Thread Number: 88520  /  Tag: Wringer Washers
Wringer Washer - Finding and Buying considerations
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Post# 1130774   10/9/2021 at 20:20 (901 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        

I've got my eye out on two wringer washers that will be up for auction soon. I have a couple of concerns before purchasing.

1. Parts - can they be fixed? Who might be able to fix things? I'm not handy. Although, I am willing to try if I can find good instruction.

2. Size - how heavy are they? Can they be moved easily? Do I need a buddy to haul?

3. Materials - Is porcelain better than aluminium tubs?

4. Longevity - Is it realistic to expect a few decades of use out of an old wringer, no matter how well it was kept?

5. Which one is better? The Speed Queen or the Maytag? The Maytag looks older but seems to be in repair. I have no idea about the Speed Queen's condition.

6. Price - what do wringer washers sell for at an estate auction?

7. Should I just wait it out and see if something better comes up?

Thank you for your input. ~Sue





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Post# 1130786 , Reply# 1   10/9/2021 at 23:04 (901 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
For or a start see:

www.automaticwasher.org/c...


1. Parts - can they be fixed? Who might be able to fix things? I'm not handy. Although, I am willing to try if I can find good instruction.

There are still persons around (Dave's Appliances, various Amish) who repair and or sell parts for at least Maytag and maybe SQ wringer washers. Who you can find locally might be another matter. Best to prepare for doing a bulk of work yourself, and or possibility of shipping washer great distance to someone that will do work.

2. Size - how heavy are they? Can they be moved easily? Do I need a buddy to haul?

Not very heavy at all. Both Maytag and SQ washers at least are easily moved in anything from a mini-fan to mid-sized SUV. What you want to do is keep washer upright to prevent oil from leaking. Despite its size the Maytag wringer glides across floor rather easily.



3. Materials - Is porcelain better than aluminium tubs?

Depends upon purposes. Aluminum is a soft and reactive metal. It will dull over time from contact with various chemicals commonly used in laundry (especially chlorine bleach), but can be buffed back to a nice state with a bit of elbow grease and patience. Maytag service men did this all time on units traded in to get them ready for resale.

Porcelain has advantage of being non reactive (and this includes using oxygen bleaches), and durable. But if it chips and underlying metal is exposed can lead to issues if not correctly promptly.



4. Longevity - Is it realistic to expect a few decades of use out of an old wringer, no matter how well it was kept?

Maytag wringer washers will (and in some cases have) lasted longer than their owners who died. This with doing many loads of washing per week for months/years on end.

Long as there are spare parts out there (and there is quite a lot) and proper maintenance is carried out, there is no reason why a Maytag wringer at least won't outlive yourself as well.

Of course much will depend upon state thing is in when acquired and age. If you can find a Maytag or even SQ from 1960's or 1970's (or later in case of Maytag) that saw little use, and was stored properly, again it just might outlive yourself.

5. Which one is better? The Speed Queen or the Maytag? The Maytag looks older but seems to be in repair. I have no idea about the Speed Queen's condition.

Maytag consistently was considered the Caddy of wringer washing machines. It outsold SQ and others by miles. But OTOH Speed Queen wringers had advantages such as deeper tub and some other bits many housewives found desirable.

Where Maytag shone was in durability. You literally cannot kill a Maytag wringer washer. This and their sales/service was top notch.

6. Price - what do wringer washers sell for at an estate auction?

It varies, and it all comes down to how much someone is willing to pay.

Recently a Maytag wringer sold on eBay for several hundred dollars. This while others have been sitting on same site for ages without even a nibble.

There are really tons of Maytag wringers out there, sadly when you want one chances are the good ones won't be nearby.....

7. Should I just wait it out and see if something better comes up?

That's it isn't it? Again Maytag wringers and even SQ models aren't exactly rare as some sellers would like to believe. Keep checking fleaPay, FB, Cl, Offer-up, etc....

Will say chances are better in scoring your dream washer if willing to travel and or pay to arrange shipping. This seems more true if live in a more rural area as opposed to urban location.



Post# 1131328 , Reply# 2   10/17/2021 at 19:47 (893 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        

Thank you Laundress for your reply. After consideration of your points, I've decided I'm gonna try and stick with porcelain Maytags. This is primarily because they seem to be the most common and were "the Caddy" of washers as you put it. They do come up on FB marketplace from time to time.

Although I would prefer an e2 with an attached lid, I won't make it a sticking point, if it works, if it's relatively close, and if it's priced right, I will consider it. Right now I am looking at an N2 model that is in working condition. The seller really wants it gone because they were trying to sell it at $100 and now it's $50. It is 20 miles away but that's not too bad for the price point.

I just need to know if it rolls across the floor easily and I have to get help with the transportation. Then I will see about getting the engine and gears tuned up, make sure the hoses are alright, etc. Hopefully, the interior is as nice as the exterior.







