Thread Number: 15628
Mini-PN for TriStar CXL?
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Post# 166183   1/17/2012 at 19:43 (4,454 days old) by danemodsandy ()        

Burning question here:

Does anyone know of a mini-PN (like Lux's Sidekick) that will work with the TriStar CXL? I am interested only in a true power brush unit, NOT a turbo brush.

Anyone?


Post# 166184 , Reply# 1   1/17/2012 at 19:49 (4,454 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Forgot to Explain:

When I moved from Georgia to Iowa a couple of years ago, I left my TriStar behind in storage, but it's coming up here very soon. When I used the TriStar in Georgia, I had a Dirt Devil Model 500 I used for stairs and upholstery. However, since then, I've acquired a Lux 1205 with a Sidekick. The Sidekick has me rotten spoiled, compared to the Dirt Devil. That vac is a total pain to maintain and empty - the Sidekick requires no additional maintenance besides just taking care of the vac it's attached to.

So that's what has me interested. I'm hoping someone makes a universal mini-PN that's usable with the CXL.

Thanks!


Post# 166186 , Reply# 2   1/17/2012 at 20:10 (4,454 days old) by Jayelux (Dallas, TX)        
Mini-Power Nozzle by Wesselwerk

I've been looking at this one for a while. There is another one out there that looks just like the first model of sidekick, with a pigtail cord, but I can't seem to find it tonight.
Good Luck,
Jay


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Jayelux's LINK


Post# 166187 , Reply# 3   1/17/2012 at 20:12 (4,454 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        
Mini turbo nozzle

kloveland's profile picture

I know Tristar did offer the Whirlwind at least I think that's the name. The Whirlwind is a turbo nozzle not an electric mini pn, its black and has says Tristar Whirlwind or something to that effect on the front. The mini turbocat nozzle performs much better in my opinion. Kirby used to sell these with their Heritage series of vacuums.


Post# 166188 , Reply# 4   1/17/2012 at 20:35 (4,454 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Jay:

Thanks - I had seen that Wessel Werk unit on a couple of Websites, but didn't know if it would work with the CXL.

Kenny - I appreciate the info, but I'm looking for a brush with an electric motor. I have never found any turbo (air-driven) brush that will get cat hair off of upholstery as effectively as a motor-driven one. And I have the shedding-est little boy you ever saw ;-)


Post# 166190 , Reply# 5   1/17/2012 at 21:02 (4,454 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture
Would you need an adapter for the Wessel Werk unit in order to convert it to 1 1/4 inches?

Post# 166192 , Reply# 6   1/17/2012 at 21:15 (4,454 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

Tristar makes what is called a Mini Star! Which looks just like a sidekick II.


Post# 166193 , Reply# 7   1/17/2012 at 21:26 (4,454 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

This is the TRISTAR MINISTAR

Go to greatvacs.com its $84


Post# 166194 , Reply# 8   1/17/2012 at 21:30 (4,454 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
TriStar Says:

The Ministar is only for its current generation of machines - the EXL through MG3. I think the wand diameter is different.

Post# 166196 , Reply# 9   1/17/2012 at 21:53 (4,454 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Bill:

The description of the Wessel Werk HEB160 on the Central Vacuum Stores website says:

"The HEB160 brush fits all electric hoses with a standard 2 pin connection at the handle (2 pin receptacles are 3/8" apart at the hose handle)."

Sounds like it should, though I will certainly be asking some questions before ordering.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO danemodsandy's LINK


Post# 166208 , Reply# 10   1/17/2012 at 22:48 (4,454 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

I have bought one of the Wessel Werks,  it will work on my montgomery wards, eurekas, electrolux's, any 2 prong .

And its much cheaper on Ebay  than at the Central Vac site.

You get the extension tube free on ebay, where you pay $8.69 on Central Vac.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO massagemiracle's LINK on eBay

Post# 166222 , Reply# 11   1/18/2012 at 00:35 (4,453 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Kenmore Power-Mate Jr....

kirbylux77's profile picture
Sandy, if I was you, I wouldn't get that Wessell Werk HEB160 Mini Powerbrush. I don't know your reasons for not wanting a Hand Turbobrush, but if it has to do with wanting a more aggressive brushing action, this one will leave you disappointed I am afraid. This is nothing more than a motorized version of Wessell Werk's Hand Turbobrush they have made for years, & it has the same brushroll. So, the only way this one would be better than the Hand Turbobrush is that you wouldn't get the "bogging down" effect where the brush slows down on furniture, or starts to slow because the vacuum's suction is decreasing, so the brush starts turning slower as a result. But since it has the same brushroll, it would still leave you disappointed with it's brushing action.

