Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner comprising a first unit interconnected with a second unit by a locking mechanism. The first unit comprises an extendable telescoping mouth section, and the second unit comprises a motor, fan, handle, and filter. The locking mechanism comprises a resiliently held button on the second unit, which interlocks with a hole in the first unit, and a pair of protrusions on the sides of the second unit, and channels corresponding thereto in the walls of the sides of the first unit, whereby the protrusions and channels are snugly fitted together by pushing the two units together in a straight line, with the button fitting into the hole. The telescoping mouth enables the cleaner to have access to otherwise inaccessible parts to be cleaned. Seals are provided for preventing the cylinders from becoming contaminated with dust.