Most old school hoses are that way. Rigid in particular (see link previous page) are not.
Do you not experience the vacuum coming at you (FULL FORCE) using the accordion style?
Shop Vac hose upgrade question.
- Thread starter carnage
- Start date
Most old school hoses are that way. Rigid in particular (see link previous page) are not.
Do you not experience the vacuum coming at you (FULL FORCE) using the accordion style?
HD sells it in 1 7/8 & 2 1/2 sizes. I have whichever fits on the Rigid car kit hose. It works awesomely with my Metro Van-N-Blow.
Billy Jack
Member
Just a bit of shop-vac information: As posted earlier, I have a 5.5 hp Vacmaster Beast, to which I adapted an HD Detailing Kit 1 1/4" hose. I`ve been tickled with its performance improvement over my ancient Craftsman monster. This past weekend, I was involved in resealing my ceramic tile shower. I had been using it to dry out the joint between the shower walls and floor before caulking, using the crevice tool. After vacuuming, I decided to switch ends and try the heated air to blow out any residual moisture and hopefully get it bone-dry for good caulk adhesion. I was seriously impressed with both the volume and pressure. Come Spring, I`m going to fit some filter material to the discharge end and give it a trial after a wash job.
Not a Metro-Vac by any means, but I`ve only got $100 in the whole package, so we`ll see how close it comes. It`s definitely easier to handle than my leaf blower.
Bill
Not a Metro-Vac by any means, but I`ve only got $100 in the whole package, so we`ll see how close it comes. It`s definitely easier to handle than my leaf blower.
Bill
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
My old MetroVac Model VNB-73 runs 12 feet of 1-1/4 hose all day long, never has an issue, and never causes the staged motor to run faster just because of the hose length..
I don`t ever see the need to have a longer hose to move all round the car, etc., I would rather take the entire machine to the other side if needed.. It rolls on nice wheels too..
Metrovac even sells an automotive vacuum that comes with - 24 feet - of hose.. This one -- https://www.autopia-carcare.com/metro-vacnblo-full-size.html#.XjDy2TKQH3g
Perhaps it is their motor design, etc., something, that allows them to do this successfully ?
Dan F
I don`t ever see the need to have a longer hose to move all round the car, etc., I would rather take the entire machine to the other side if needed.. It rolls on nice wheels too..
Metrovac even sells an automotive vacuum that comes with - 24 feet - of hose.. This one -- https://www.autopia-carcare.com/metro-vacnblo-full-size.html#.XjDy2TKQH3g
Perhaps it is their motor design, etc., something, that allows them to do this successfully ?
Dan F
Seeing on how the forum members are suggesting using a smaller hose (1 1/4). I`m going to stick with the 1 1/4 size hose. The length, would be nice a little longer. I think I`m going to stay with the manufacturer hose, after reading all the response.
I`ve been using a 14/3 by 25 ft length extension cords with the shop vac. Is this cord sufficient to be using with the vac or do I need to go to 12/3 by 25 ft cord?
My Dyson has 31 ft. and Shark vacs has about 25 ft cord. I thought household vacs cords has standard lengths, or close to each other manufacturer.
If you have to use a extension cords with the shop vac, which gauge cord do you use?
Which 1 1/4 hose did you adapted to the Vacmaster?
By the way, your car looks good in the avatar.
Accumulator
Well-known member
carnage- My late father used to clean out disposable filters instead of just replacing them...made for a terrible mess and I always wondered whether the filters would keep working as well. If I blew `em out with my compressor I could do serious damage, would have to turn it way down.
[INSERT usual lecture about how you oughta buy a cheapie compressor from HF for $40 or so..IMO everybody with a vehicle oughta have one]
How tight a seal are you after? Doesn`t yours seal up well? My Craftsman ones don`t seal as well as my dad`s old ?1950s? ShopVac did, but that was a monster of a thing like they don`t really make any more.
