• Re: Dyson DIY?

    From Abandoned Trolley@that.bloke@microsoft.com to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 18:22:21 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y



    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant - it usually works a treat.



    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were Dysons
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tim+@timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 18:36:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Abandoned Trolley <that.bloke@microsoft.com> wrote:


    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant - >> it usually works a treat.



    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were Dysons


    Without knowing their share of the vacuum cleaner market, it doesnrCOt tell
    you a lot.

    Tim
    --
    Please don't feed the trolls
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Abandoned Trolley@that.bloke@microsoft.com to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 19:14:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 17/02/2026 18:36, Tim+ wrote:
    Abandoned Trolley <that.bloke@microsoft.com> wrote:


    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.



    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were
    Dysons


    Without knowing their share of the vacuum cleaner market, it doesnrCOt tell you a lot.

    Tim



    Perhaps not, but its tells me quite a bit about their share of the dead
    vacuum cleaner market
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Marland@gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 19:41:48 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Scott <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
    On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:16:16 GMT, Another John <lalaw44@hotmail.com>
    wrote:

    On 17 Feb 2026 at 14:54:15 GMT, "Scott" <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

    I have a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner - I think V8 but it does not
    seem to have any model number. The high/low power setting switch is
    becoming difficult to move. I spoke to the Dyson Centre man, who said
    this is not repairable. I thought one of the features of Dyson - apart
    from the high price - was supposed to be repairability.

    Does this sound correct? Is it likely I could repair it myself? Is
    there any lubricant suitable for electrical use? I assume both
    graphite and WD40 are totally unsuitable. Any ideas?

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant - >> it usually works a treat.

    Do you mean a spray. The internet suggests:

    DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS,
    ETC. There have been numerous reports that silicone spray can cause
    contact problems in switches, noted in multiple posts regarding
    automotive problems.


    You should not need to spray it into the actual electrical part , apply it
    to where the plastic surfaces rub together . If you are worried about not
    being able to control the spray then squirt it into a small container with
    a small paintbrush or cotton bud in it and apply with that to the plastic interface.

    GH

    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Scott@newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 19:49:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 17 Feb 2026 18:36:20 GMT, Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:

    Abandoned Trolley <that.bloke@microsoft.com> wrote:

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.

    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were
    Dysons

    Without knowing their share of the vacuum cleaner market, it doesnAt tell
    you a lot.

    I interpreted the message as being that a trip to the local recycling
    might provide a solution to the problem with my Dyson.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Another John@lalaw44@hotmail.com to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 19:52:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 17 Feb 2026 at 17:30:49 GMT, "Scott" <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

    On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:16:16 GMT, Another John <lalaw44@hotmail.com>
    wrote:

    On 17 Feb 2026 at 14:54:15 GMT, "Scott" <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

    I have a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner - I think V8 but it does not
    seem to have any model number. The high/low power setting switch is
    becoming difficult to move. I spoke to the Dyson Centre man, who said
    this is not repairable. I thought one of the features of Dyson - apart
    from the high price - was supposed to be repairability.

    Does this sound correct? Is it likely I could repair it myself? Is
    there any lubricant suitable for electrical use? I assume both
    graphite and WD40 are totally unsuitable. Any ideas?

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant - >> it usually works a treat.

    Do you mean a spray. The internet suggests:

    DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS,
    ETC. There have been numerous reports that silicone spray can cause
    contact problems in switches, noted in multiple posts regarding
    automotive problems.

    Ah - yes - well .. mustv admit i've never used it (or had to use it for switches).
    AJ
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From brian@nospam@b-howie.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Tue Feb 17 22:19:24 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    In message <3gh9pkpvu499p6g8s0sp40a82hiqc1dtac@4ax.com>, Scott <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> writes
    On 17 Feb 2026 18:36:20 GMT, Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:

    Abandoned Trolley <that.bloke@microsoft.com> wrote:

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone >>>>lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.

    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were >>> Dysons

    Without knowing their share of the vacuum cleaner market, it doesnrCOt tell >>you a lot.

