What is the point of the tool setting ?

[jmurray01]

I've been wondering this lately.

My 1994 HOOVER Turbopower 1000 (Model number: U2812) has a tool setting on the height adjustment scale (thin pile, medium pile, thick pile, extra thick pile/tools), but when the cleaner is in the upright position, putting it in the tool setting doesn't change the height.

The only difference it makes is when the cleaner is in use, which it obviously isn't going to be when I'm using the hose pipe.

So, why is it there if it is a useless feature ?

My 1993 Philips U800 has a tool setting too, but its one is useful, because it isn't the type of cleaner that raises the brush roll from the ground when put in the upright position, so it does require a tool setting.

But I can't understand what the tool setting on the HOOVER is for!

 

[vinvac]

Jamie,

My guess would be that it either changes the motor speed to a higher speed for tool usage or somehow either stops the brush roll from turning and diverts the suction to the tool port.

Or perhaps it does all of the above.

Morgan

 

[jmurray01]

I thought that, but it doesn't change the motor speed or stop the brush roll from spinning...

 

[fan-of-fans]

I think it mainly was do divert the suction to the tools, at least it was on the ones here (USA).

On the lower end Hoovers with onboard tools (such as the Elite), you inserted the hose into the tool door when you wanted to use it. The end you inserted in had a built in diverter that closed off the suction to the brushroll.

However on the higher end models such as the Legacy (which I had) and the PowerMax, there was a "permanent" hose. It did not have a diverter on the end, but you inserted the hose into the tool port, turned it to lock it and then left it in place, whether you were using the hose or not.

When you slid the height adjustment to "Cleaning Tools" it slid a diverter door to shut off the suction to the brushroll. Though I don't believe it did anything else as far as height adjustment and I know it didn't shut off the brushroll. So that's why the Elite and lower end Hoovers didn't have a "Cleaning Tools" setting, it did the same thing basically when you inserted the hose.

 

[Jakesvacs]

Tool

setting...
On your model turbopower it is simply to raise the brushrbar higher off the carpet so it doesnt damage it. On older turbopowers this was to divert the suction to the hose.

 

[eluxomarty]

fan-of-fans has the best explaination for the "tools" setting on those particular vacuums.

 

[rolls_rapide]

Incorrect

The Hoover Turbopower 1000 is a clean fan upright. There is no agitator idler pulley. There is no suction diverter cover, there is no variable speed control connected to the "Height-right selector".

Putting the machine upright in the storage position raises the agitator clear of the floor by extending the front undercarriage wheels. The agitator continues to revolve.

The "Tools setting" is merely a "belt and braces" solution: if the storage mechanism pivot/rods should break,the undercarriage would collapse and the agitator would be in contact with the flooring.

Selecting "Tools" means that a physical secondary obstruction prevents the undercarriage collapsing: that of the highest height setting.

Simple.

 

[Jakesvacs]

i was along the right lines

I had a turbopower 2 in red for a very long time and used it non stop. On tool setting i thought it did naff all or simply raise it higher. I knew it was a clean air vac too.

 

[jmurray01]

@rolls_rapide So basically, the "Tools" setting is just a back up in case for some reason the raising mechanism broke ?

 

[rolls_rapide]

Correct.

The highest height setting acts as insurance against failure. I wonder how many folk never bothered with that particular instruction?

 

[jmurray01]

A good analogy of the Tools setting on the Turbopower would be the hand brake in an automatic car.

You don't need it if the transmission is in Park, but some people put it in just on case.

 

[jmurray01]

That should have read "But some people put it on just in case".

 

[aeoliandave]

I disagree.

The manual or newer electronic handbrake may seem like an unnecessary throwback to an earlier era but in fact, when you leave a manual or automatic transmission in park (or first gear) you are putting a big strain on the gear shift pawls & teeth should there be any incline where the car rests or god forbid, a bump from ahead or behind.

Yes, it does hold the car from rolling but at what eventual cost?

The handbrake on the other hand is expressly designed and retained for this purpose - to activate friction brake pads on the rear wheel hubs or the drive-shaft and it is this which keeps the car from rolling.
Folks say 'but the handbrake keeps slipping' That's because it is not used regularly and the cables stretch. Having your axillary brake shoes and cables inspected and adjusted should be a standard practice whenever your wheels are rotated. Jiffy Lube does.
Every Owners Manual I've ever read instructs to apply the handbrake whenever the car is parked, although it is no longer explained why. I choose to not second guess the engineers that design these complicated machines.

Another silly thing that can shorten the life of a transmission in an automatic or manual - and does, ask any transmission mechanic - is, when backing out of a driveway or parking slot, is to to NOT come to a complete stop before engaging Drive.

These are habits that should be taught in Driver Training Schools.

But hey, a car is not a vacuum and it's your investment...

Dave, makes a habit reflex to apply the handbrake in Neutral before shifting past Reverse in to Park. Always have, always will.

 

[rolls_rapide]

I seem to remember a problem decades ago now, with certain Volvo automatic models, possibly the 300 series (340, 360).

Something about the cars running away on a slope. The advice was to engage "Park" on the selector lever and apply the handbrake firmly.

 

[jmurray01]

Yes, I know on a slope you should always apply the hand brake, as I would if I drove an automatic vehicle, but I was talking about a level/near level road situation, where Park would be more than sufficient to hold the car.