Cordless Dustbuster Won't Charge

[rsc...@webtv.net]

I have a Black &Decker Dustbuster Plus DB350 that's only a couple years
old. Lately it won't recharge. It's stored in it's holder which plugs
into an outlet. The outlet works. I've emptied the dust out & washed
(and dried) the filter. I've sanded the contact points. But when it's
removed from the tray & turned on, it just gasps and dies. The search
engines have not been helping me lately. Any ideas how to fix or sites
to visit? TIA ~ RG

[B]

I had the same problem. These units are not made to last. I got satisfaction
at the local dump.

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

[Edwin Pawlowski]

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message

> I have a Black &Decker Dustbuster Plus DB350 that's only a couple years
> old. Lately it won't recharge.

Most likely the battery pack is dead You can probably buy a new vac for the
price of batteries. They just don't last all that long.
Ed

[donald girod]

It's just failure of the nicad batteries due to leaving them continually on
charge. This is just not the way to make them last but it is what B&D
recommends, probably so that the batteries fail early.

You can replace the batteries for approximately the cost of a new
dustbuster.

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

[Stormin Mormon]

My experience is that nicads last about two years. Doesn't much matter what
you do with them. I used to have Black and Decker rechargeable drills, and
also Skil rechargable drills.

Batteries last about two years. If you're a techie wizzard, rip it apart and
solder in some new batteries. If you're a techienerd, externalize the
battery pack and put on AA cells, so you can run nicads off the charger or
alkalines if you want turbo boost.

--

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
www.mormons.org
.
.

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

[TCS]

Rechargeable batteries must be kept charged. If you quit using the device
and let the battery self-discharge and stay that way for a long time, odds
are that it'll never charge again.

I've seen this too many times. The batteries can be used and recharged
hundreds of times, but leave the device in a drawer for a few months
and that's the end of it.

[jriegle]

Had mine for six years so far and I use it three times a week. The problem
with the Nicad batteries is if you use it a little and put it back on the
charger, the batteries will not hold a full charge after a while. It just
gets worse after time. With my shaver and my vac, it never goes on the
charger until the charge is depleted. (My shaver is 12 years old or more.)
Also, I only charge it for a day. never let the batteries cook on the
charger. if you store it on the charging base, unplug the charger.

Proper care for your batteries and the device will last for years.

John

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

[Jim Yanik]

rsc...@webtv.net wrote in news:17108-3F55014C-855@storefull-
2172.public.lawson.webtv.net:

Had this happen(after 10 years!),the local DeWalt service center replaced
the battery pack for less than what a new Dustbuster would cost.
It took a week,and $18.00US.

And that was cheaper than I could have bought the new NiCds myself.
(they're special continuous-charge NiCds,see Digi-Key catalog)

--
Jim Yanik,NRA member
jya...@kua.net

[Jim Yanik]

TCS <The.Central...@p.o.b.o.x.com> wrote in
news:slrnbla9er.2r7.The....@turing.kaosol.net:

The Dustbusters with internal cells(not the VersaPacks)are designed to be
left -on- the charger 24/7/365.

[Jim Yanik]

"donald girod" <gir...@localnet.com> wrote in
news:vla5o7d...@corp.supernews.com:

> It's just failure of the nicad batteries due to leaving them
> continually on charge. This is just not the way to make them last but
> it is what B&D recommends, probably so that the batteries fail early.

Mine lasted 10 years.And Dewalt service center changed the pack for less
than a new DB cost. Digi-Key has NiCd cells -designed- to be left on
continuous charge.)

[Joseph Meehan]

If you are a little adventurous, it is generally not too difficult to
replace the batteries, that no doubt are the cause of the problem. However
you are likely to need the skill to solder them in place. You would start
disassembling the device and find the batteries, take them out and bring
them to a real battery store where they can find the correct or better
replacements.

Note: Don't try to solder directly on the battery, they can't stand the
heat, you are likely to see a battery that looks like a normal battery with
some tabs on each end. Those tabs are electrically welded on, not
soldered. You need to get the replacements with the same tabs on them.
For under $10. You can have it back in service better than new. However if
this all seems like it would be too hard, then it may not be for you, just
buy a new one.