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Post# 1131339 , Reply# 3   10/17/2021 at 22:29 (893 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

wayupnorth's profile picture
i have a similar red model but the transmission or something is seized up. Looks like new and always did work fine until I tried to get it in a doorway on its side, and then that was it when I plugged it in and nothing happened. Free to any member that wants to restore it.

Post# 1131464 , Reply# 4   10/19/2021 at 21:12 (891 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        
$600 Maytag Model 30 working

Found this locally listed. The seller says they refurbished it 25 years ago, replaced the hose and the casters.

What it's got going for it?

Well, it runs. It looks clean. It's not far away. And, I can roll it in and out of a storage closet.

Although, at $600 or OBO...I'm not so sure. I don't want to low-ball this guy as I suppose the amount of parts and elbow grease put into the machine makes the price justified. At the end of the day, I just don't have that cash right now. The roof goes up tomorrow and I have to pay the deductible shortly after.

I can wrangle if someone shouts, "Hey, Sue, that is a deal! Don't let it pass."

So, question - is it overpriced? It's not a porcelain washtub which is what I would prefer, but it does have its own beauty.




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Post# 1131465 , Reply# 5   10/19/2021 at 21:14 (891 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        

Apologies, I meant for the 6th picture to be this one.

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Post# 1131482 , Reply# 6   10/20/2021 at 04:38 (890 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Would not pay that kind of money for such a small capacity wringer washer.


Previous advice still stands.... If nothing is shaking in your immediate area, widen your search.

Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa can all be in play if you're willing to consider using a shipper. Myself and others have done so with good results.

Long as washer is kept upright, blanket wrapped, and handled carefully moving a Maytag or whatever wringer washer is rather straight forward affair.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.htmlQUESTIONM...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154659381591QUE...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115049410229QUE...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274989467382QUE...

Here's a nice N2L going cheap in Chicago CL.

chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/atq/d...


Post# 1131522 , Reply# 7   10/20/2021 at 17:23 (890 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        

Yeah, that Model 30 washer is not possible. The seller even told me his overhaul was mostly cosmetic and encouraged me to keep looking. Thank you for the links.

Post# 1131528 , Reply# 8   10/20/2021 at 19:14 (890 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
suedenim

pierreandreply4's profile picture
even do you said you went a wringer washer if you found a portable whirlpool kenmore washer like this would you buy it and use it?

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Post# 1131537 , Reply# 9   10/20/2021 at 21:08 (890 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Been there and done that....

launderess's profile picture
Actually had a vintage WP "convertible" washer similar. Never warmed to the thing an in end sold it onto another member.

In terms of usefulness one can fit more into a Maytag wringer washer tub than WP/Kenmore portable washers.

Large and or bulky things like blankets, quilts, even pillows can all be done in Maytag wringer if one is careful about things.

Bed and table linens such as larger sizes of sheets and tablecloths are also all done easily in Maytag wringer.

Once one learns how to load washer, and feed things through mangle, rest is gravy.

This being said while able to accommodate bulky items one has to accept limits on Maytag wringers. The Amish repair service one deals with said most common reason wringers on Maytag washers go is people putting things that are just large through them.


Post# 1131540 , Reply# 10   10/20/2021 at 21:43 (890 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
If you are up for a road trip, that minty N2LP in Chicago is worth the asking price. You may also find the pump to be a nice feature to have; not as often seen on the N.

Otherwise, hold out for an equally minty E/J/N in closer by. They do show up in nice shape from time to time.

Ben


Post# 1131541 , Reply# 11   10/20/2021 at 21:48 (890 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

My personal opinion is to never buy a vintage item without the desire to learn how to service and fix it yourself. If you rely on others to fix it, your chances of getting screwed are extremely high.


Post# 1131547 , Reply# 12   10/20/2021 at 23:34 (890 days old) by HobartHero (New York)        
Decent priced Maytag Wringer

hobarthero's profile picture
They can be found for prices around $150 or less if you just keep an eye out on FB marketplace or Craigslist etc. I have an E2L that is in very good (Not perfect) condition that I picked up for $125. That is the most I’ve ever spent on a wringer, but Maytag's are the most desirable, have the most available spare parts and the most durable. Lots of people try to get crazy money for them but you can get one for around what I paid or possibly less if you just keep looking. I have a feeling they’ll go for more money at an estate sale than on FB.
-Shannon


Post# 1131602 , Reply# 13   10/21/2021 at 17:53 (889 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        
Maytag N2 $50.00

I'm agreeing with almost everything that is suggested. Chicago is just too far away for me to road trip (and rent a truck to haul it home), but the N2 almost mint condition is nice.

The seller is going to arrange delivery of the $50 Maytag N2 to me for free. They really want this sucker gone. He says it rolls nicely and he plugged it in and it ran "smooth".

I am willing to learn how to repair/fix my wringer washer, I just don't know where to look for help as I have never done anything like it.

I do have my automatic still so this would be the second washer in my house and will become primary for when I can no longer fix my KA. And, if for whatever reason, this plan doesn't work for me, I do have a friend that is washing her clothes by hand because she can no longer go up and down stairs. I would give the washer to her, so the Maytag wringer will have a new home, where it will be used and loved no matter what.