Note that the Dyson is...well, a Dyson. And the Shark is a recent release (if only because Shark Vacuums haven`t been around for decades..all relative). My Sears/Panasonic and Bissell units all have *MUCH* longer cords than any of my stuff from Hoover (not that I`ve ever measured them).
My one shopvac is semi-permanently attached to a long 14Ga extension cord. Not *optimal* but sufficient..it`s been set up/used that way for over 20 years with no problems. The others aren`t used for years on end and I just plug `em in directly as they have pretty long cords. (If I`m picking up wet messes I generally use an extractor, all of which have really long cords.)
(BUT...I don`t know the draw of *you* shopvac and it might be very different from any of mine. When I run anything serious I do get out the 12Ga cord(s) or even the *big* ones made for things like washing machines.
There`s a formula for what gauge cord to use depending the proposed length of same and on the draw of whatever you`re plugging into it, but I forget what it is. If in doubt I get out the big/good ones.
[INSERT usual lecture about how you oughta buy a cheapie compressor from HF for $40 or so..IMO everybody with a vehicle oughta have one]
How tight a seal are you after? Doesn`t yours seal up well? My Craftsman ones don`t seal as well as my dad`s old ?1950s? ShopVac did, but that was a monster of a thing like they don`t really make any more.
Note that the Dyson is...well, a Dyson. And the Shark is a recent release (if only because Shark Vacuums haven`t been around for decades..all relative). My Sears/Panasonic and Bissell units all have *MUCH* longer cords than any of my stuff from Hoover (not that I`ve ever measured them).
My one shopvac is semi-permanently attached to a long 14Ga extension cord. Not *optimal* but sufficient..it`s been set up/used that way for over 20 years with no problems. The others aren`t used for years on end and I just plug `em in directly as they have pretty long cords. (If I`m picking up wet messes I generally use an extractor, all of which have really long cords.)
(BUT...I don`t know the draw of *you* shopvac and it might be very different from any of mine. When I run anything serious I do get out the 12Ga cord(s) or even the *big* ones made for things like washing machines.
There`s a formula for what gauge cord to use depending the proposed length of same and on the draw of whatever you`re plugging into it, but I forget what it is. If in doubt I get out the big/good ones.
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Great advice here ! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have also, always used the bigger 12awg extension cords for any bigger motor equipment, or any equipment that has an internal heater coil, like my Steamer, or an internal heater coil, pump, and 3 motors, like my Extractor..
Usually, the bigger motor equipment also wants 20amp electrical circuits, so when I see that I just always use the bigger 12awg cords plugged into my 20 amp circuits..
Electricity produces heat going back and forth a bazillion times per second/minute/hour/etc.. That is why the electrical cords feel warm to hot when they are powering up that piece of equipment..
And that is why you also want a thicker gauge wire cord, to be able to pass more juice through it (so the cord will not get as hot), and not be hindering the motor`s need for more juice, which then also increases the heat coming from the motor..
For all other things in the shop, which will be lights, the Rotary, etc., I have had great success with a good brand 14awg extension cord.. I also don`t want to be lugging a heavier 12awg cord all around a vehicle, possibly hanging off my shoulder, when I am anywhere near the paintwork, working on it..
I also never run longer than 25 feet of any extension cord + the length of the equipment I am powering up.. I also just do not want all these extension cords all over the Shop floor, getting in the way, getting stepped on, etc.., possibly damaging them, etc... Then, you have to pick them up and clean them, so they will be nice the next time you use them..
Dan F
I have also, always used the bigger 12awg extension cords for any bigger motor equipment, or any equipment that has an internal heater coil, like my Steamer, or an internal heater coil, pump, and 3 motors, like my Extractor..
Usually, the bigger motor equipment also wants 20amp electrical circuits, so when I see that I just always use the bigger 12awg cords plugged into my 20 amp circuits..
Electricity produces heat going back and forth a bazillion times per second/minute/hour/etc.. That is why the electrical cords feel warm to hot when they are powering up that piece of equipment..