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

[tn...@mucks.net]

I've had three of these now. They all have the same problem. The
internal brass conductors that switch between operate and charge
do not always make a good connection in the charge position. I have
taken them apart, cleaned them, re-tensioned and aligned them and
they still will not make good contact in the charge position every
time.

The only successful way of putting the switch into the charge position
is to wiggle the switch in the charge position and hope that the
contact will work its way into a conductive state. So far it has
worked 95% of the time with the two I have in operation right now.

[mark Ransley]

Nicads should neve be left in a charger unless it is a peak charger that
shuts off. Jreigle has the maintenance issue worked out properly
and that allows for longer life

[jim]

if its like anything i have bought that is rechargeable its batteries
are probably out of juice.. they died... the rest of the stuff had to be
thrown out with the batteries.....

[TCS]

So?

[BillKirch]

>problem
>with the Nicad batteries is if you use it a little and put it back on the
>charger, the batteries will not hold a full charge after a while.

#################
It's called memory effect. Ni-cads suck for that reason. Thats why they came up
with Li-on batteries....no memory BG

[rsc...@webtv.net]

tnom suggested wiggling the vac in its charger to make sure it is making
contact. Unlike shavers and mobile phones there's no light to tell you
it's charging. And it worked! And this time the charge was completely
dissipated & left to charge for over 24 hours, which is what the manual
recommends when operating times start to shorten. So I think I will
stay with these techniques in the future. Thanks for all your help. ~
RG

[GNTRY]

I had the same problem, same model # the battery pack inside looks like two
"C" size. the replacement pack retails for about $20 bucks. A newer more
powerfull unit runs about $30. TOSS IT.

[Ron]

I have the same problem with a one year old one. It seems the latching
mechanism into the holder is poor. Even if it is slightly loose it will
not make contact. I heated the tab and bent it to tighten it and that
worked for a while. I then had to bend the contacts to achieve better
contact.

My personal opinion is B&D products are not what they used to be.

Every B&D product I purchased in the past 10 years has been junk.
THat includes power tools, small appliances, garden tools and this last
B&D product I wll buy this cordless hand vac.
I had a hoover cordless hand vac for 8 years and the batteries went
which is understandable of nicads.

[Gaylene]

replying to tnom, Gaylene wrote:

> tnom wrote:
>
> I've had three of these now. They all have the same problem. The
> internal brass conductors that switch between operate and charge
> do not always make a good connection in the charge position. I have
> taken them apart, cleaned them, re-tensioned and aligned them and
> they still will not make good contact in the charge position every
> time.
> The only successful way of putting the switch into the charge position
> is to wiggle the switch in the charge position and hope that the
> contact will work its way into a conductive state. So far it has
> worked 95% of the time with the two I have in operation right now.

I just bought one of these for $2 at a thrift store. It wouldn't charge.
I did a search about it and came across this discussion. I read about the
contacts and what I did was wedged a piece of paper folded up to the right
thickness on the opposite side of the contacts in between the charger base
and the unit. Thought if this don't work I'm throwing it away. After as
few hours of charging I took it off the base and turned it on and it
worked!!! Yay!! Thanks tnom!!!!

--

[Robin K]

replying to rschng, Robin K wrote:

Well, at least you got a couple of years of use out of it. Mine is only 3
months old and does the same thing. So much for Black & Decker I guess I
will go back to Dirt Devil.

--

[Ed Pawlowski]

>> I have a Black &Decker Dustbuster Plus DB350 that's only a couple years
>> old. Lately it won't recharge. It's stored in it's holder which plugs
>> into an outlet. The outlet works. I've emptied the dust out & washed
>> (and dried) the filter. I've sanded the contact points. But when it's
>> removed from the tray & turned on, it just gasps and dies. The search
>> engines have not been helping me lately. Any ideas how to fix or sites
>> to visit? TIA ~ RG

Cheap batteries are shot. Replace them or send the unit to a rebuilder.
They will use a better battery too.

[Art Todesco]

Yah, I did that in my dustbuster and while I was at it, I added one
extra cell ... made a big difference in power. Eventually replace it
with a Dirt Devil. But Right now I have a buster by Electrolux which
nests into a cordless floor sweeper. This thing really sucks. It uses a
12 volt battery and by itself as a buster, you can actually feel it pull
on the palm of you hand, not like any of the others. As a floor sweeper
it works great; has a rotating brush on the bottom with some LED
headlights.

