Suck it up! (toner vac confusion)

February 27, 2008 7:42 AM

Looking for a recommendation on a decent vac suitable for cleaning toner-messy laser printers. It seems a regular run-of-the-mill vacuum does not play nice with toner due to the amounts of static charge that builds up when sucking up the toner. Can fry the electronics and all, so I have read. Most seem to run in the $200 ballpark, but then I saw this one for $15. What gives? Okay, it doesn't have all the extra attachments and all, but, jeez.... it's $15. Is this a decent vac, or am I "getting what I pay for"?
posted by captnkurt to shopping (10 comments total)

That $15 link is a filter for a vacuum cleaner (the vacuum costs $300).
posted by ssg at 7:46 AM on February 27, 2008

The title says "3M Type 2 Toner & Dust Filter for 70-496 Vacuum Cleaner". Is $15 just for the filter?
posted by null terminated at 7:47 AM on February 27, 2008

No, I think that's the whole thing, vac and filter and all... Here's the Amazon Product Description:

Product Description
Designed for high efficiency cleaning of most business equipment, including toner from copy machines and laser printers. Weighing less than nine pounds and smaller than the average tool kit (measures just 17-1/2"L x 6-1/2"W x 9"H), this portable vacuum is easy to handle, travels well, and is completely self-contained. Features a powerful 1 HP, 5 amp motor and specially woven filters that trap virtually all particles. Each filter is encased in a durable spill-proof plastic cartridge for easy removal, disposal and replacement. Vacuum housing and all accessories are made of conductive plastic to reduce the potential for ESD and electrical shock. Comes complete with one filter, stretch hose, crevice tool, wand and brush. Optional black Cordura(r) carring case comes with shoulder strap and allows both vacuum and service tools to be carried as one.
posted by captnkurt at 7:52 AM on February 27, 2008

Though the title seems to indicate it is only just the filter...

I am confused.
posted by captnkurt at 7:53 AM on February 27, 2008

Okay, I am pretty sure you guys are correct that this link is to just a filter.

So... Does anyone have a recommendation on a good toner vac then? Or one to stay away from because it really sucks? Or, I guess because it really doesn't suck. You know what I mean.
posted by captnkurt at 8:01 AM on February 27, 2008

This 3M vac looks like the one the tech that services the copier at our office. It did a good job cleaning up toner, from what I could tell. Seems to be specifically made for toner.
posted by Daddy-O at 8:59 AM on February 27, 2008

* that the tech uses*
posted by Daddy-O at 9:00 AM on February 27, 2008

Back in my days of cleaning and repairing toner carts, I can verify that the $15 figure you see is just for the toner filter. And that 3M vacuum is nifty and still kicking after all these years, even if I use it only to refill my own toner carts now.
posted by Tacodog at 10:49 AM on February 27, 2008

"Remembering my days of cleaning laser printers and recycling toner carts," rather.
posted by Tacodog at 11:44 AM on February 27, 2008

The toner will just ugly-up the inside of a vacuum not intended for toner, and possibly spew the toner right out the other side of the vacuum. The static that builds up purportedly travels magically through the air and zaps electrical components in the printer. I believe it's made up crap. Any vacuum that has a hepa filter on the exhaust should be fine.

One trick I like to do when cleaning a printer is to remove the cartridge and the fuser, and canned-air-blast the smack out of the thing. Using the vacuum to "catch" the toner that's been kicked up. Works great, and doesn't leave too much of a mess.

And quit using refilled carts. New, brand name ones rarely leak.
posted by gjc at 11:22 PM on February 27, 2008