So, you say, how can a vacuum cleaner, that most domestic of appliances be manly? Well then, you have never seen a Kirby Tradition before! A Kirby is not made of flimsy, injection-molded plastic. No, it is made from cast aluminum and forged steel. It weighs about 30 pounds. It is not put together with glue, but rather with bolts and screws. It IS user-serviceable, with replaceable brushes, switches, etc. to appeal to a man's need to take it apart. No woman would want one because no woman could physically use it. It is also built to stand the test of time. I have known of Kirby's from the 1950's still working today despite never having been rebuilt. Oh yes, you CAN rebuild it. You can also have it re-polished to like-new shininess. My neighbor has one from the 1960's that is still used regularly. Mine is relatively new as it has a casting date of 1980. Even the impeller is made of cast aluminum, not plastic like wimpy new vacuums. I ask you, does your vacuum have a stamped serial number in the case? I think not! Can you suck nuts and bolts through your vacuum without ruining the impeller? Probably not. I got mine when my mom tired of using it due to it's weight about 12-13 years ago. They had $25 on it (with accessories!)and were going to sell it in a garage sale when I told them I wanted it. It is still working fine with only a replacement beater brush, while she has had 3-4 "new" plastic vacuums.
Yes, this is intended to be read sarcastically, but I do love mine in all it's navy blue and stainless steel glory. I had it gutted tonight to try and find a bearing noise it has had since I tried to use it as a wet vac. I decided to polish the case as I am VERY bored right now, and cleaned the dust out of the motor casing too. Much like my 296k mile pickup truck, it is un-killable. Then again, I need it to be as I rely on making things last to save money. Would I buy a new one for the ridiculous price the door to door salesman wants? No. Used ones are cheap and last almost forever as long as it is an older one. Newer ones have plastic impellers that deteriorate quickly. I had one I garbage picked in working condition ( Kirby Turbo), and traded on a TV.
One last thing: I was researching it tonight and found that the bearings are $7 and $2 ea, and also that it is upgradeable to a HEPA filter system too. I love quality products. I think Ill go to the flea market vendor I use this weekend and order up the parts for the rebuild!
Yes, this is intended to be read sarcastically, but I do love mine in all it's navy blue and stainless steel glory. I had it gutted tonight to try and find a bearing noise it has had since I tried to use it as a wet vac. I decided to polish the case as I am VERY bored right now, and cleaned the dust out of the motor casing too. Much like my 296k mile pickup truck, it is un-killable. Then again, I need it to be as I rely on making things last to save money. Would I buy a new one for the ridiculous price the door to door salesman wants? No. Used ones are cheap and last almost forever as long as it is an older one. Newer ones have plastic impellers that deteriorate quickly. I had one I garbage picked in working condition ( Kirby Turbo), and traded on a TV.
One last thing: I was researching it tonight and found that the bearings are $7 and $2 ea, and also that it is upgradeable to a HEPA filter system too. I love quality products. I think Ill go to the flea market vendor I use this weekend and order up the parts for the rebuild!