[thekma...@gmail.com]

9/2/03donald girod wrote:
"It's just failure of the nicad batteries due to leaving them continually on
charge. This is just not the way to make them last but it is what B&D
recommends, probably so that the batteries fail early.
You can replace the batteries for approximately the cost of a new
dustbuster.

<rsc...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17108-3F5...@storefull-2172.public.lawson.webtv.net...

- show quoted text -"


I thought by at least 15 years ago they would have devised a way for
the charger base to stop charging automatically, even while the
dust-buster(or cordless phone, or whatever) was on the base.

[Col. Edmund Burke]

"Robin K" <caedfaa9ed1216d60e...@example.com> wrote in
message news:96ea0$554939a1$cf3aab60$14...@news.flashnewsgroups.com...

Plug it in, plug it in...................^@^

[gregz]

I have a dirt devil extreme I occasionally use. I only charge it a few
hours occasionally. Got to be at least 6 years old.

Greg

[thekma...@gmail.com]

Gz:

If you are good at remembering to remove
from base after so many hours that is good.

Me, not so much.

[gregz]

I move it out so I trip over it !!

Greg

[Horace. LaBadie]

thekmanrocks wrote:

> "It's just failure of the nicad batteries due to leaving them continually on
> charge.

The charger should shut off when the batteries are charged.

[Unquestionably Confused]

Maybe in a perfect world... The charger should also maintain a float
charge and trickle the battery to maintain a perfect state of 100%
efficiency so he can use that dust buster to clean out 50 cars before it
needs to be recharged, But it doesn't! Which is why almost every
Ni-Cad rechargeable appliance/tool I've ever seen cautions against
leaving on the charger more than a set period of time, recommends not
topping it off after each use, etc.

Ni-Cads are old technology and are notorious for taking on a "memory"
and being short-lived. Newer tech (Li-Ion) = Better Service

[MarilynKamp]

replying to rschng, MarilynKamp wrote:
I just did a search on this because I'm having the same problem. There should
be a recall on this. I have only had it about 6 months!

--
for full context, visit http://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/cordless-dustbuster-won-t-charge-476504-.htm

[Fred McKenzie]

In article <885f3$57dd5db9$a2d350aa$53...@news.flashnewsgroups.com>,
MarilynKamp <caedfaa9ed1216d60ef...@example.com>
wrote:

> replying to rschng, MarilynKamp wrote:
> I just did a search on this because I'm having the same problem. There should
> be a recall on this. I have only had it about 6 months!

Marilyn-

I have the same problem. The DustBuster is left plugged-in, so the
batteries are always on charge. Unfortunately it over-charges the
batteries, and they eventually go bad.

I got tired of replacing the expensive batteries, and plan to donate the
DustBuster. It was replaced with a DeWalt corded/cordless Wet-Dry
Vacuum.

The DeWalt uses a battery that requires a separate charger. It is
heavier than the DustBuster but works much better. I think DeWalt has a
smaller, lighter model, but do not know how it compares.

Fred

[tina gorzalski]

replying to Jim Yanik, tina gorzalski wrote:
i leave my dust buster on for 24/7 and has no charge after using for a few
seconds. bad battery since i bought 6 months ago. going to get a shark

[CRNG]

On Sun, 20 Nov 2016 20:14:01 +0000, tina gorzalski
<caedfaa9ed1216d60ef...@example.com> wrote in
<4dc5f$58320409$a2d350aa$61...@news.flashnewsgroups.com>

>replying to Jim Yanik, tina gorzalski wrote:
>i leave my dust buster on for 24/7 and has no charge after using for a few
>seconds. bad battery since i bought 6 months ago. going to get a shark

Built-in rechargeable batteries are designed for a limited lifetime.
When they no longer charge, you are supposed to throw them away and
buy a new one.

Pretty smart marketing.
--
Web based forums are like subscribing to 10 different newspapers
and having to visit 10 different news stands to pickup each one.
Email list-server groups and USENET are like having all of those
newspapers delivered to your door every morning.

[randy]

replying to jriegle, randy wrote:
If you bought it years ago it probably does still work but if you just bought
It 6 months ago like I did and kept it on the charger whenever is wasn't in
use it probably won't work because they make so much cheap throw away crap
these days

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/cordless-dustbuster-won-t-charge-476504-.htm

[Alidon]

replying to rschng, Alidon wrote:
Omg I was about to throw it out but I decided to Google the issue. . After
reading your post I checked the contact area in the base, and it was dirty
with some sticky stfff. So just cleaned the area with a bounty towel and
water! Hallelulia!!! It's charging again.