And that is why you also want a thicker gauge wire cord, to be able to pass more juice through it (so the cord will not get as hot), and not be hindering the motor`s need for more juice, which then also increases the heat coming from the motor..
For all other things in the shop, which will be lights, the Rotary, etc., I have had great success with a good brand 14awg extension cord.. I also don`t want to be lugging a heavier 12awg cord all around a vehicle, possibly hanging off my shoulder, when I am anywhere near the paintwork, working on it..
I also never run longer than 25 feet of any extension cord + the length of the equipment I am powering up.. I also just do not want all these extension cords all over the Shop floor, getting in the way, getting stepped on, etc.., possibly damaging them, etc... Then, you have to pick them up and clean them, so they will be nice the next time you use them..
Dan F
Accumulator
Well-known member
[INSERT my usual rant about how those [individuals] wired my home and shop...]
This is why I was thinking about using the Metro Vac Sidekick. I don`t think it`s powerful enough to destroy a paper filter. Probably going have to where a dust mask when blowing out the filter.
I want to pick up a compressor but I don`t know what brand, or size tank to get. I already put in 20 Amp breakers, outlets already.
My Shop Vac lid rattles a lot when clamp on. When vacuuming sawdust I can see the dust coming out from the lid.
Even though Dyson claims a 31 ft cord I got a longer reach with my Shark.
Since Shark been around for 16 years, they should know what there doing. My opinion, Dyson is better.
The wall mounted shop vac, is it mounted where it doesn`t have to be moved to vacuum, by using a long hose?
I looked at the vac yesterday there`s a sticker saying, 120 volts, 60 Hz, 8 Amps. I don`t know if this means anything.
The extension cord I`m using is a Coleman Cable Yellow Jacket, 14/3 by 25 ft. Home Depot website says 15 Amp max.
Just in case your wondering Shop Vac model number 85L450.
By looking at Shop Vac accessories online. It doesn`t seem like the Shop Vac brand are as popular as their once was.
What gauge extension cord do you use with the shop vac?
Are shop vac considered a larger motor equipment?
When use a large power equipment like air compressor, would you avoid using an extension cord and plug directly into an outlet?
I had a 6 outlet power strip go up in smoke while vacuuming, smell nasty. The store exchange it for a new one but told me not vacuum with the strip and not to over load the strip. The cord didn`t get warm/hot.
I even used a air conditioner on a 14/3, 4 ft appliance cord, but it got to hot for my liking.
How can I tell what gauge extension cord to buy for different power equipment? Do I look at Amp draw?
I also never run longer than 25 feet of any extension cord + the length of the equipment I am powering up.. I also just do not want all these extension cords all over the Shop floor, getting in the way, getting stepped on, etc.., possibly damaging them, etc... Then, you have to pick them up and clean them, so they will be nice the next time you use them..
I`ve seen shops with extension cords all over the floor. The workers constantly tripping all over them. I ask one worker why don`t they duct tape them to the floor. The manager told the worker that had to pay attention where they are walking.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Well, I hope that works out OK...I can`t help but think "oh man, what a mess that could be!", but as I`ve been posting..hey, I`ve been wrong before
Glad to hear you have the 20A breakers! For the compressor, what I was thinking is that even a really cheap/[crappy] one is better than nothing when you just need to inflate/dust/blow out something. I never ask much of my little ones, but I`m really glad I have them. My big, permanently mounted Craftsman can run "real equipment", but IMO there`s no need to wait to buy some big "real compressor" setup since the little ones can be so handy.
I`d just get whatever HF has on sale for ~$40, a cheapie hose/blowgun set to go with it, and see whether my advice wasted your ~$45. I bet you`ll decide it was money well-spent, but I guess that`s easy for me to say
Oh goodness, I didn`t expect anything like that! None of mine have ever been that loose.
No surprise that the Dyson is better, I still think of Sharks as a cheapie knock-off company (that`s *NOT* intended as a flame, they do build some good stuff these days, unlike when they were first getting started.
And, heh heh...after only 16 years I still think of them as absolute newbies comared to, say....Hoover.