$50 plus delivery for a washer that runs 'smooth' and rolls well, I feel really lucky.







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Post# 1132445 , Reply# 14   10/31/2021 at 19:17 (879 days old) by SueDenim (Lincoln, Nebraska)        
It's here!

I got my wringer washer on Friday, and, I tested it out in my garage. The agitation works and the motor sounds good, and, it doesn't leak (see my link).

I do think the wringer could work better, it was re-assembled oddly, but I believe I have it worked out. My only issue is the draining. It's a gravity drain and I think I'm missing a piece to help me control the flow of it coming out. I'm not sure how I'm going to use it in the house right now. I don't think I can get a bucket under it quick enough, but maybe I can fit a garden hose on it??

Here are some pictures, let me know what you think. I still think it's a great deal for my first wringer!

$50 thru Facebook Marketplace and I threw in $10 for the delivery.

I want to thank Laundress especially for her great feedback on what to consider.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO SueDenim's LINK


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Post# 1132447 , Reply# 15   10/31/2021 at 20:10 (879 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
To best of my knowledge there isn't any sort of control for gravity drained Maytag wringer washers. You lower the hose and water comes out until tub is empty. Only way to stop or "control" flow is by raising hose to point water slows or stops.

Post# 1132480 , Reply# 16   11/1/2021 at 12:01 (878 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Nice Maytag wringer Sue! If the original end piece is still on the end of the drain hose you should be able to easily screw the female end of a garden hose onto it. Then run the end of the hose outside, lay the drain hose down and voila effortless draining without a drain pump. Much easier than using a bucket.

But if you do need to use a bucket, hold it right next to the end of the drain hose then carefully place the end of the drain hose into the bucket while holding it, then QUICKLY replace the drain hose into the holder on the side of the machine as soon as the bucket is almost full so as to avoid splashing water all over the place. To me this would be a last resort, go with the garden hose method, easy breezy.

Now enjoy your new toy! I think your going to find doing laundry with a Maytag Wringer is a meditative experience. And fast as hell to. You can complete 4 loads in an hour, rinsing one load, then wringing it out while the next load is washing. Once you get the rhythm down it’s real easy.

Eddie


Post# 1132481 , Reply# 17   11/1/2021 at 12:19 (878 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Would a spin dryer help

ozzie908's profile picture
Having a fair few wringer washers myself after wringing the wash water out I use a spin dryer to remove more water and detergent rinsing in the sink is easier too it also makes a lot of difference to time in the dryer saves on energy..

Austin


Post# 1132504 , Reply# 18   11/1/2021 at 20:43 (878 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Couldn't get video to play on either of my browsers. However from still image seen when first clicking onto link the wringer may be set incorrectly. Left side of wringer shouldn't be lifted that way from base. Both sides should be "flat" with bottom of wringer.

Maytag designed their wringers so top portion could be raised and locked in position leaving a gap between upper and lower rolls. This was done when wash day was over to prevent rollers from sticking to each other, and or developing flat spots.

When next wanting to use washer the wringer must be reset to proper position by dropping upper roller into place. If you have copy of owners manual it spells procedure for raising and lowering upper section clearly.

Maytag's wringer is self adjusting, but it won't wring properly if upper roller isn't set correctly.

www.automaticwasher.org/c...


If your washer does not have a pump IIRC it was not difficult to add one. Pumps both NOS and used are out there to be had.

IIRC Maytag sold a good number of pumps back in the day as aftermarket installs. People bought second hand wringers without a pump but wanted one added.

Above or maybe things changed and wanted to drain washer into a sink instead of into a floor drain, out the back door, etc...

cottagecraftworks.com/blog/wp-co...


Post# 1132588 , Reply# 19   11/3/2021 at 11:14 (876 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Transport the Maytag wringer washer upright only!

panthera's profile picture
I have fixed up a few for friends who live off-grid. Never had to do anything major - they were all only 50-70 years old and in good condition.
There are lots of postings on how to fix every single aspect and I've even see people use shrink-wrap tubing to fix the perished rubber rollers!

The electrical system must be looked at and a both grounded and run off of a GFCI. That's a must with these (unless you're fortunate enough to get a gasoline powered one!)

As to aluminium versus porcelain - Laundress is right. Even the slightest nick in the porcelain will cause rust through if not properly addressed AT ONCE.

Oh, I like the Whirlpool portables. They spin out faster than other Whirlpools of that era and clean well.

Speaking of spinning - a good laundry spinner - Thomas Ortega, a member, here, designs really good ones at a reasonable price. I think that is a safer and better alternative to using the rollers if you have children in the house.


Post# 1132642 , Reply# 20   11/4/2021 at 02:19 (876 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Have no issues sending things though Maytag's wringer (or even using hand powered mangle) before spin dryer.

For larger things like sheets it helps that some of water is removed to make placing a balanced load easier.

Maytag's claims their wringer left things "damp dry" doesn't ring exactly true on one's experience. However far better than attempting to hand wring things..



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