[Diesel]

Alidon <caedfaa9ed1216d60ef...@example.com>
news:JH1%A.5678$d13...@fx05.am4 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 02:14:01 GMT in

alt.home.repair, wrote:

> replying to rschng, Alidon wrote:
> Omg I was about to throw it out but I decided to Google the issue.
> . After reading your post I checked the contact area in the base,
> and it was dirty with some sticky stfff. So just cleaned the area
> with a bounty towel and water! Hallelulia!!! It's charging again.
>

Hmm. Next time, try using some crc electrical contact cleaner. It works
wonders. :)


--
Dislexics of the world, UNTIE!

[Modern Consumer]

replying to CRNG, Modern Consumer wrote:
Our dust buster remains plugged in 24/7. After 2 months the charge holds about
30 seconds then dies. Seems like it should last a bit longer than that

[Wade Garrett]

On 9/23/17 10:14 AM, Modern Consumer wrote:
> replying to CRNG,  Modern  Consumer wrote:
> Our dust buster remains plugged in 24/7. After 2 months the charge holds
> about
> 30 seconds then dies. Seems like it should last a bit longer than that
>

Wouldn't be a problem if you'd quit dawdling and vacuum stuff up quick...

--
Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the
government take care of him better take a closer look at the American
Indian.
- Henry Ford

[brownap...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 4:45:00 PM UTC-4, rsc...@webtv.net wrote:
> I have a Black &Decker Dustbuster Plus DB350 that's only a couple years
> old. Lately it won't recharge. It's stored in it's holder which plugs
> into an outlet. The outlet works. I've emptied the dust out & washed
> (and dried) the filter. I've sanded the contact points. But when it's
> removed from the tray & turned on, it just gasps and dies. The search
> engines have not been helping me lately. Any ideas how to fix or sites
> to visit? TIA ~ RG

Nice box, terrible shelf life of battery, a loser of a product

[ken]

replying to rschng, ken wrote:
My (dustbuster 12 v) is +/- less than a year's old has similar issues with
charger issues) but sort of the second bad experience I have it elsewhere -
but a Hoover brand rather than B & D (pretty similar). It goes dead after
less than a minute. Any suggestions as to how it might work or other than
throwing it out and never buying a B&D product, or similar, ever again', Get
in touch with me on <k...@klennan.com> if might be a general issue to consider
a class action procedure.

[Uncle Monster]

On Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 9:14:06 PM UTC-6, ken wrote:
> replying to rschng, ken wrote:
> My (dustbuster 12 v) is +/- less than a year's old has similar issues with
> charger issues) but sort of the second bad experience I have it elsewhere -
> but a Hoover brand rather than B & D (pretty similar). It goes dead after
> less than a minute. Any suggestions as to how it might work or other than
> throwing it out and never buying a B&D product, or similar, ever again', Get
> in touch with me on <k...@klennan.com> if might be a general issue to consider
> a class action procedure.
> --
>

You're way too late. 14 years ago, rschng became so upset that his Dustbuster wasn't working, he slammed it against a table. When he looked down the end of the unit, it suddenly came on and sucked his eyeballs and brains out of his skull. It made a terrible mess. He is survived by a wife, 5 ex-wives, 46 children, 8 dogs, 17 cats, 9 spider monkeys, a heard of zebra, 4 pythons, and 563 gerbils. The very nervous gerbils really miss him. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Sad Monster

[Jim in TN]

replying to rschng, Jim in TN wrote:
My first dusbudter worked beautifully for three years. When the batteries
finally gave, I bought another identical unit, it lasted less than a year, I
replaced it under warrsnty, and the same things happened, it lasted for only
10 months. This time Target would not exchange and required me to deal
directly with the company. I refused.
I think BD has intentionally degraded the batteries so as to generate more
ssles. This if true is fraud I think, and this is a terrible waste of
resources, ie, having to throw away the entire unit simply to get new
batteries that probably won't last even a year. I stopped buying the once
reliable brand and started using a small corded unit of another company. Oh,
the price we have paid by transferring our manufacturing overseas and
intentionally building premature obsolescence.