    I interpreted the message as being that a trip to the local recycling
    might provide a solution to the problem with my Dyson.

    A good trip to the local recycling is when I come back with more than I
    took. ;-) There are certainly lots of Dysons. I scrapped mine after 20
    years after the rubber seals went.

    Brian
    --
    Brian Howie
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 08:43:48 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Scott wrote:

    I interpreted the message as being that a trip to the local recycling
    might provide a solution to the problem with my Dyson.

    Only if yours doesn't prohibit taking stuff away ...

    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 11:44:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 17/02/2026 18:22, Abandoned Trolley wrote:


    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone
    lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.



    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were Dysons

    They aren't called DieSoons for nowt...
    People who know how to fix stuff buy Henry's and friends...
    --
    "In our post-modern world, climate science is not powerful because it is
    true: it is true because it is powerful."

    Lucas Bergkamp

    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Roland Perry@roland@perry.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 13:42:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    In message <1980101761.793046132.711290.timdownieuk-yahoo.co.youkay@news.individual.
    , at 18:36:20 on Tue, 17 Feb 2026, Tim+
    <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> remarked:
    Abandoned Trolley <that.bloke@microsoft.com> wrote:


    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.



    FWIW ... Down at the local recycling / tip / dump place I recently
    noticed that at least half of all the dead vacuum claaners in there were
    Dysons


    Without knowing their share of the vacuum cleaner market,

    9%

    it doesnrCOt tell you a lot.

    A neighbour ran a High Street vacuum cleaner sales/repair business, and
    told me how he spent all day trying to persuade people to buy better appliances than Dyson. If they insisted on Dyson, he was nevertheless
    happy, because he knew they'd be back over, and over, again requiring
    repairs.
    --
    Roland Perry
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 14:15:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk> wrote:
    A neighbour ran a High Street vacuum cleaner sales/repair business, and
    told me how he spent all day trying to persuade people to buy better appliances than Dyson. If they insisted on Dyson, he was nevertheless
    happy, because he knew they'd be back over, and over, again requiring repairs.

    What make of cordless vac would be more robust, OOI? There weight matters
    and I can see being plasticy has an advantage.

    IMX the main thing wrong with the Dyson cordless vacs is either the battery wearing out (unsurprising since they pull a lot of current) or people not understanding the vac pulsing which means that it's clogged and you need to empty the bin / change the filter / strip it down to remove fine dust from
    the innards. The plastic does break - catches on the bin is a common one -
    but a lot of the time it's not a functional problem.

    I'm 100% with you for corded vacs: Just Buy A Henry. I've been fixing their wet vac killed twice by user error: 1. vacuumed up salt sludge and left in
    the machine (motor rusted and siezed; replacement motor was -u30), 2.
    vacuumed while full until the motor overheated and melted the float valve (replacement float valve -u30). With replacement parts it keeps on trucking
    - I don't think a Dyson would manage that kind of abuse.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 14:39:48 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 18/02/2026 14:15, Theo wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk> wrote:
    A neighbour ran a High Street vacuum cleaner sales/repair business, and
    told me how he spent all day trying to persuade people to buy better
    appliances than Dyson. If they insisted on Dyson, he was nevertheless
    happy, because he knew they'd be back over, and over, again requiring
    repairs.

    What make of cordless vac would be more robust, OOI? There weight matters and I can see being plasticy has an advantage.

    Titanium would work better


    IMX the main thing wrong with the Dyson cordless vacs is either the battery wearing out (unsurprising since they pull a lot of current) or people not understanding the vac pulsing which means that it's clogged and you need to empty the bin / change the filter / strip it down to remove fine dust from the innards. The plastic does break - catches on the bin is a common one - but a lot of the time it's not a functional problem.

    I discovered a portable Henry. Fuck Dyson

    I'm 100% with you for corded vacs: Just Buy A Henry. I've been fixing their wet vac killed twice by user error: 1. vacuumed up salt sludge and left in the machine (motor rusted and siezed; replacement motor was -u30), 2. vacuumed while full until the motor overheated and melted the float valve (replacement float valve -u30). With replacement parts it keeps on trucking - I don't think a Dyson would manage that kind of abuse.