I have a TriStar & I have the newer-style Kenmore PowerMate Jr that I use with it. I find the PowerMate Jr works better than my Wessell Werk Hand Turbobrush does, because the brushroll is more aggressive. If you have the hose with the metal handle, NOT the Pistol Grip style which came out later, then this will work for you. All you need to do is go to your local vac shop & get a long pigtail cord, like the one on your hose on the canister end, plug the receptacle end into the PowerMate Jr, & then plug the cord's plug into your hose.

I will see if I can take a pic later this week & post it on the thread here for you to see what I mean, Sandy.

Rob


Post# 166234 , Reply# 12   1/18/2012 at 05:33 (4,453 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

As far as the wessell werks mini powerbrush goes, as being the owner of one I couldn't be more satisfied with a product. I bought it a couple of months ago since I no longer had a sidekick or pet powermate to use. I am very impressed with it, doesn't get bogged down, runs extremely quiet. It is far from being any turbo tool! Works very well with every 2 pronged plug on any make of vacuum, even Kenmore.


Post# 166238 , Reply# 13   1/18/2012 at 06:55 (4,453 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Question!

Ben:

Is the HEB160'S extension tube needed as an adapter or something? I have yet to find a product description on any site that makes this clear.

Rob:

I'll keep the Kenmore in mind. Thanks.


Post# 166242 , Reply# 14   1/18/2012 at 08:34 (4,453 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

The mini wand,  I haven't had the need for it yet but it holds the cord in place for a quick connect/disconnect from certain hoses. It also saves your back when cleaning stairs, giving you that extra reach.


Post# 166244 , Reply# 15   1/18/2012 at 08:45 (4,453 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
I have the Wessel Werk version also and find it does a great job and it is quieter than the Lux Sidekick. I use it with my Filter Queen. See the link (about 1/2 way down the page) for a description of it on the MD Central Vac site.

Gary


CLICK HERE TO GO TO countryguy's LINK


Post# 166245 , Reply# 16   1/18/2012 at 09:10 (4,453 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Wessel Werk It Is....

....After reading all the input here, I think I'm going for the HEB160. The reviews from members here seem satisfactory.

I also like the styling, which has a certain retro look that I think will look good with the CXL. Almost like it was made for the CXL.

And last - with apologies to Rob - I just can't bring myself to let any Sears back in the house. About ten years ago, I started eliminating it all, because I was not happy with Sears Parts' idea of customer service, nor the company's "forced obsolescence" created by dropping service parts for stuff like my Whispertone vac or Spray Mate carpet cleaner. And I grew up in a Sears household, with EVERYTHING Sears. All Sears is gone now.

Also, the somewhat less aggressive brushroll of the HEB160 may be a plus. I have some really good upholstered pieces, like a wingback chair upholstered in cherry red flamestitch damask. That's a fairly fragile fabric, subject to wear from abrasion. I don't presently use the Sidekick on it because the brushroll on that unit is like a piranha - bites hard and aggressively.

As soon as the CXL is up here from Atlanta and the HEB160 is in use, I'll post owner experience and pics.

Many thanks to all of you!


Post# 166451 , Reply# 17   1/20/2012 at 03:53 (4,451 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
Wessel work mini power nozzle

I use mine with my Tristar CXL and it works great. Dan

Post# 166455 , Reply# 18   1/20/2012 at 06:50 (4,451 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Dan:

Do you have any pics of the two together? I'd love to get a sneak preview of how this is going to look!

Post# 166501 , Reply# 19   1/20/2012 at 15:54 (4,451 days old) by massagemiracle ()        

I don't have a Tristar anymore but this is why I bought the wessell werks!   It works on any of the 2 prong vacuums  I have.


Post# 166528 , Reply# 20   1/20/2012 at 20:48 (4,451 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Thanks, Ben!

That gives me some idea of what it looks like in action. Maybe a bit bigger than a Lux Sidekick, but just fine. It obviously fits a standard hose end, and the power cord is not so long it's in the way.

This is EXACTLY what I'd hoped for when I started this thread.


Post# 167566 , Reply# 21   1/28/2012 at 16:20 (4,443 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Looks like I'll have to get a Wessel Werk HEB160!

