Can and should I convert a Kirby tradition bag back to a shake-out one?

The answer is YES. You can easily do the conversion. The paper bag fill tube is attached to a plastic collar inside the throat of the Em-Tor. That plastic collar will snap out (with a little effort), thus allowing you to go back to a shakeout bag. You can then install a shakeout bag on your Em-Tor.

The original paper bag system in the Tradition really didn't filter much better than the shakeout bag. I once converted my Tradition to accept Filtrete bags by using a mounting collar from a Kirby Heritage. All you have to do is drill two holes into the mounting flange on the inside of the Tradition Em-Tor where screws are inserted into mounting collar. The collar mounts from the underside by inserting the screws through the pilot holes drilled into the Em-Tor.

The mounting collar already has a gasket on it. But I went ahead and used some clear silicone caulk to make sure it was well sealed off from dust leakage. You can just barely see the screws that holds the collar in place.

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 2 View Full Size


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Post# 286715 6/30/2014 at 16:06 (3,588 days old) by HooverJediLord (Hampshire)
Checkrate/Likes So recently I purchased a Kirby tradition, it's has an inner bag, but can I convert it back to a shakeout one? Is it possible, and what's better an more convenient a tradition paper inner bag or a shakeout bag? Also if I convert it back to shake out, if I change my mind can I convert it back to being able to hold an inner bag?

Post# 286717 , Reply# 1 6/30/2014 at 16:12 (3,588 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)
Checkrate/Likes Well, the shake-out bag system might not be suited to those individuals with frequent allergies so I say stay with the disposables. For HEPA bag operation I would suggest that if you were to keep the Tradition's Sani Emtor at the same time, use the Heritage I bottom adapter with the Heritage II fill tube and bag adapter. ~Ben

Post# 286730 , Reply# 2 6/30/2014 at 17:07 (3,588 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Conversion???* The answer is YES. You can easily do the conversion. The paper bag fill tube is attached to a plastic collar inside the throat of the Em-Tor. That plastic collar will snap out (with a little effort), thus allowing you to go back to a shakeout bag. You can then install a shakeout bag on your Em-Tor. The original paper bag system in the Tradition really didn't filter much better than the shakeout bag. I once converted my Tradition to accept Filtrete bags by using a mounting collar from a Kirby Heritage. All you have to do is drill two holes into the mounting flange on the inside of the Tradition Em-Tor where screws are inserted into mounting collar. The collar mounts from the underside by inserting the screws through the pilot holes drilled into the Em-Tor. The mounting collar already has a gasket on it. But I went ahead and used some clear silicone caulk to make sure it was well sealed off from dust leakage. You can just barely see the screws that holds the collar in place. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 2 View Full Size

Post# 286767 , Reply# 3 7/1/2014 at 05:29 (3,587 days old) by HooverJediLord (Hampshire)
Checkrate/Likes Thanks! Very helpful!

Post# 286768 , Reply# 4 7/1/2014 at 06:52 (3,587 days old) by HooverJediLord (Hampshire)
Checkrate/Likes Will I need to get a new back, or can I use the full zipper one. If I need a new bag, where can I get one from?

Post# 286775 , Reply# 5 7/1/2014 at 07:43 (3,587 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes 1 You should be able to do an online search with "Kirby Tradition Bag" and find what you need. If nothing turns up in England, a club member here in the States may be willing to ship what you need. His name is Bill Edstrom and he owns an authorized Kirby Service Center. I buy all my parts from him.

Post# 286782 , Reply# 6 7/1/2014 at 12:09 (3,587 days old) by HooverJediLord (Hampshire)
Checkrate/Likes Okay, thanks. I've looked on EBay and all of the tradition bags are full zipper ones. Do you know how much this fellow will charge for shipping? I would rather not spend over �25.00

Post# 286795 , Reply# 7 7/1/2014 at 14:24 (3,587 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I don't know for sure how much shipping would be, but the bag alone will cost you in the neighborhood of £22 or £23. My guess for shipping would be another £15. But that's only a guess. He can tell you for sure.

I don't know for sure how much shipping would be, but the bag alone will cost you in the neighborhood of £22 or £23. My guess for shipping would be another £15. But that's only a guess. He can tell you for sure.