Thread Number: 37367  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
What really are stick vacuums?
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Post# 398738   9/25/2018 at 03:22 (2,011 days old) by mikanic (Leeds)        

Over these past few months I have been thinking thoroughly about expensive vacuum cleaner features and how people think they can turn magically into something else. And you'll see what I mean when I talk about what we come to know as 'sticks'.

A stick vacuum usually comes with straight suction, appearing as an upright. The unit is in the middle of the cleaner, and you should be able to take both ends apart, the top and bottom. This means ironically the rods that make the cleaner a slim upright are hose ends and/or solid extenders. A good example of recent stick vacuum cleaners are from a couple of years ago, for instance the Miele Swing and the Hoover Idol. So a stick vacuum cleaner is technically a thin cylinder that is moved around like it is an upright.

But what about these handheld cleaners? I'll give you a quote you may have heard of before...
'When you take the extension tube off, you'll convert the stick to a handheld.'
Total irony coming up! These cleaners are what I like to call full-house handhelds. Cleaners like the Vax Blade, the GTECH Pro, the Shark Rocket, the Goblin and so on. The reason people call these cleaners sticks is only because of the electric current extender, or just an extension tube, used to attach a floor cleaning head. The unit has to be in the middle of the whole set in order for it to be a stick, but it turns out to be in your hands all this time! So really, it's always going to be a handheld, even if you're using an extension wand that'll look thin. As I said, remember the very small unit, the motor, switch and storage, is always in your hands. Full-house handhelds! :)

So there's my message telling you how to be smart about vacuum cleaner types. If you want, I'll talk to you about crevice tools with sliding brushes and how people think that's convertible too.


Post# 398779 , Reply# 1   9/26/2018 at 03:19 (2,010 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
I've always considered these stick vaccums: ggconline.org/wp-content/uploads/...

But I guess ever since the Dyson V-series the definition has changed and now those are called stick vacs too. cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content...

I'd say the definition is still correct for both because even with the previous form of stick vacs they sometimes had a small crevice tool you could stick on the end and remove the handle and floor head, the same as you can the Dysons.

I've got a Black and Decker that the floor head comes off as well as the handle and it turns into a Dustbuster. It works great to clean my cold room in my basement because its a very cramped room and it gets full of small dirt and dead bugs a lot.


Post# 398781 , Reply# 2   9/26/2018 at 06:14 (2,010 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Stick vacuums--then what are broom vacuums?

Post# 398787 , Reply# 3   9/26/2018 at 09:21 (2,010 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these convertible stick vacs/broom vacs (whether corded or cordless) had basically took over for the full-sized straight-suction uprights that have been non-existent in the household market after Royal replaced the model Electro-Hygiene 230 with the Electro-Hygiene 285 (with the revolving brush) in 1955.

~Ben




This post was last edited 09/26/2018 at 11:00
Post# 398789 , Reply# 4   9/26/2018 at 10:28 (2,010 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
They're basically Dustbusters on steroids...

human's profile picture
The closest thing I've got to a modern stick vac is a couple of Hoover QuikBrooms from the '80s but they have corded AC motors. They're great for limited jobs like sweeping up cat litter or dry debris from the kitchen floor. I doubt any of today's stick vacs will still be here and functioning like new in 35 years but my 35-year-old QuikBrooms could easily last another 35 or more.

Post# 398841 , Reply# 5   9/27/2018 at 13:22 (2,009 days old) by luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        
@human

I saw one of these quickbrooms the other day at the thrift store. I was tempted to buy it since it was $5 or so dollars, but I passed in favor of the electrolux epic. They seem convenient for quick pick ups and have a decent size bag on them too.

Post# 398849 , Reply# 6   9/27/2018 at 15:59 (2,008 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
For me, this is the first thing that comes to mind.
This is a three-speed Hoover Quik-Broom II, 4.2 amps.
I got it "dirt" cheap from Goodwill, because it was the filthiest vacuum I've ever seen, and the dirt cup was missing.
I did buy a cup from a fellow member, (thank you again).
But, since I couldn't thoroughly clean the vacuum, because I can't get the bag off without undoing wires in the handle, (I don't do wires), and I think there might be caked dirt inside the motor housing, I just bailed on the whole thing.
It's too bad, because it runs great. And the outside cleaned up really nice!
I know they're not powerhouse cleaners, but it would be fun to use for light clean-ups.
I'll find another one some day. It's not anything I'm in desperate, urgent need of.

Barry


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Post# 398854 , Reply# 7   9/27/2018 at 18:51 (2,008 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
What the Stick Vacs Replaced...

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Here's the vacuum cleaner these stick vacs have taken over for... the Royal 311 is seemingly the most rare full-sized straight-suction upright cleaner, as it was only sold for janitorial use, being produced from 1945 to 1985.

