Post Builders' clean up

[3littlefrogs]

I need a really good vacuum cleaner that can deal with a house covered in all manner of dust and dirt.

Any recommendations?

TIA

[PigletJohn]

A wet and dry canister vac. Get one with a spare cartridge filter and paper bags. They will help you deal with the fine damaging dust and delay clogging of the filter. You can brush the filter clean, and eventually wash it with water. A spare one means you can swap dirty for clean. If a spare filter and bags are not available for the cleaner you look at, don't buy it.

A cheap one like a Titan will do. It has a 2-year guarantee so if it goes wrong you can take it back. After 2 years you will have had your money's worth. Not the smallest one. this one is good value and has a synchronised power socket which is very useful when sanding or sawing

The more expensive Nilfisk models (hundreds of pounds) are good.

A plastic or stainless canister will not go rusty.

They are noisy so get ear defenders.

The plastic tubes are quite flimsy but you can use standard size replacements.

As well as dust, grid and broken concrete, it will suck up socks and water, so is useful for burst pipes and clogged drains.

You can use it for cleaning the car and in the garden

[3littlefrogs]

Wow- thanks for all that information. I will do some googling now.
It is good to get the recommendations first as the advertising isn't always reliable.

[3littlefrogs]

Do I need a particular screwdriver to assemble this - it appears from the reviews that this might be the case?

[PigletJohn]

I see one of the owners claimed to need an electric screwdriver. Mine is not the same, but IIRC the castors snapped on, and I'm sure an ordinary Pozidrive screwdriver would do for the handles (the tip is not the same as a Phillips).

If you feel the need to buy new screwdrivers, ensure they are made of Chrome Vanadium steel (this is an alloy, it is not the same as chrome plate) marked on the packet and stamped on the blades. The tips should look as if they have been ground to shape and may be a different colour to the blades. You will often find an own-brand set in a DIY shed or supermart at about £10 to £15 a set. As long as you always use the correct size and do not treat them as chisels they will last a long time.

If you buy a single screwdriver of a good make, it might cost you £10 or so. In that case, take the actual screw with you and verify that it is a perfect fit. There are three common sizes.

Pozidrive screws have a little "X" marked on the head diagonal to the X shaped hole. It is to warn you not to use Philips drivers on them if you do not recognise the bad fit. Have a look. www.screwfix.com/p/turbogold-woodscrews-double-self-countersunk-4-x-20mm-pk200/11191

[PigletJohn]

nope, not that one.

see here

[3littlefrogs]

I have ordered the cleaner plus bags and spare filter.
Thanks so much for the advice. I am resigned to the brick dust and have dust sheeted as much as possible, but every time anyone opens a door or window (impossible to avoid in this weather) another cloud wafts through.

It will be easier just to keep vacuuming it up.

[toots111]

Every builder I have ever had in my house has had a Henry and swears by them which is why I bought a Henry myself. And also British made.