Shop Vac

[FarFire70]

Anyone have strong recommendations for a shop vac?

I've had this one for years and it just pisses me off. Tube is only 1" and it gets clogged at the intake or where the hose enters the vac. I'm tired of it being less useful than a value-add tool in the garage.

Looking to pick up a new vac in the holiday/black friday sales. Open to suggestions.

 

[tworley]

I posted a similar question. Rigid came highly recommended and I have no complaints on the one I bought

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/wet-dry-vac-recommendations.71973/

 

[FarFire70]

I posted a similar question. Rigid came highly recommended and I have no complaints on the one I bought

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/wet-dry-vac-recommendations.71973/

Thanks! I recall seeing that thread when I first started thinking this one was on its way out.

Glad to hear you're liking your Rigid.

Appreciate the link because I'll likely keep an eye out for a cordless edition, too. Since I'm bought in on the Milwaukee M18 batteries and I can see many of times where the cordless is a nice option.

I'll want a corded for the garage floor and a cordless is nice inside a vehicle.

 

[Apparition]

I have both the ridgid and the M18 packout. I'll always grab the packout first it's so simple to use and move.

If I've got a big mess or water to suck up then I'll use the ridgid.

 

[TJ Jim]

Never had any luck with a cordless. But it’s been awhile since I’ve had one. Watching to see if anyone recommends a good cordless. Sorry if I wreck your thread. I’ve got the cheapish Home Depot bucket top vacuum. It actually has fared pretty good for a small vacuum.

 

[LakeBeard]

I have a 10 gallon Dewalt for big stuff and a 2 gallon Hercules, I use the Herules more just because its easier to grab, both work very well for me

 

[3jeepfan]

I just replaced a 12 gallon Shopvac I've had for years. The bearings started howling. I bought a 12 gal. Rigid, works great. Most shop vacs. are noisy, but I think the Rigid is louder than the Shopvac brand.

 

[red02tj]

Never had any luck with a cordless. But it’s been awhile since I’ve had one. Watching to see if anyone recommends a good cordless. Sorry if I wreck your thread. I’ve got the cheapish Home Depot bucket top vacuum. It actually has fared pretty good for a small vacuum.

I've got the ryobi 18v cordless ~2gallon. Great for spot cleaning the cars, workbench, upstairs, etc.. anything serious +1 for my rigid.

 

[B1Toad]

I have the biggest Rigid shop vac you could buy in 2000. Almost 25 years later it's still kicking and has had a ton of use both at home and on the job. Got the upgraded hose which is good except not fastened very well at the ends which Gorilla tape fixes just fine.

Then for jobs where the Rigid won't fit and to keep on the work van all the time, carry up on the roof or in the attic I also have a Rigid 4 gallon. It is also a great vac. Actually using both right now. So you might need two.

 

[B1Toad]

I also use the big Rigid for a poor man's dust collector on my table saw. Just have to remember to plug each one into a different circuit.

 

[YJBrian]

I splurged on a 16 Gal Rigid and am happy with it so far. Suction is good but it is loud. MY biggest complain would be catching the wheels on the cord when I try to drag it around by the hose, but it has been a solid performer so far.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...se-and-Accessory-Attachments-HD1800/304795088

 

[Rubiconned]

$59.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXW28II/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[bucky]

They’re like printers that get you with the ink. Make sure the filters are available and not some proprietary size. I have a 29+ yr old Ridged and it has a unique style end. Also check the quality of the wheels. They take a lot of abuse and cheap ones will break especially if you travel to job sites like me. If you get a large volume and you use it to pick up water make sure it has a drain valve. Black Friday is coming up HD and Lowes usually have deals on them.

 

[FarFire70]

They’re like printers that get you with the ink. Make sure the filters are available and not some proprietary size. I have a 29+ yr old Ridged and it has a unique style end. Also check the quality of the wheels. They take a lot of abuse and cheap ones will break especially if you travel to job sites like me. If you get a large volume and you use it to pick up water make sure it has a drain valve. Black Friday is coming up HD and Lowes usually have deals on them.

View attachment 566181

Good advice on the filter!

Black Friday is exactly driving the timing of the ask for advice. Been holding out for a bit to try to steal a deal this year - plus, mine finally wore through my last patience...

 

[Fulton_Hogan]

After watching Project Farm review a bunch of these I decided when I was ready to buy, I'd get a 14 gal Bauer.

Project Farm Review:

I ended up waiting so long to buy one Harbor Freight came out with a 16 gal Bauer. I ended up with a great coupon one day so I bought one. Fantastic vacuum.

I love that it has a bag option and that's what I've been using. I later bought their dusting brush and crevice attachments and now I'm set.

Link: https://www.harborfreight.com/home/.../16-gallon-wetdry-vacuum-with-cart-59850.html

Extra attachments: https://www.harborfreight.com/wetdry-vacuum-dusting-brush-and-crevice-tool-kit-70771.html

 

[FarFire70]

Thanks all for the recommendations I ended up going with a Ridgid on Black Friday sale at home Depot.

50% off so paid $60 for this one:

Link

Looks like the price is still active for Cyber Monday...

I'm very happy with the new edition because the hose is about twice as big as my Black& Decker which always got clogged.

Haven't tried it out yet

Keeping the old one as a basement vac.

 

[DuckNut]

I have a Bucket Head from Home Depot. Fits on any 5 gal bucket and small enough to fit on a storage shelf.