Or you can get a Lux SideKick or Kenmore Power Mate Jr. & short extension wand & pigtail cord to plug the PN into hose receptacle.

btw, I need more reviews about the Wessel Werk HEB160 before I buy it.


Post# 168476 , Reply# 22   2/5/2012 at 19:20 (4,435 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
UPDATE

I just bought a Wessel Werk HEB160 from eBay; I'll bet it's the best mini Power Brush ever! :)

btw, I've been using either a turbo brush or straight suction to vacuum the mattresses & couch; & neither gave satisfactory results.

Same thing when I vac the car, while the Kenmore Power Mate Jr. stopped working. When I got a new brush roll, the PM Jr. did nice job grooming car carpet.

This is the style of hose I have for the TriStar; & the PM Jrs, Lux SideKicks work & fit perfectly. :)


Post# 168480 , Reply# 23   2/5/2012 at 19:28 (4,435 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be a Nucular Wessel... :P

Post# 169140 , Reply# 24   2/10/2012 at 19:15 (4,430 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

My WW HEB160 finally arrived today. :) I used it to vac the mattresses & sofa, & when I did use it, I first put a new bag & boy did the TriStar's bag have a 2" layer of dirt in the bag.

Same thing with the Electrolux 1205 after vacing the car interior.

In fact, I bought TWO Wessel Werk HEB160 Power Brushes; one for the car, & the other for the upholstery. :)


Post# 169920 , Reply# 25   2/17/2012 at 20:16 (4,423 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

At least the Wessel Werk's mini Power Nozzle brush roll has end caps that can be removed for clean out; unlike the Lux SideKick's end caps that CANNOT be removed for clean out & lubricate.

No wonder why the SideKick & RainbowMate didn't last very long! However, the motor still works great; I just put a new brush roll.

EVERY brush roll should have REMOVABLE end caps! :)


Post# 169925 , Reply# 26   2/17/2012 at 20:47 (4,423 days old) by twocvbloke ()        
"EVERY brush roll should have REMOVABLE end caps! :)"

They do, some just require brute force to remove them... :P

Post# 170420 , Reply# 27   2/21/2012 at 21:19 (4,419 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Doesn't seem like the end caps on the SideKick, Power Mate Jr. or RainbowMate brush roll come off; they seem to be permanently attached. :(

Same thing with the RugRat turbo brush.

Worse yet, with the SideKick, RainbowMate or PM Jr, there is NO debris shield to protect the belt/motor from dust/dirt.

Just look at a vast majority of turbine-powered brushes have the belt protected; & so does the Wessel Werk HEB160; they DO HAVE A BELT SHIELD.


Post# 170639 , Reply# 28   2/23/2012 at 15:12 (4,417 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

My TriStar w/Lux SideKick, ready for vacing the car. :)

Sorry I didn't take a pic of the TriStar with the Wessel Werk HEB160, but I will later.


Post# 171167 , Reply# 29   2/27/2012 at 21:18 (4,413 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
SideKick vs. HEB160

The Wessel Werk HEB160's brush roll spins FASTER (around 5000 RPM) than any other electric hand brush. So that means the SideKick seems to bog down like a turbo brush (although it has stiffer bristles, trade-off for faster RPM) on thick carpet. Does anyone notice that between the HEB160 vs. SideKick?

Post# 171944 , Reply# 30   3/4/2012 at 22:01 (4,407 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

What a shame that when the Kenmore Power Mate Jrs became smaller, they switched from geared belt to a flat belt. Or did that happen before the PNs shrunk?

Why did the PM Jrs get smaller? I prefer back when they were 6" wide AND had a GEARED belt drive.

Compare the Power Mate Jr to a RainbowMate or SideKick & the last two are BETTER in every way; although I'm VERY satisfied with the Wessel Werk HEB160.

At least the HEB160 has a swivel elbow AND the nozzle angle can be adjusted to any desired angle.


Post# 172726 , Reply# 31   3/9/2012 at 23:15 (4,402 days old) by sanifan ()        

Wow. Looks great. WW PN is on my list!

Post# 172733 , Reply# 32   3/10/2012 at 00:44 (4,401 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Erik, the Kenmore Power-Mate Jr's NEVER had a geared belt....they have always used flat belts. The Power-Mate Jr was made smaller because there was never any way to store it onboard....so, someone at Panasonic figured it was a good idea to make it smaller & design a carrier for it, which sits on the wands.