Sorry, I was unclear
By "semi-permanent" I just meant that I keep it plugged in to its own extension cord all the time and never move it beyond that area of the house (it`s in the subbasement where I store the lawn/garden/etc. equipment). That *might* be a 50` extension cord, I don`t remember as it`s in a "winder" and has been like that for decades. It`s LONG though, and/but no problems running that vacuum.I do have a pretty long hose on it, connected sections that`ll reach pretty far. To compensate I use a narrow-opening nozzle when necessary (that probably makes the vac work really hard but again, no problems) but I take that off for leaves/etc. and it still sucks `em up OK.
Eh, I guess this is where I say "do as I say, not as I do" and recommend that you find that "what gauge cord?" formula so you can figure it out properly. I`d sure hate for "doing what Accumulator does.." to result in something awful.
I oughta quit using "Shop Vac" as a generic term for my Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuums
Accumulator
Well-known member
I *vaguely* recall that happening to me when I was a kid, back in maybe the `60s/early `70s, but not in recent memory. So no, it`s simply not an issue with any of my numerous vacuums/extractors. Eh...lucky me, no explanation but I`ll take it
EDIT: maybe my hoses are long enough, and/or the vacuums heavy enough, that it doesn`t happen. Wracking my brain for an explanation...
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Hello, Carnage !
I hope this finds you and yours well !!
I only use 12awg extension cords in the Shop for all equipment, including the Metrovac Vacuum, the Metrovac Master Blaster, the Steamer, and the Extractor.. I want the bigger gauge wire and the thicker insulation..
My small air compressor, which I only use for airing up the tires, etc., I use the same 12awg extension, because I have several of them and they are easier to use.. Because they are heavier, if they are wound up in large coils, they will uncoil easier and lay flat better.. For a bigger air compressor, it would only be best to use a heavier extension cord if you had to use one..
I would never use a 6-outlet strip anything... This puts all the heat on that strip and as you found out, it is the weak link and will be dangerous if it catches on fire...
No Air Conditioner should ever be run on 14awg or smaller wire... Notice how thick the electrical plug wire is from that machine?? Yeah, it is like that for a reason.. It Needs more juice to run and not overheat itself and implode on you.. Especially since this machine will run for hours on end cooling the room, right ?
The only adapter I have ever considered using to power up more than 1 machine on the same extension, would be this --
https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacke...&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:
This is a 12awg adapter, but you still have to watch it, and not just trust blindly that it will never fail.. Especially if it is made in China..
It will always be best to have a few dedicated electrical circuits if possible, so that you can plug different items into each of these, and they run through 12awg wires directly to separate circuit breakers on the Power Panel..
If this is not possible, you have to be mindful of how many things are running on that 1 circuit breaker.. It will usually break the circuit if it gets overloaded, then gets too hot.. You don`t want this to be the normal ever..
Yeah, I have seen a lot of Shops with those extension cords all over the place !! Drives me crazy!!
Eventually they all get damaged, the wires get creased, start to break, and then blows the breaker in the panel..Then, they probably just throw the extension cord away and get a new one from the cabinet..
I will never do this ! But that`s just me..
Dan F
Well, I hope that works out OK...I can`t help but think "oh man, what a mess that could be!", but as I`ve been posting..hey, I`ve been wrong before
I think the paper cartridge filter is kind of durable. It should survive the Metro Sidekick, hopefully. The paper filter that wraps around the foam filter, those might not survive compress air or the Sidekick.
My filter part number is 9030400 Type U. I don`t know how to post pictures yet. A Google search the part number should bring up a picture of the filter.
I`d just get whatever HF has on sale for ~$40, a cheapie hose/blowgun set to go with it, and see whether my advice wasted your ~$45. I bet you`ll decide it was money well-spent, but I guess that`s easy for me to say
I was looking at a 25 to 30 gallons compressor, for air tools, plus other stuff.
I was planning on buying 1 compressor for everything. Then I thought about why should I turn on a big compressor for doing something small.