~Ben


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Post# 398899 , Reply# 8   9/28/2018 at 21:43 (2,007 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

Don't forget about the Regina electric broom either. It in essence is a stick vacuum. I had one for a short time that had the power nozzle.

In some respects I wish I hadn't sold it. At the time I had a new Kirby Heritage II waiting for me at home. Therefor didn't feel the need to keep it past the time I needed a vacuum while I was away from home.


Post# 398902 , Reply# 9   9/28/2018 at 21:58 (2,007 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
kirby519

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Steve,

Yes, and that one, the Electrikbroom with Electrikbrush (particularly the very first ones from around 1974), was arguably the greatest one ever.

Hoover's Quik-Broom with the Quadraflex Powermatic power nozzle, however, was not as well-received because with the small inner bag, the reduced airflow caused the power nozzle to lift up the carpet too much and the main motor unit often burned out; the power nozzle also made the Quik-Broom no more lightweight than the Dial-A-Matic.

~Ben




This post was last edited 09/28/2018 at 23:54
Post# 398905 , Reply# 10   9/28/2018 at 22:24 (2,007 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        
@KirbyClassicIII

My kind of vacuum. If I can suck the dust out from under the sissle mats in China while I vacuum my living room carpet. I want that vacuum.

Post# 398908 , Reply# 11   9/28/2018 at 23:15 (2,007 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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To me a stick vac (or what I always pictured when I heard the term a stick vac) would be a Regina Electrikbroom, or a Hoover Quikbroom. Usually the Hoovers I saw as stick vacs were the pump bag with dust cup versions or the later dust cup only versions with a hose on board.

However, the only one I have in my collection is a bagged Hoover stick vacuum that's blue. I'm guessing it's from the late 70s or early 80s. It's new enough to have a slide on/off power switch instead of the older style classic flip switch. But it's old enough that it doesn't have a date in the serial number. The handle is metal and looks a lot like one from a Convertible. What I think is cute is the handle attaches with the same ringlock as the floor nozzle attaches.

You could in theory put other attachments on the bottom in place of the floor nozzle, but this is a basic model with no handle on the main unit, so you couldn't take the handle off and use it as a hand vac.


Post# 399197 , Reply# 12   10/5/2018 at 11:09 (2,001 days old) by electrikbroomgu (Rome, NY)        
Stick or broom vacs

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My go to is of course the Regina Electrikbroom and sometimes the Hoover Quikbroom and both are referred to as broom vacs by me. I call stick vacs the dust buster variety with power cords and a thin metal detachable handle. These are okay for very light duty cleanups but the filter's clog up very quickly and suction is reduced. Also the non powerhead versions lack a brush strip and usually only have a thin plastic or rubber "scrapper" that does nothing for digging into carpets. These are clean air machines too where as the Regina's and Hoover Quikbroom machines are dirty air with very strong air flow. In proper tune these brooms usually have enough power to pick the carpet. All this from 2.5-4 amp motors!

Barry- Regarding your Quickbroom you can remove the plastic lower bag retainer (usually one philips screw) and just peel the bag upwards and clean out the dust with another vacuum. Taking these Hoover brooms apart is tricky but they do come fully apart. Sadly that does involve wires in the handle assembly and 4 screws hidden out of sight under the dirt cup. If I can help you out with pictures of disassembly don't hesitate contacting me by email.

Joel


Post# 399205 , Reply# 13   10/5/2018 at 22:54 (2,000 days old) by dartman (Portland OR)        

I keep the Dirt Devil versa power stick vac beside my parrots cage. It's powerful enough to pick up most of the seed and pellet crumbs he loves to drop on the linoleum below him. I paid 20 shipped years ago on Amazon and thought I killed it but broke it back out recently and turns out it works fine. I tried using a 18 volt stick vac with a powered brush and it just doesn't have the power or suction to pick up the crumbs though I still use that one to do light pickup in the traffic area by the living kitchen spot. They come in handy for spot jobs and mine uses a dirt cup so don't have to throw away bags full of bird seed all the time.

Post# 399208 , Reply# 14   10/5/2018 at 23:22 (2,000 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Kirby519

 

"...If I can suck the dust out from under the sissle mats in China while I vacuum..."

 

See, I never thought international relations could benefit from our house keeping practices.  But you've opened my eyes. 


Post# 399210 , Reply# 15   10/5/2018 at 23:28 (2,000 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
dartman

 

Do you allow your parrots to roam outside the cage?  I've seen that.  I've also seen some birds like to peck or eat wood work, cutting big notches and holes.  I hope he doesn't chew on the vacuum.  

 

 

 


Post# 399212 , Reply# 16   10/5/2018 at 23:30 (2,000 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Regina Electrikbroom

Am I correct in thinking Regina rebadged their brooms for Sears in the 70s and early 80s?


