Vacuum Doors Open

[Flamingo]

I have 2 fragramatics and someone keeps leaving the doors unlatched and open//They are getting the change out..I don't mind the change thieves but do mind them leaving doors open..I put locks on but they just pop the latches off...looks like the latches arent long enough for a secure latch...any suggestions

 

[Hoser06]

I have the same problem with 3 Fragramatics Vacs at one of my sites. I've tried heavy duty pad locks and zip ties on the debris doors, they last a few weeks until a guy comes and mangles the latch with a pry bar. I put big decals directly above the bottom doors that say Smile, your on Camera! and Please close door for suction. The old owner warned me not to lock them. So now it's the first and last thing I check every day. I also empty all of them twice a day to discourage pickers. IMO, the latch and hasp are a poor design with to much space for leverage with a pry bar.
Funny thing is I've got 3 identical Vacs five blocks away at another site which stay locked and I haven't had any issues in three years.

I've come to terms with the pickers, most close the doors after but when the odd prick leaves the doors open and kills the suction for customer or dumps the contents all over the vac island, I get mad. I've thought about rigging a die pack to go off when the door opens but that's not to practical/safe.

Anyone modify their Fragramatics debris door/latch? Any suggestions would be great.

Next site I'd like a central-vac type system like the some express exteriors have with coins and debris sent to a vault hidden in the pump room.
That reminds me, where's that 649 ticket again...

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I had the "doors open killing suction, dirt dumped on the island" problem.
Cheap locks solved it for me.
If they didnt, I'd bolt/weld on a heavy duty hasp.

 

[Indiana Wash]

I'd check the security camera to see who was doing it after I put locks on. Then I would have the thieves prosecuted for theft and vandalism. Security cameras are so cheap now, there is really no excuse not to have them.

 

[mjwalsh]

I have 2 fragramatics and someone keeps leaving the doors unlatched and open//They are getting the change out..I don't mind the change thieves but do mind them leaving doors open..I put locks on but they just pop the latches off...looks like the latches arent long enough for a secure latch...any suggestions

Flamingo,

On our Doyle vacs we bought some shroud type of enclosures that have Medeco locks --- that the solved the problem 100% for us. Take a good look because possibly something similar is available or could be fabricated for the Fragmatics.

Mike

 

[JMMUSTANG]

Would this work:

http://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-2809-latch-guard-assemblies-for-ivs-doyle-je-adams-vacs.aspx

 

[pcb]

The covers in the kleen-rite link work, but speaking from experience when someone wants to get in using that cover it really makes a mess. They bent the door and canister all out of shape. You can't stop everyone but the covers will stop 99.9%.

I have also used the heavy duty latches kleen-rite sales. They have to be rivited on but they do work well.

http://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-19628-security-door-kit-for-vacuums.aspx

 

[Hoser06]

The covers in the kleen-rite link work, but speaking from experience when someone wants to get in using that cover it really makes a mess. They bent the door and canister all out of shape. You can't stop everyone but the covers will stop 99.9%.

I have also used the heavy duty latches kleen-rite sales. They have to be rivited on but they do work well.

http://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-19628-security-door-kit-for-vacuums.aspx

This looks interesting and might work if I removed the standard Fraramatics door latch. Thanks for the link! How do you rivet these on to a stainless canister?
Regarding cameras and prosecuting the guys, my sites are bristled in them, but if they show up with a black, nondescript hoody and arrive on foot, you don't get far with the police.

 

[pcb]

I just used 1/4 inch pop rivets. I guess you could use something like a carriage bolt if you needed to. Would make it a little easier. The biggest thing I had to look at when doing it was to make sure there is either a little slack so the door will pull itself tight when the vac starts or either make it very tight so it's always sealed.

Just be sure however you do it that the door is able to make the proper seal.

 

[MEP001]

Would this work:

http://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-2809-latch-guard-assemblies-for-ivs-doyle-je-adams-vacs.aspx

I'm sure it could be made to work with some modification. The channel cover is notched to fit over the doors, and it's made to cover the standard lightweight hasps on Industrial vacs. The Fragramatics closures would have to be removed completely.

 

[Flamingo]

Thanks for all the advise!

 

[Greg Pack]

In the past I found zip ties were too easy to get into, but padlocks could end up with a damaged door.

I found a happy compromise with coat hanger wire. Cut a piece about 5" or so and insert into latch. Take a pair of lineman's pliers and bend it over double, then twist the two ends together several times. It keep the casual looker out, but if they really want in they can get in without doing serious damage. You could also use chain link fence ties for this.

Keeping them cleaned out frequently helps a lot too.

 

[lighthousecarwash]

A pet rattlesnake in each vac should take care of the problem!

 

[MEP001]

If the hinges could be made spring-loaded to close themselves it would eliminate the problem of them being left open. I have to keep the top door closed with a cable tie or people will open them to see what's inside and leave it open.