myname

Yes, you're right. I should have mentioned I have the older, all metal design (cannister). Model CXL. http://www.vacuumcleanerfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/-115731207165308410.jpg As for buying the hose, that wasn't the problem. Its the powerhead that breaks first it seems. Tons of cannisters without powerheads available on the used market. And you almost never see a Tristar powerhead for sale by itself. So its pretty obvious which dies first. Once you get the adapter figured out you're free to not only use any hose you want but any powerhead as well. The smart thing would be to make an adapter to fit the most commonly sold powerhead that is of decent quality. If its from almost any other make, it will cost way less than Tristar dealers charge for their stuff. One adapter solves so many problems. Now you can buy up all those powerhead-less Tristars and make use of them.

> I said nothing that Aerus sells TRISTAR parts. I said they use the same attachment configuration. If anyone knows where this is, please post the URL. > After reading the original post, I have to wonder if we are talking about the same vacuum cleaner, since you have not mentioned the model number. I have the silver Tristar, all metal. On this page it looks exactly like the 1986 model. http://www.tristarohio.com/history.jpg > What you will have to do is cut off the vacuum end hose connection, from an old hose, and find a coupler or similar and connect it to a generic hose. Then you will have to do some electrical connecting/soldering yourself. Not for the average DIY. As I said before the electrical connections are easy. Just wrap the wire around the hose. You'll need the proper ends though but you get that from an old hose where you "cut off the vacuum end hose connection" from as mentioned above by Mike W. I think you could get a coupler at a good hardware store. Perhaps one that specializes in plumbing supplies would offer a good selection.

The newer Tristars do have an accessory adaptor, which can be used to fit other 1 1/4" fitting attachments.  Since Tristar is a part of Aerus, they use the same type of attachment configuration.  Notice the similarities in the power nozzle, wands and connection type.  Aerus also has an accessory adaptor.  These two adaptors will not accept an attachment w/an electrical connection.

The electrical connection is the least of my worries. Anybody can wrap a wire around a hose and attach the correct plug to each end. The hard part is adapting the Tristar pipe size going into the cannister to the attachment system you want to use.

The Tristar is a great design but its proprietary attachment system forces the user to use Tristar accessories. I was wondering if anyone has heard of an adapter being available so you could use other attachments with it. All you need is an adapter from the Tristar pipe system to another one (could be about 3" long. Then you plug in your cheap hose, pipes, powerhead, attachments into it. Tristar powerheads often break and are horrendously expensive to both fix or replace (especially the latter as they are often worth more than the actual vacuum). The answer to these problems is an adapter so you don't have to be held hostage by Tristar sellers. I wonder what powerhead is plentiful on the used market and is fairly reliable. That's the fitting the adapter should work with.