Rob


Post# 172974 , Reply# 33   3/12/2012 at 17:32 (4,399 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

The early gray Power Mate Jr w/switch on back (Has both a reset button AND On/Off slide switch) that I had has a geared belt; I'm not sure if the motor/brush/belt has been changed at some point?

Post# 172977 , Reply# 34   3/12/2012 at 17:38 (4,399 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Erik, thanks for the correction....I have both the earlier gray Power-Mate Jr & the newer style Power-Mate Jr, & both have the flat belt. So, I was not aware that there was an earlier version of the gray one with a geared belt & on/off switch. I guess this proves ya learn something new every day, LOL!

Rob


Post# 173742 , Reply# 35   3/17/2012 at 19:32 (4,394 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Here's a VERY early Kenmore Power Mate Jr. w/geared belt.

My guess is they came out in mid/late 80s or very early 90s?


CLICK HERE TO GO TO floor-a-matic's LINK on eBay


Post# 173796 , Reply# 36   3/17/2012 at 22:19 (4,394 days old) by sanifan ()        
Sidekick with Tristar...

Hi, floor-o-matic.

Say, does the Sidekick fit right onto the hose sockets or did you have to use a little pigtail extended to connect it?

I want to do the same on my Tristar but am not sure if the Sidekick will work without an extension pigtail.

Thanks!



Post# 173947 , Reply# 37   3/18/2012 at 17:01 (4,393 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

When I use the pistol grip hose (like shown above) I use a pigtail cord.

When I use the gas pump hose, the SideKick fits perfectly fine w/o pigtail cord.


Post# 174182 , Reply# 38   3/20/2012 at 14:30 (4,391 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
At last!

Here's my TriStar w/Wessel Werk HEB160!

The ONLY problem is the PN doesn't lock onto the hose handle, & I'm waiting for a mini wand that will fit the TriStar.


Post# 174183 , Reply# 39   3/20/2012 at 14:32 (4,391 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
HEB160 vs. SideKick

The HEB160 is a bit wider than the SideKick; & the HEB160 has brushed edge cleaning on BOTH sides.

Post# 174190 , Reply# 40   3/20/2012 at 15:05 (4,391 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Looks Good!

But I wonder what you mean about "waiting for" a wand with the lock button. Do you mean this part is available, and you have one on order, or are you saying that you hope Wessel Werk will produce it someday?

Post# 174196 , Reply# 41   3/20/2012 at 16:13 (4,391 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

It's like the mini wand that came with the Eureka built PN for older Compacts & TriStars.

You can buy the mini-wand alone from Air Storm; they're about US $10 more/less there.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO floor-a-matic's LINK


Post# 174707 , Reply# 42   3/24/2012 at 13:43 (4,387 days old) by Sanifan ()        
Speaking of Mini Nozzle...

I just got a Sidekick for my Electrolux tank. It's in mint condition and appears not to have been used much.

Question #1: is it supposed to be really loud? I'm surprised at how loud it is.

Question #2: Did Electrolux outsource the manufacture of the Sidekick to China at some point? Mine says made in USA, but as I was shopping around I distinctly recall seeing one that said made in China.

Question #3: Mine does not have a power switch on it. I'm using a Classic style Ultralux 80th Anniversary model. With the vac plugged in, the Sidekick comes on right when I plug it onto the nozzle. It's not controlled by the power switch on the vac body. I'm afraid the leads will burn out plugging and unplugging it into a hot wire like that. Did some of these come with a switch? I recall seeing something like that. I'm sure it won't be hard to install a switch myself. Just wondering why they neglected to put one on knowing the main vacuum switch does not control the hose power supply.

Finally, would a Rainbowmate mini PN work with an old pistol grip Tristar hose? It has the required pig tail connector, but it doesn't seem to have the hole to lock onto the hose end. Is this correct?

Thanks!


Post# 174709 , Reply# 43   3/24/2012 at 13:58 (4,387 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Khoi:

I have no explanation for the lack of a power switch on the later Sidekicks, but I do have a fast, easy solution: Get an earlier Sidekick that does have the feature. I consider it essential, because if you attach a Sidekick while the hose is "live" and the brushroll starts turning, the brushroll can injure your hand if it happens to be in the wrong place.

So far as the noise is concerned, Lux PNs are noisy. They just ARE. I have Lux PNs that have been serviced, are all OEM parts, are in perfect adjustment - and they are still noisy. What's odd about that is that, before PNs, Luxes used to be famous for their well-bred, "hushed" sound in use, the perfect "maid's vacuum" that wouldn't disturb Milady while she was nursing a hangover.

