The general purpose vacuum in the main metal shop is now missing the key piece of the lid clamping mechanism on both sides. Previously, it had been missing just one of those pieces. In addition, someone bent the hell out of the remaining pieces to try and make them hold onto the lid. I judge that marginally successful at best. Does anyone know what happened to the second missing piece?
I would hate to throw out an otherwise functional vacuum cleaner because of two simple missing pieces, but we may not have any choice; it won’t work effectively without the lid clamped on. I’ve pulled it out of service and put the small general purpose vacuum from the annex in its place until we can figure this out.
Lets make a $20 stainless steel one (left), a $10 aluminum one for the right. See which one last longer. Duct tape is probably out of the question as this is not a hackerspace :). On the lighter side HD has them for half price through Dec.
What is the physical size of the missing part. Is it less that a typical 3D printer bed of 8"x8"x6"? I’d be willing to try to model and print it on a 3D printer, but I gotta get an actual piece or set of good photos to work from. Then I’d suggest it be done out of PETG which is quite strong. Alternatively I could print a sample of the Printables part, but only if someone can say it would fit.
That one is not the same as the missing pieces. It would fit most of the vacuums around here, but not this one. And people seem to have lost both of the original pieces.
Is there a picture online somewhere of the unit we have? If so, can you post a link to it. Alternatively I’m willing to search. What is the manufacturer’s name, and its model and/or serial number?
So below the “Out of stock” it says “Find a distributor” and I went through the list and searched each one for 840092, but nothing showed. I think the distributors just sell Rigid products and not parts. Dead End
But at least we have a clear picture of latch handle that we are missing!
In addition I went to my local HomeDepot, found the WD1060 unit, opened the box and took pictures of the latch handle.
Our problem is the latch shaft that the latch handle attaches to is bent and allows the latch handle to slip off. If we make/buy a new handle we should also make/buy and new latch shaft. Here is a picture of our current Ridgid Vacuum and see how the shaft is bent. Oh, and it shows the shaft’s part number #840094 (see white rounded box).
First pass at modeling the latch shaft. Lots of guessed values. It’s printing as I write this and will be done in about 30-45 minutes. Next need to go to Asmbly and compare and measure the current one against this new 3D printed one. When I do hopefully I’ll be able to borrow the current one and bring it home instead of running back and forth to Asmbly. Note that I have added a strengthening filler to keep the shaft from bending.
Wow, by the time all is said and done and if you value everybody’s time, is going to end up into a $50 part. If you take in consideration the age of the vac. versus the normal life span it may be worth just getting a new one since im pretty sure is over a year old. Or just get a ratchet strap, cut the extra material, glue and bolt the straps to sides and youll have a very DIY example but then again the rest of the maker space would not be put to a good use.
It’s giving people a chance to apply their skills to solving a problem. It’s a chance to grow skills.
But to your point, just because you can make a part or do something yourself doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice. You have to weigh the pros and cons of course.
In this case, I would order the correct part to assure it gets the machine operational as quickly as possible, AND enjoy the process of trying to print a replacement part in the short term.
I was almost ready to buy a new Ridgid 10 gal 6 hp WD1060 unit at Home Depot while I was there and donate it to Asmbly. I might still do that. Right now I thought I’d have some “fun” and see if I could make a replacement latch handle and latch shaft. However, most times 3D parts are not as strong as the originals especially injection molded ones. So I doubt my efforts will be successful. Sometime you have to throw yourself into battle knowing that failure might be the outcome.
Don’t buy any new new vacuums yet. Robert received a large donation of items yesterday that included two vacuums, and we have also just decided to go ahead with some improvements to the sand blaster that will probably free up the vacuum dedicated to it as well.
I own a Ridgid 10 gal 5 HP vacuum. The two latches have broken and I’d like to order replacements. How do find a parts list for my unit and who do I contact to order the replacement latch handles.
Contact Name: Brian Watt Contact Country: United States Contact Language: English
And today they responded
Hello Brian,
Thank you for contacting RIDGID Customer support.
May we confirm if you are pertaining to the part below? If so, we regret to inform you that the drum latches for WD10600 is currently out of stock in our website. However, you may obtain the replacement drum latches at your local Home Depot stores thru their special-order desk or at their pro desk. Kindly refer to the details below.
Part Number : 840092
Part Description: Latch Assembly and Hardware
Home Depot’s Special Order SKU # : 435-413
If Home Depot has any questions, they should call us at 1-800-474-3443. Choose options 2 then 2.
If you should have any further questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) or you may send your email to info@ridgidvacs.com
Regards,
JP
RIDGID Customer Support
So I suggest calling Home Depot special-order desk as indicated above. This has been the best info to date!
