For over a year something has been wrong with our vacuum. One pass over the visible chunk of junk and it would be a no-pickup. Six or seven passes would sometimes get it. This would instigate the bob and peck method of bending over to retrieve the gunk by hand, vacuum in one hand, pecking with the other. Mysteriously, the hose worked fine.
The vacuum was disassembled countless times to find the clog (one time it was clogged with marigolds because it was used on the front walk for a quick pickup after gardening). Finding no apparent clog, the online search for a new beater bar began. Lost in cyberspace for hours on end, one was located in Rhode Island for $35 plus shipping. Hopes were that this would be the magic bullet necessary to make cleaning efforts worth the huge physical toll. WRONG - the bar was bran' spankin' new and no improvement. Our fine gray baby was gutted once again and it was determined that perhaps the wheel height thingy majiggy was not working, so the wheels were torn off, the adjuster reassembled and still, no suction through the head.
A shiny new red replacement vacuum was purchased in a fit of desparation right before Thanksgiving. RC Willey Outlet will sell floor models already assembled, a huge plus for items with over 749 screws. Not willing to give up on the old one, dear hubbie hauled our gray baby to the repair shop. The guy said that it was probably a clog and it would be $40 to look at it. Dismayed, hubbie replied, "THERE IS NO CLOG, WE'VE HAD IT APART A BAGILLION TIMES!" They plugged it in and fired her up.
Mr. Sparty Pants Repairman tilted it back and shoved his hand into the head. This is something always avoided in our home, fearing the loss of limb. The deadly mass of string, hair, and pins combined with a spinning brush is a sure combination for blood loss. However, with a gentle touch the brand new $35 beater bar stopped mid turn. "Looks like your belt's bad, I'll sell you a new one for $2.50." Seems the bar will still turn when the head is lifted, but stretches out over time and stops when it touches the floor.
The chicken pecking routine used to clean our floors has been replaced by suction power that would suck the skin off a golf ball.
1 comment:
I know your pain. I had a bagless vacuum and took it in quarterly to get it unclogged. Finally I decided that was it and I traded it in for an old bagged vacuum. I've never been happier than I am with my old, ugly, totally functional vacuum.
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