Datavac Air Duster / Computer Cleaner

The Datavac has solid repairability with its all-metal construction, though not without issues.

• •Access & Repair: Users report the unit is easy to take apart for repairs, with one specifically mentioning fixing a severed cord by opening the unit, cutting and crimping wires.
• •Durability: Metal body is described as hefty and reminiscent of things built 50 years ago, with many users reporting 5-10 years of heavy use.
• •Common Failure Points: The power cord is consistently identified as the weak point, with protective sheathing deteriorating over time where it connects to the housing.

Bottom line: A repairable workhorse with standard tools, but cord issues and quality control concerns (some units fail catastrophically) prevent a higher score. Still, the 5-year motor warranty and easy-to-service design make it a maintainable investment.

Classic case of a tank-like build undermined by quality control issues. The metal construction screams BIFL, but exploding units and cord failures tell a different story.

• •Built like a tank: Users rave about the all-metal body that reminds them of things built 50 years ago that were built to last, with one unit surviving a 4-foot concrete drop
• •Power cord weakness: Multiple reports of cord sheath tearing and fraying where it connects to housing - though one user successfully repaired theirs after 5 years by cutting and crimping wires
• •Fire hazard lottery: Concerning reports of units making loud bang explosions, emitting sparks, or producing burning smells - suggesting serious QC problems despite the 5-year motor warranty

Bottom line: Could've been great, but the risk of getting a lemon that literally explodes keeps this from true BIFL status. The repairable design and proven 10+ year lifespans for good units show potential, but you're rolling the dice on whether yours will last decades or become a fire hazard.

MetroVac offers a tiered warranty system that varies by model, with generally good coverage but some practical limitations.

• •Duration: 1-year base warranty on most units, with extended coverage of 3-5 years on motors depending on model.
• •Coverage details: Power cords (a common failure point) are covered for only 1 year across all models. Shipping costs fall on the customer both ways.
• •User experiences: Some users report successfully repairing units after warranty period, with one reviewer mentioning an easy cord repair after 5 years of use.

Bottom line: A respectable mid-range warranty with documented cases of the company honoring claims, but falls short of truly exceptional coverage due to customer-paid shipping and limited coverage on known failure points like cords.

The MetroVac DataVac has a strong BIFL reputation despite some persistent issues. It enjoys respect as a durable, metal-bodied replacement for disposable canned air that pays for itself over time.

• •Durability praise: Many users report units lasting 5-10+ years with proper care, with one mentioning an easy DIY cord repair after years of use.
• •Consistent complaints: Extremely loud operation (95dB) requiring hearing protection, tendency to overheat during extended use, and power cord degradation over time.
• •Quality concerns: A concerning minority report catastrophic failures (sparks, smoke, "loud bang explosion") suggesting inconsistent quality control.

Bottom line: Solidly built American-made workhorse that frequently outlasts its competition but comes with significant tradeoffs in noise level and occasional reliability issues.