Post# 399247 , Reply# 17   10/7/2018 at 02:41 (1,999 days old) by dartman (Portland OR)        
Parrot

Once we are settled in for the day we release the hound. He's preening and snoozing on the TV right now. He loves the fuzzy blankets on my recliners and the trim boards they put up to cover the cheap wall board seams on the areas that don't use drywall on this manufacturered home. He is flighted and very acrobatic and fast for a medium sized parrot. He loves scratches and treats, and sister is his chosen one but he likes everyone luckily. His name is Dobby and he is a Maximilian Pionus male.
He isn't interested in the vacuums but is a mischievous boy and loves to get into things so he's supervised when out for the day. He'll be going to bed shortly and sleep and play with his toys till time to come out again tomorrow.


Post# 399251 , Reply# 18   10/7/2018 at 06:45 (1,999 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        
Regina Electrikbroom for Sears

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Yes, they did. I had a blue Kenmore one that looked just like a Regina. Had the pump bag, I don't remember what the floor nozzle said on it. I think it was called a Fast Vac or something like that. It was only a one speed machine, maybe there were other versions with 2 or 3, knowing Sears I'm sure they probably had a Sears Good, Better, and Best of them.

Post# 399264 , Reply# 19   10/7/2018 at 14:51 (1,999 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Cole

If it was blue, I wonder if that was part of the late 77 to early 79 line-up.  I can see them having diff. speeds.  The one with pn was probably the TOL compared to a single speed straight suction =BOL, and a 4 speed straight suction =MOL.

 


Post# 399445 , Reply# 20   10/12/2018 at 20:33 (1,993 days old) by Dustin (Jackson, MI)        

dustin's profile picture
I know the bag can be completely removed from a Hoover Quick broom without remiving any wires, I had one at one point and I know it came off over the handle and then I had to feed the cord through the bag. But as far as I remember it is doable. Mine was a 2 speed 3.5 amp, and I could never figure out why it was so loud and vibrated pretty badly- I eventually did when the fan came off the motor shaft while it was running. I didn't fix it and eventually it was junked, but it did work fairly well while I had it.

Post# 399452 , Reply# 21   10/13/2018 at 01:07 (1,993 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Parrot - dartman

 

awwwwhttp://www.  laughing  He sounds so cute.


Post# 399453 , Reply# 22   10/13/2018 at 01:09 (1,993 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        
Is this Regina?

.


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Post# 399456 , Reply# 23   10/13/2018 at 01:51 (1,993 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
gregvacs28

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Greg,

It sure is a rebranded Regina.

In fact, this one is about a 1983 model since the floor nozzle lacks the provisions to manually adjust the height of it.

~Ben


Post# 400300 , Reply# 24   11/2/2018 at 09:23 (1,973 days old) by electrikbroomgu (Rome, NY)        
Rebranded Regina brooms

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I think this happened somewhere in the early part of the 1970's say 1973. I have several of these Sears brooms which were actually called Kwik Sweeps. Most of the time they were just a Regina broom with a different front sticker. In 1978 they actually removed the motor housing plastic covers and affixed a front sticker to them in order to make them a bit more different. During the 1980's they were mostly identical to what Regina was offering but with a different sticker and bag pattern. Also of note Sears supplied a longer power cord up until 1981 than Regina or 18' versus 15' and for a while Sears offered a powerteam version which is rarer than hens teeth.

I need to do a thread on these Sears Kwik Sweeps and other rebranded brooms soon including a super rare Penny's Penncrest version


Post# 400308 , Reply# 25   11/2/2018 at 17:51 (1,972 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Thank-you Joel/Electricbroom

I can't remember where I spotted this Powerteam, but some lucky person has it. I remember seeing these in the Sears catalog in the early 80s as they piqued my interest.


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Post# 406539 , Reply# 26   3/10/2019 at 11:29 (1,845 days old) by matty0033 (New Brunswick, Canada)        
Sears/ Kenmore Electrikbrooms (Regina's)

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I am not sure to what is the story behind how about Regina/Sears/Iona Electrikbrooms came about here in Canada. If anyone knows any info on that please add it to the thread with any pics of anyone who has any Electrikbrooms. Since we are talking about Sears/Kenmore I though I would show my collection of Electrikbrooms for anyone who is interested.

They all come from various provinces namely Quebec and Ontario, nothing at all in my province and they are all finds on Kijiji. I had to have them shipped. I also have in my collection and Iona Speedvac (Electrikbrush) In light grey and green bag, Iona 3 speed in light grey and grey/red bag, Iona 3 speed in dark grey and dark grey/blue bag, Regina Powerteam in cream with light lavender bag with the Chucky handle.

Let me know what you think.


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