Hello MikeG, Thank you for your inquiry about our products. We are sorry to know what happened with the latch of the vacuum. However, we would like to know about the details on the day it happened and how hot was it on your shed to almost melt the plastic of the vacuum. Please call our Customer Service at 1-800-474-3443 from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time or send us an email at info@ridgidvacs.com and we'll be glad to assist you. Thanks, RIDGID