, it was given to my family a few years back.
The vac had never been cleaned before and was full of stuff.
It was used by wife until she passed.
I placed it in a closet until I recently uncovered it.
It was pretty dirty and I used the Electrolux to suck up all the dirt that was inside the tubes, and in the power nozzle.

I use my Electrolux to inflate air mattresses, plastic pool toys, snow sleds, etc. It is also good as a gentler blower than my air compressor.
I recently used it to blow the grass off my driveway since my brother borrowed the combination Shop Vac/blower.

Anyway, using the Electrolux makes me appreciate the versatility of them.
It seems the newer vacs are suction only.
The previous owner of my latest Electrolux never knew it could be used that way. (It does say blower on the exhaust port)

My kids always got a kick when I dragged an Electrolux out into the garage to inflate their snow sleds.

 

[suckolux]

quasi grandson used mine with the crevice tool to blow out his computer, he had a few cans of compressed air, I said, lets try this! Clouds everywhere, outside of course.

 

[panasonicvac]

Lindhaus does have a blower port to use on some of their uprights.

 

[wyaple]

Kirby, Rainbow, & Electrolux

I believe have always had blower capabilities, but you're right, blknblu, the vast majority of new vac brands simply don't bother with it anymore.

Bill

 

[eurekaprince]

I may be mistaken, but I think the current model of the Eureka Mighty Mite canister has blower capability. Can anyone verify?

 

[suckolux]

The last one I saw did, yes! Not sure how long the vac shop had it in stock of course

 

[blknblu]

Good to know about those other models for a blower.
Bagless vacs have their place, but I don't like it.

The dirt seems to cling to every piece of plastic inside.
The filters are a piece of foam and a thin filter of spun plastic.
Cleaning the brush roll of hair completely, required me to disassemble it.

 

[human]

Cleaning the Shark with an Electrolux...

Now that gave me a good laugh. Just shows how useless modern plasticrap bagless vacs are. You need a classic vintage vac to clean them out. When it comes to vacuum cleaners, I'm a total metalhead!

 

[tolivac]

Computers can be NASTIER than vacuums from the dust they suck in with their blowers and fans-no filters on the air intakes!
Sleds-this really dates me--I have never seen a sled that you have to blow up-any pictures of this device?I just remember the metal and wood sleds when I was a kid.
Yes,its funny how so many vacuums no longer can be used as a blower.My Mighty Mite does have a blower outlet.You can use Miele vacuums as blowers by taking off the filter assembly and putting the hose into the round port.
Bagless vacs -you need a BAGGED vacuum to take care of them!I have a bagless Beam-Electrolux central vacuum in my collection.It has the cloth "drop filter"I still have to use one of my bagged central vacuums or NSS M1 with the paper bag to vacuum the Beam filter off.The Beam is still fun to use.

 

[blknblu]

Snow sled.
The one pictured is for a kid, but they make adult size ones also.
Snow tubes as well, very similar to the water ones, but have a bottom to them.
The plastic is a a thick flexible PVC material.
The Electrolux can inflate or deflate these in no time.

 

[tolivac]

So that's the new sleds these days-guess would be safer than the wood and metal ones of old!Would be better than the improvised "sled" of simply a piece of plastic you sit on and slide down with.The one shown would keep your butt from bumps!!!Learned something new---but not much use for sleds in my area.I haven't ridden on a sled since I was a child.I have watched kids sliding on the plastic sheets.

 

[blknblu]

The Flexible Flyer's with the steel runners and frames are not used much these days.The runners can slice fingers off, and the front bumper is all steel.
Same with the aluminum sleds shaped like a satellite dish.

I spray the bottom of the plastic sleds with silicone or Jig-a-loo .

The inflator nozzle is very versatile, since you can attach tubing to the end.
I use mine also to clean the coils underneath the refrigerator.

Looks like Sears no carries this one, but Ridgid still sells a similar one.
Mine is specifically for 1-1/4" hoses.
As you can see, mine has gotten a lot of use.

 

[blknblu]

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is ready for long term storage.
Filters are washed and dried. Hoses have been cleaned out, dust cup washed.
This was a gift and I cannot get rid of it.
I am sure anti-static spray would work well for the dust cup, as it does for my shredder.

At least it smells better

 

[dartman]

Pretty sure my Royal 4650 has a setting that says blower but all it does is disable the variable speed switch on the handle. Well I just looked and I guess you can put the hose on the exhaust port and actually use it as a blower. I've never even looked before or ever used that function as I've got several compressors and access to leaf blowers too. I guess you really do learn something new every day. Don't see why you couldn't hook it up with the switch in all systems on to raise or lower the air speed. Never downloaded or found a users manual for it but that is cool it actually has the function just in case.

 

[blknblu]

sometimes it is quicker to grab the vac than drag out the air compressor.
The blower is much gentler than using the air compressor obviously.
Sometimes, this is a better way to go.

 

[tolivac]

Oh yes-those Royal tank-"torpedo" canisters-just stick the hose in the back-instant blower-and a good one at that-One vac place I used to go to used that to dry vac parts he washed.
I couldn't remember that name "Flexible Flyer" That is what I used and other kids used.We kept our fingers away from the runners.Still have all of mine.Never used a saucer sled-did hear they are impossible to steer.The inflator tool seems like that could be handy-and like the Kirby one-use it on the suction mode to clean tiny spaces.

 

[blknblu]

The aluminum saucer.
Remember this from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ?"

 

[panasonicvac]

Specking of Christmas Vacation

What vacuum was shown in the attic where Clark was stuck at? I think it's a Electrolux but I don't know what model it was.

 

[tolivac]

Yes,remember the Christmas vacation about the saucer sled "race"The Electrolux vac in his attic.Never did see the one they used.Usually watch this movie at least once during the Christmas season-and--while selling TriStars with George came across a few folks playing this while we were selling at that time.One was playing the VHS tape-another a DVD.