    Theo
    --
    "Women actually are capable of being far more than the feminists will
    let them."



    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Paul@nospam@needed.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 10:45:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On Tue, 2/17/2026 12:30 PM, Scott wrote:
    On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:16:16 GMT, Another John <lalaw44@hotmail.com>
    wrote:

    On 17 Feb 2026 at 14:54:15 GMT, "Scott" <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

    I have a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner - I think V8 but it does not
    seem to have any model number. The high/low power setting switch is
    becoming difficult to move. I spoke to the Dyson Centre man, who said
    this is not repairable. I thought one of the features of Dyson - apart
    from the high price - was supposed to be repairability.

    Does this sound correct? Is it likely I could repair it myself? Is
    there any lubricant suitable for electrical use? I assume both
    graphite and WD40 are totally unsuitable. Any ideas?

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant - >> it usually works a treat.

    Do you mean a spray. The internet suggests:

    DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS,
    ETC. There have been numerous reports that silicone spray can cause
    contact problems in switches, noted in multiple posts regarding
    automotive problems.


    If you have a think about the idea of lube, you have
    to consider what the root cause of the friction is.

    If you spilled a sticky beverage on the switch, then
    the switch might have no other problems with it. A
    cleaning or a lubricating, might make sense. This could
    especially be the case, where we know the switch is not
    switching heavy inductive loads.

    *******

    But if high-current AC inductive loads are being switched,
    chances are the switch was not properly rated, and either
    a bearing the switch element depends on is about to snap, or
    the insulating material holding the contacts is about to fail.
    Something is out of tolerance, and the friction is telling
    you to "don't press your luck".

    Find an exploded-parts-diagram for the beast, and see
    if the switch is a commercial one that can be replaced.

    We had a Hoover at home (it's at the cottage now) where
    the toggle switch wasn't up to the rating for the job
    (the usual deal of a 10A switch, being used to switch
    10A "very inductive" loads, like stall currents of 100A,
    and the switch was not up to it). The switch was
    not really making good contact, so the "instructions"
    were to stop using the switch, and just plug and unplug
    the Hoover instead. Which was sufficient.

    We could easily have bypassed the switch entirely on
    that Hoover, but without my four tool boxes of bits n' bobs,
    it would have been difficult to arrange that at the cottage.
    There can be spade lugs and things-you-could-crimp,
    to remove the switch for good. It all depends on whether
    you think the switch has a "worthwhile" function, as to whether
    you bypass it for whatever reason.

    Paul
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Scott@newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 15:57:58 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:45:32 -0500, Paul <nospam@needed.invalid>
    wrote:

    On Tue, 2/17/2026 12:30 PM, Scott wrote:
    On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:16:16 GMT, Another John <lalaw44@hotmail.com>
    wrote:

    On 17 Feb 2026 at 14:54:15 GMT, "Scott" <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:

    I have a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner - I think V8 but it does not
    seem to have any model number. The high/low power setting switch is
    becoming difficult to move. I spoke to the Dyson Centre man, who said
    this is not repairable. I thought one of the features of Dyson - apart >>>> from the high price - was supposed to be repairability.

    Does this sound correct? Is it likely I could repair it myself? Is
    there any lubricant suitable for electrical use? I assume both
    graphite and WD40 are totally unsuitable. Any ideas?

    FWIW, I always try lubricating plastic mechanisms with sililcone lubricant -
    it usually works a treat.

    Do you mean a spray. The internet suggests:

    DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS,
    ETC. There have been numerous reports that silicone spray can cause
    contact problems in switches, noted in multiple posts regarding
    automotive problems.


    If you have a think about the idea of lube, you have
    to consider what the root cause of the friction is.

    If you spilled a sticky beverage on the switch, then
    the switch might have no other problems with it. A
    cleaning or a lubricating, might make sense. This could
    especially be the case, where we know the switch is not
    switching heavy inductive loads.

    DC, 21V I think.

