In the Faceborg Uruguay “Experts” (Expats) Community group, people complain bitterly about substandard crap sold here. And they’re right. Recently it was vacuum cleaners that last two years before burning out.
However, that is not us in this case: our Electrolux has been going strong for 15 years—with one exception: the filter cartridge, with three little plastic tabs/flanges that secure it in place. One by one they broke. Only belatedly did I discover the reason: my slamming the thing against the top of the trash bucket to shake dust loose.
My original solution involved epoxy and metal washers, but eventually they fall off. I don’t know why I avoided a more invasive approach, but I woke up one morning recently realizing that a mechanical attachment was the answer. A screw. Because there are a gazillion types of plastic, it’s unlikely I’d find a glue that will actually keep everything together. The screw will, and a little epoxy will prevent shear, i.e. twisting.
What to use for material? See top center of the photo above. This is why I don’t automatically get rid of things like a cheap plastic kitchen spatula that was left in the house when we bought it.
Its thickness turns out to be perfect. So, now to replace the other two?
Nah—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Great fix! It works.
I´ll be coming over to your house with my vacuum filter one day.
Honestly! I love Uruguay, but they need to make me the trade minister or something because this is so unecessary!
A British friend used to quip that the Chinese make outstanding products for “first world” countries, more affordable items for less “developed” countries, then shit so trashy that Bangladeshi refugees would refuse it. That being, of course, what they sell to Uruguay.