PN-1s and PNs 5 and 6 are quieter than PNs 2 and 4, because of their plastic housings. But I still wouldn't call them quiet. And my Sidekick is the noisiest of them all.


Post# 174719 , Reply# 44   3/24/2012 at 14:41 (4,387 days old) by Sanifan ()        

Thanks, Sandy. Actually, I think the noise problem solved itself. It must really have been a NOS brush. It was unusually loud. After I ran it for a minute or two, the sound worked itself out. While it's not quiet, it was nowhere near as loud as before. I'm taking it to be one the rough edges of a newish product working themselves out after running for a minute or two and getting settled in.

The lack of power switch is baffling. What it does have on top is a reset switch. The only other PNs I have with a reset switch have a cogged belt and an auto shutoff feature. Sure enough, a glance in the nozzle shows a cogged belt.

I'll sooner or later purchase another one with a switch. But in the meantime I think I'll cut a little square hole into the top cover and install my own rocker switch. Pretty simple I think. Since the voltage is AC, I'll take a continuity measurment on the prongs of the polarized AC plug to determine which prong of the PN connector corresponds to hot. I'll clip that wire and put the switch in series with it.

I guess the main thing is to get tight tolerance for the hole so the switch doesn't rattle around.


Post# 174720 , Reply# 45   3/24/2012 at 14:48 (4,387 days old) by Sanifan ()        

By the way, do all Sidekicks have cogged belts? Mine looks just like the one floor-o-matic posted, the one sitting next to the Wessel Werk. Except mine does not have an on/off switch. Around the same area on top is the little round black reset button.

If the Sidekicks with on/off switches had cogged belts, were the reset switches on the bottom?


Post# 174721 , Reply# 46   3/24/2012 at 15:13 (4,387 days old) by danemodsandy ()        
Khoi:

My tip about the PN starting while holding it is based in painful experience. On my 1205, the hose is NOT live if the cleaner is switched off, and I only attach or remove the Sidekick if the cleaner is switched off, because it's altogether too easy to forget if the switch is on or off (the markings are symbols that must be interpreted, rather than the impossible-to-misunderstand words "ON" and "OFF"). I have hurt a finger pretty badly with the Sidekick as a result.

My suggestion here would be: If you install a rocker switch, use a labelmaker to label the "ON" and "OFF" positions very clearly. With words, not symbols.


Post# 174920 , Reply# 47   3/26/2012 at 17:33 (4,385 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

The Electrolux PN5 & PN6 (even the current Aerus PN) is a bit quieter with the new improved genuine brush roller than with the old style or aftermarket roller.

btw, the Wessel Werk HEB160 PN is the QUIETEST of all PNs I own. I'll never look back to the times I used straight suction or turbo brushes on upholstery & automobile interiors. :)


Post# 176160 , Reply# 48   4/6/2012 at 20:34 (4,374 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

@Sanifan
Yes, a RainbowMate will work on a TriStar's pistol grip handle; if you want it to stay onto the hose handle, you can purchase a mini wand from Air-Storm.

Just tell them that you'd like to purchase the mini wand (mini wand shown attached to Wessel Werk HEB160 PN)

This is the mini wand that you need.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO floor-a-matic's LINK


Post# 176170 , Reply# 49   4/6/2012 at 22:06 (4,374 days old) by sanifan ()        

Hi, Erik.

Thanks for the link to the mini wand. I did get an older Rainbow Mate of ebay and it seems very good.

Because there is hardly any space for the pigtail once the mini nozzle is pushed onto the pistol grip, that extension wand is necessary. I was actually going to saw down one of my spare plastic extension wands and use the whole getup friction fit. The Rainbow Mate has no provision for the locking button, so it would be friction fit on that end regardless. I have a feeling it may work well. I'll probably drill a hole in one end of the wand so it can lock onto the grip side.

The Wessel Werk sounds great. I will have one of those sooner or later!


Post# 177778 , Reply# 50   4/20/2012 at 19:49 (4,360 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
A few updates:

Now that it's been over a month since I bought the WW HEB160 PN, I'm still enjoying the brush so much. :)

Another thing I like about the PN is that it has vents on both sides for edge cleaning & so the brush & vacuum can work more efficiently.

Only ONCE has the built-in overload circuit breaker tripped, & it's easy to reset it; just turn off the vac & wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.



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