    *******

    But if high-current AC inductive loads are being switched,
    chances are the switch was not properly rated, and either
    a bearing the switch element depends on is about to snap, or
    the insulating material holding the contacts is about to fail.
    Something is out of tolerance, and the friction is telling
    you to "don't press your luck".

    Find an exploded-parts-diagram for the beast, and see
    if the switch is a commercial one that can be replaced.

    We had a Hoover at home (it's at the cottage now) where
    the toggle switch wasn't up to the rating for the job
    (the usual deal of a 10A switch, being used to switch
    10A "very inductive" loads, like stall currents of 100A,
    and the switch was not up to it). The switch was
    not really making good contact, so the "instructions"
    were to stop using the switch, and just plug and unplug
    the Hoover instead. Which was sufficient.

    We could easily have bypassed the switch entirely on
    that Hoover, but without my four tool boxes of bits n' bobs,
    it would have been difficult to arrange that at the cottage.
    There can be spade lugs and things-you-could-crimp,
    to remove the switch for good. It all depends on whether
    you think the switch has a "worthwhile" function, as to whether
    you bypass it for whatever reason.

    Paul
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 16:20:26 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Scott <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
    On Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:45:32 -0500, Paul <nospam@needed.invalid>
    wrote:

    If you have a think about the idea of lube, you have
    to consider what the root cause of the friction is.

    If you spilled a sticky beverage on the switch, then
    the switch might have no other problems with it. A
    cleaning or a lubricating, might make sense. This could
    especially be the case, where we know the switch is not
    switching heavy inductive loads.

    DC, 21V I think.

    The button is just a tactile pushbutton to the microcontroller, probably <5V
    @ 10mA.

    If you're lubricating one of those, something has gone very wrong.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 16:42:39 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 18/02/2026 14:15, Theo wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk> wrote:
    A neighbour ran a High Street vacuum cleaner sales/repair business, and
    told me how he spent all day trying to persuade people to buy better
    appliances than Dyson. If they insisted on Dyson, he was nevertheless
    happy, because he knew they'd be back over, and over, again requiring
    repairs.

    What make of cordless vac would be more robust, OOI? There weight matters and I can see being plasticy has an advantage.

    Titanium would work better

    Where can I buy a titanium cordless vac?

    IMX the main thing wrong with the Dyson cordless vacs is either the battery wearing out (unsurprising since they pull a lot of current) or people not understanding the vac pulsing which means that it's clogged and you need to empty the bin / change the filter / strip it down to remove fine dust from the innards. The plastic does break - catches on the bin is a common one - but a lot of the time it's not a functional problem.

    I discovered a portable Henry. Fuck Dyson

    There are battery Henries which are just the same unit on wheels but with a drill-sized battery inside instead of a mains cable. It gives you
    portability but still have to lug the unit around.

    They now have a stick vac, but it looks just as plasticy as a Dyson: https://www.myhenry.com/henry-quick

    (it also takes bags, and at -u1.30 each for a tiny bag they aren't exactly cheap - I'd get through one per session)

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 17:43:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 18/02/2026 16:42, Theo wrote:
    They now have a stick vac, but it looks just as plasticy as a Dyson: https://www.myhenry.com/henry-quick

    (it also takes bags, and at -u1.30 each for a tiny bag they aren't exactly cheap - I'd get through one per session)

    Yes it does use a lot of bags but its mighty convenient and pretty well
    made and you can in extremis reuse the bags. Even the big h Henrys use bags.


    I've never been a fan of Dyson's cyclone gimmick, The clear plastic dust collector did ensure that dumb housewives knew when to empty it.

    ...If not how...
    --
    If I had all the money I've spent on drink...
    ..I'd spend it on drink.

    Sir Henry (at Rawlinson's End)

    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian Caspersz@email@here.invalid to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 18:56:40 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 17/02/2026 14:54, Scott wrote:
    I have a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner - I think V8 but it does not
    seem to have any model number. The high/low power setting switch is
    becoming difficult to move. I spoke to the Dyson Centre man, who said
    this is not repairable. I thought one of the features of Dyson - apart
    from the high price - was supposed to be repairability.
    These guys may be able to help.

    https://manchestervacs.co.uk/
    --
    Adrian C
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Marland@gemehabal@btinternet.co.uk to uk.d-i-y on Wed Feb 18 21:42:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk> wrote:
    A neighbour ran a High Street vacuum cleaner sales/repair business, and
    told me how he spent all day trying to persuade people to buy better
    appliances than Dyson. If they insisted on Dyson, he was nevertheless
    happy, because he knew they'd be back over, and over, again requiring
    repairs.