[Hanker]

replying to TCS, Hanker wrote:
Left mine in the recharging cradle all the time. Still died after two freak'n
years.

[James]

replying to rschng, James wrote:
This unit is a piece of garbage.

[no name]

replying to rschng, no name wrote:
this is the second dust buster that drop dead on me think I need to go
elsewhere when I sent it back for repair they wanted too much money and they
never returned the dead dust buster to me bye black and decker for all their
wares

[Frank]

On 8/11/2018 5:44 PM, no name wrote:
> replying to rschng, no name wrote:
> this is the second dust buster that drop dead on me think I need to go
> elsewhere when I sent it back for repair they wanted too much money and
> they
> never returned the dead dust buster to me bye black and decker for all
> their
> wares
>

Old thread I see but interesting to me. Recharging batteries depends on
type, I believe. You can recharge lithium best before it reaches low
level and can keep plugged in but maybe Ni-Cd's and NiMH need occasional
deep discharge to prolong life. My laptop with a lithium can stay
plugged in but my electric toothbrush recommends an occasional deep
discharge.

[trader_4]

On Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 5:44:06 PM UTC-4, no name wrote:
> replying to rschng, no name wrote:
> this is the second dust buster that drop dead on me think I need to go
> elsewhere when I sent it back for repair they wanted too much money and they
> never returned the dead dust buster to me bye black and decker for all their
> wares
>

Who sends a $35 throwaway appliance back for repair? Probably costs $8
to send it, they are going to charge more than that for shipping/handling
to send it back, plus whatever it costs to fix it. Do the math. And if it
was kaput, why do you want it back? Would you pay $10 to get it back?
I have no recent experience with Dustbusters or how long they last, they
could be crap that only lasts 2 years, just saying, there is something to
be learned from this besides that you don't like Black and Decker.

[Ralph Mowery]

In article <a8bd37f2-4d31-4626...@googlegroups.com>,
tra...@optonline.net says...

>
> Who sends a $35 throwaway appliance back for repair? Probably costs $8
> to send it, they are going to charge more than that for shipping/handling
> to send it back, plus whatever it costs to fix it. Do the math. And if it
> was kaput, why do you want it back? Would you pay $10 to get it back?
> I have no recent experience with Dustbusters or how long they last, they
> could be crap that only lasts 2 years, just saying, there is something to
> be learned from this besides that you don't like Black and Decker.
>
>

Just like some of the inexpensive tools. I bought a socket set many
years ago to throw in the truck for emergency use. Think it costs $
4.99 plus tax. Had a lifetime warrenty. If anything goes wrong or a
socket breaks, just send the broken part back and $ 5 for return postage
and handling they will send you a new socket.

Unless there is a store near you where you can just walk in and exchange
the item, it is not worth it to ship anything under a few hundred
dollars off for repair.

Wife was watching an old Archie Bunker show. Archie had bought what he
thought was an expensive watch for only $ 25 . It broke. Watchmaker
wanted $ 25 to repair it but told Archie the watch sold new for $ 8.

[tbs]

replying to rschng, tbs wrote:
I have two of the 1970 DustBuster Plus vac's that I took to Batteries Plus
Bulbs store and had them replace the batteries in each vac. With the one I had
them replace the battery with a more powerful battery. The other, the cream
colored one, the replacement battery was not able to use the high power
batteries so, they installed the same power batteries as the original ones.
Cost was $35 for the high power batteries and $18 for the standard replacement
batteries. I took a chance that the problem was the batteries and not the
charger and am glad I did.

[Uncle Monster]

On Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 11:44:30 AM UTC-5, tbs wrote:
> replying to rschng, tbs wrote:
> I have two of the 1970 DustBuster Plus vac's that I took to Batteries Plus
> Bulbs store and had them replace the batteries in each vac. With the one I had
> them replace the battery with a more powerful battery. The other, the cream
> colored one, the replacement battery was not able to use the high power
> batteries so, they installed the same power batteries as the original ones.
> Cost was $35 for the high power batteries and $18 for the standard replacement
> batteries. I took a chance that the problem was the batteries and not the
> charger and am glad I did.
> --
>

Do you really think the guy has been waiting around for 15 years to hear from you? Check the dates! Geez! o_O

[8~{} Uncle Dated Monster