Metro Blaster Sidekick defect?

Thanks for the suggestion guys. While it does have a leak, it still moves air pretty good. Definately enough to blow out crevices and wheels, which is what I bought it for. I just hate to have to deal with a defect that affects performance when I know there could be more performance to be had.
 
J504 said:
I just hate to have to deal with a defect that affects performance when I know there could be more performance to be had.
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JMO...
If the "hate" is there:
It may be time to take more action,
than airing it on a detailing forum.

Bob
 
TurboToys said:
i have no idea why people buy these overpriced "car dryers" they are just a motor and fan blowing air through something.


i would purchase something like this

Milwaukee 0884-20 M18 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Compact Handheld Blower (Bare Tool)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXJoHJ5m2Qs

for half the price, get a hell of a good warranty (5 year), and have it be cordless to boot. tool is 100, and you can pick up a battery and charger seperate for 65-70. tons cheaper than those metro units.
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You have a point there Turbo Toys before I lucked up on a sidekick for $40 I used the blower feature on my shop vac that I got for Christmas and it worked perfect only reason why I got a metro sidekick is for my garage queen cause I heard it had a warm air feature and yeah mines has its imperfections but it works like a charm though
 
TurboToys said:
i have no idea why people buy these overpriced "car dryers" they are just a motor and fan blowing air through something.


i would purchase something like this

Milwaukee 0884-20 M18 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Compact Handheld Blower (Bare Tool)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXJoHJ5m2Qs

for half the price, get a hell of a good warranty (5 year), and have it be cordless to boot. tool is 100, and you can pick up a battery and charger seperate for 65-70. tons cheaper than those metro units.
Click to expand...

Actually the whole package (Milwaukee compact blower +battery+ battery charger) would exceed the cost of a Metro Sidekick unless you already have other Milwaukee tools and so no extra cost for the charger and the battery. Same argument for any similar cordless blowers (e.g., Makita, Ryobi, etc)

However, the cordless aspect of it is useful for someone who is mobile or in cold winter when you have to use co-op washes.

I have the Metro Sidekick and love it. The warm air is helpful as it speeds up drying. I use it to just catch the water hiding in the small areas where microfiber clothes cannot reach.

For Milwaukee, I am getting one as I can use it in winter where I need to go to coin-op car wash. And it also acts as a leaf blower in the garage and the driveway.
 
allenk4 said:
Apparently, the "venting" is normal and helps the unit function efficiently
David
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I do not buy the comment that it helps the unit function efficiently but it can be fixed with the rope caulk. It is more a design aspect since the tube diameter is smaller than cap diameter (lots of gap) so if you tighten down the screws on the same it essentially gets distorted.

As I mentioned earlier, I removed the cap, I replaced the rope caulk and did not over tighten the screws to make larger gaps.
 
I read the manual when I got it. It clearly states that it's normal and expected.
 
Bunky said:
I do not buy the comment that it helps the unit function efficiently but it can be fixed with the rope caulk. It is more a design aspect since the tube diameter is smaller than cap diameter (lots of gap) so if you tighten down the screws on the same it essentially gets distorted.

As I mentioned earlier, I removed the cap, I replaced the rope caulk and did not over tighten the screws to make larger gaps.
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Based on what?

The manufacturer indicates that it does serve a purpose.
 
allenk4 said:
Based on what?
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If there is a planned leakage, it would be there for limiting back pressure but doubt the leakage is significant. I just think the design is not a truly sealed unit and that is just now it goes.

I fixed my MB and my Vac n Blo does not leak in blower mode very much.
 
Bunky said:
If there is a planned leakage, it would be there for limiting back pressure but doubt the leakage is significant. I just think the design is not a truly sealed unit and that is just now it goes.

I fixed my MB and my Vac n Blo does not leak in blower mode very much.
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So you agree that there could be a reason for this "venting"?

I am confused, because you used the word "if"; when clearly there is air venting, the manufacturer explains it in the manual and in the email I posted. Why "if"?
 
Just curious why this matters guys...... It's in the manual that it is to be expected. Sealing it up won't increase the performance (not by much at least) so why is this a big deal?
 
I sealed up my Sidekick because the air leakage would blow dust all over the place in my garage. It seemed to make it a bit more powerful as well.

I do not buy the air leakage serves any purpose either. This thing is built using old methods - like from the 1930s , and sealing up the leakage did not hurt the unit one bit. The leakage in my Master Blaster doesn't bother me - since it blows back not down.

And, that Milwaukee thing looks huge & awkward compared to a Sidekick. No thanks.
 
Reading this makes me think using my air hose keeps life simple.....and cheaper.

Roger T
 
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