    What make of cordless vac would be more robust, OOI? There weight matters and I can see being plasticy has an advantage.

    IMX the main thing wrong with the Dyson cordless vacs is either the battery wearing out (unsurprising since they pull a lot of current) or people not understanding the vac pulsing which means that it's clogged and you need to empty the bin / change the filter / strip it down to remove fine dust from the innards. The plastic does break - catches on the bin is a common one - but a lot of the time it's not a functional problem.

    I'm 100% with you for corded vacs: Just Buy A Henry. I've been fixing their wet vac killed twice by user error: 1. vacuumed up salt sludge and left in the machine (motor rusted and siezed; replacement motor was -u30), 2. vacuumed while full until the motor overheated and melted the float valve (replacement float valve -u30). With replacement parts it keeps on trucking - I don't think a Dyson would manage that kind of abuse.

    Theo

    They are one of the few examples where substituting a major metal
    component with plastic was beneficial ,one time the body was made of metal
    . After a decade of abuse by various users picking up nasty waste one I
    had obtained rusted through, the replacement plastic one hasnrCOt and that
    has been in service for at least a dozen years.

    In the home though a Sebo has given good service for about 18 years and
    shows no sign of distress
    yet except occasionally a conductor has fractured where the flex enters
    the handle, easy fix as two screws give access to the terminals enabling a quick shortening of the flex by a couple of inches removing the broken
    section.

    GH


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From NY@me@privacy.net to uk.d-i-y on Thu Feb 19 12:26:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

    On 18/02/2026 21:42, Marland wrote:
    In the home though a Sebo has given good service for about 18 years and shows no sign of distress
    yet except occasionally a conductor has fractured where the flex enters
    the handle, easy fix as two screws give access to the terminals enabling a quick shortening of the flex by a couple of inches removing the broken section.


    We have a Shark rechargeable which has provided good service. It's
    probably about 8 years old now, but like Trigger's Broom parts of it are younger. The motor housing is about 5 years old because the first one
    suffered what I suspect was a seized motor. That was replaced without
    quibble under warranty. Sadly it was not designed to be cleaned/repaired
    if dust had got into the bearings (as I suspect); we kept the normal and
    HEPA filters clean so we did everything we could. Once the replacement
    motor unit arrived, I tried gaining access to the motor, but even using screwdrivers as "spudgers" to push back retaining clips, and then
    getting a bit brutal with the case (it was destined for the tip anyway)
    I never did get to the motor. I bet a quick squirt with a can of
    compressed air was all it needed.

    We did well out of it because we ended up with a spare battery so we now
    have the luxury of one battery on charge while the other is in use.

    The only non-motor part of it that is starting to get a bit sloppy is
    the fixing that keeps the handle vertical when the vac is not in use,
    and yet which allows the handle to be bent backwards when pushing the
    vac along a carpet. That is starting to get a bit droopy so we have to
    take care to lean the handle against something or else it sags and then
    moves the C of G outside the base so the thing tips over. Probably four spring-loaded plungers at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees to keep the handle vertical, and the plungers are starting to stick or a spring is getting
    weak.

    But generally a good vac: nice that the motor unit can be detached from
    the handle/beater unit for handheld vacuuming of skirting boards etc. So
    much easier to move around that a big mains-powered vac.

    About the only criticism is that the deeply ribbed hose is a trap for
    dust and fluff and larger objects, so there are certain "throats" that I
    know from bitter experience are inclined to get clogged. It pays to keep
    an eye on the dust receptacle to check that dust/fluff is still
    circulating; if it's not, there's a blockage somewhere. Sadly the motor
    note doesn't change when that happens, which is the usual indicator with
    other vacs.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2