Thread Number: 40719  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Kenmore Powerhandle 4.2 cord retract issue
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Post# 432621   9/27/2020 at 12:40 (1,278 days old) by Ctvacman (CT)        

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew a fix for a vintage kenmore powerhandle where the cord won’t stay out, it does not look like anything is broken. I know these pre whispertone models seem to have this issue. Thanks for any help

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Post# 432818 , Reply# 1   9/29/2020 at 21:50 (1,276 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)        
My Kenmore canister

has the same problem right now. Does your machine have a little plastic hook right next to the opening where the cord travels in and out ? That's what I have to use to keep it out.It must have been a problem for a while for them to add this hook to the back of the machine.

Does the button that releases the cord feel a little spongy or different from before. I remember about 10 years ago I took the little mechanism out and cleaned it up. As I recall it's like a little brake or gripper that has some tension that keeps it pressed against the cord. I was able to restore it without buying anything or replacing this part.

I'm sorry I don't remember exactly what I did but just removing and studying the way it works and fiddling with it worked. It's starting to act up again,same as before, so until I get it opened up again, it's the clip I use. You can use a strong close pin or similar clamp to hold the cord out until you fix the hose grip, not ideal,but...

How well is the cord retracting. Strong pull? Mine used to leave about two feet of cord out of the machine. Someone told me to powder the cord with baby powder or like, as it acts as a lubricant. Not sure that remedied the cord retracting better, I think getting the release button working and then slowly pulling the cord all the way out but not off the reel, and keeping the cord stretched out I pushed the release button and let the cord fly back onto the reel with no restrictions.

It took a couple times but it now retracts so well that I have to let up on the button to slow the cord down or I fear the plug will get popped off the end of the cord! I hope this helped a little bit, maybe a repair person on here will comment. As long as nothing broke on the mech, you should be able to fix it. My fix lasted about 10 years of almost daily use.

I'll keep an eye on your post and if I get the time to work on mine I will come back and let you know exactly how I did the repair. Billy



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