Hand pump is sticking? why?

I now love my Filbert pumps. I have two for festival work so my assistants can help me move my line more quickly. I also have a few "spaghetti blaster" pumps for 160's and about 6 red pumps and 4 purple ones. Anniel is right. That black ring needs to be cleaned and a little lubricated. Also twist the pump a little to adjust from time to time. Just like anything, with use parts can slip or become dirty. I used to always use the purple because of the dual-action but kids LOVE to help me inflate with myFilbert. I use the red ones when I teach because students can measure how many pumps of air more accurately.

Okay, what's a filbert pump? How much are they, and where can I get one, lol!

Trinkie, you can find them at www.filbertpump.com and right now they're $115 with shipping. I like that you can customize the colors. He only accepts paypal I think. I didn't like the service at first (they lost my order and it took too long). Any light weight floor pump can save you time and wear and tear on your arms, wrist, and shoulder.

Also checkout Andrew MacDonald's Mini MacPump www.macpump.org. It's only slightly smaller but cheaper in price and well made. All pumps are black and white. He also sells awesome dvds.

I always let children help me inflate balloons with it. I make a silly routine out of it. As long as you are right there with them, the children shouldn't do any damage to your pump. I use a luggage strap so I can sling it over my shoulder.

Thank you flopsie. I'm off to take a look.

I should now amend my previous comments. I went to Ballooniversity in Philly today and fell in LOVE with a few of the electric inflation devices. Wow! I don't do much decor but after a few of those classes, I was making my shopping list. I hate the noise but for some of my bigger jobs it will be a big time saver.