November 29, 2023 Jerry Pavlic

WHAT SIZE WANDS, TOOLS AND KITS FIT MY BACKPACK VACUUM?

If you are unsure of which wands, tools, and other components fit on your commercial backpack vacuum, this article will help you identify specific areas of your backpack vacuum that will help you make an informed decision.

"What Size Wands, Tools and Kits Fit My Backpack Vacuum?"

This is a very common question from our clients, and we wish there was a one size fits all answer, but given the number of available backpacks on the market, it is not possible.

If you have asked yourself this question, grab yourself a ruler or a tape measure and measure the diameter of the end of the vacuum hose where you would fit your cleaning tool or wand.

In the two images below, we are able to determine that we have a 1.5 inch diameter vacuum hose.

"What Type of Wand Do I Need?"

All backpack wands are NOT created equal. Wands are categorized by their shape and style.

First, lets discuss the 3 most common shapes of wands and their purposes.

Single bend (tapered)- These are commonly used in areas that might be tight, congested or where an operator may have to vacuum in a more upright position with their arms above their shoulders. This type of wand can also be used in light high dusting applications.

Two bend- The most commonly used wand, this provides for better operator ergonomics. Not recommended for high dusting applications. Recommended for hard and soft flooring.

Straight- These are commonly used in high dusting applications or in conjunction with the side winder system

Next, lets discuss the 4 most common styles of backpack wands.

Friction Fit- The friction fit design keeps the wand in place during use and when not in use, it can be disassembled for easier storage or transport.

Fiction fit wands are assembled by pushing both wands together, or used separately depending on the cleaning task.

Button Lock- The button lock design keeps the wand in place during use and makes it easy to dismantle for easy storage.

Button lock wands are assembled by pressing and holding the button ontop of one wand while sliding the other wand into place, when you release the button the wand "locks" into place.

Telescoping- Unlike the friction fit or button lock wand, the telescoping wand requires no dismantling. Depending on make and model, some assembly maybe required.

These wands allow for quick adjustments depending on the needs of the operator.

One Piece Wand- The name says it all, these wands cannot be disassembled and are one complete piece. They can come as tapered, two bend or straight depending on the make and model.

"What Type of Tool Do I Need?"

By now, you should have been able to identify the size hose of your backpack vacuum and the style of wand that you have.

Now lets determine which backpack tools work with your specific backpack vacuum.

If you have a friction fit wand, your tools need to be friction fit. Pictured below is an example of a friction fit tool and a friction fit wand.

If you have a nut coupling wand, your tools need to have a recessed indentation on the end of the tool.

Circled below in yellow, is the recessed indentation on the end of the tool. These tools will only fit wands that have the coupler on the end pictured in the second image.