Does Shop Vac brand have a seal in their lid for any of their model? My precious Shop Vac had 3 clamps holding the lid on instead of 2 like today. I don`t know how good of a seal the extra clamp would make.
I think the same about Shark, cheap knock off. Shark does stand behind their products. I had the vacuum hose crack twice on a Shark Rocket. They replace the whole head under warranty, no question ask. I had no problems when Shark was Euro Pro.
Hoover and Bissell been around for over a 100 years. Anyone in the vacuum manufacturing business is a newbie compared to them.
Sorry, I was unclear
There`s no need to write sorry.
I was going to write if you`re using a long hose, if the performance is being effected compared to a shorter hose. You answered my question without me even asking.
I can`t find the formula online to figure out what extension cord gauge I`ll would need for a certain tool. A lot places are using chart, that are separating extension cords and tool into categories. Home Depot has "Shop Vac" into the 12/3 gauge cords.
I oughta quit using "Shop Vac" as a generic term for my Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuums
I`m guilty for doing the same thing. I capitalized the S,V in shop vac, meaning the name brand then using lower case lettering for generic term.
Yesterday I went to a vacuum store. I can by hose by the foot in different diameter, length, as long as the ends can come off my hose. In my case the hose ends are permanently attached. He also mentioned that smaller diameter hose has better suction than larger hose according to his meters.
I *vaguely* recall that happening to me when I was a kid, back in maybe the `60s/early `70s, but not in recent memory. So no, it`s simply not an issue with any of my numerous vacuums/extractors. Eh...lucky me, no explanation but I`ll take it
EDIT: maybe my hoses are long enough, and/or the vacuums heavy enough, that it doesn`t happen. Wracking my brain for an explanation...
I had this happen a few times. I would pull on the shop vac hose to bring the vac closer to me, then the vac would get stuck. tied up on something. Then come flying at me. It`s like stretching a rubber band, elastic and letting go.
Hello, Carnage !
I hope this finds you and yours well !!
I only use 12awg extension cords in the Shop for all equipment, including the Metrovac Vacuum, the Metrovac Master Blaster, the Steamer, and the Extractor.. I want the bigger gauge wire and the thicker insulation..
My small air compressor, which I only use for airing up the tires, etc., I use the same 12awg extension, because I have several of them and they are easier to use.. Because they are heavier, if they are wound up in large coils, they will uncoil easier and lay flat better.. For a bigger air compressor, it would only be best to use a heavier extension cord if you had to use one..
I would never use a 6-outlet strip anything... This puts all the heat on that strip and as you found out, it is the weak link and will be dangerous if it catches on fire...
No Air Conditioner should ever be run on 14awg or smaller wire... Notice how thick the electrical plug wire is from that machine?? Yeah, it is like that for a reason.. It Needs more juice to run and not overheat itself and implode on you.. Especially since this machine will run for hours on end cooling the room, right ?
The only adapter I have ever considered using to power up more than 1 machine on the same extension, would be this --
https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacke...&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:
This is a 12awg adapter, but you still have to watch it, and not just trust blindly that it will never fail.. Especially if it is made in China..
It will always be best to have a few dedicated electrical circuits if possible, so that you can plug different items into each of these, and they run through 12awg wires directly to separate circuit breakers on the Power Panel..
If this is not possible, you have to be mindful of how many things are running on that 1 circuit breaker.. It will usually break the circuit if it gets overloaded, then gets too hot.. You don`t want this to be the normal ever..
Yeah, I have seen a lot of Shops with those extension cords all over the place !! Drives me crazy!!
Then, they probably just throw the extension cord away and get a new one from the cabinet..
I will never do this ! But that`s just me..
Dan F
Thanks for the quick rundown on what you`re using.
The house wiring is from the 70`s. Back then each room will be on the same breaker, but only half the room. Then the other half of the rooms will be on another breaker. Everything is shared. I have about 3 to 4 circuit breaker controlling the whole house. My friend found 1 circuit over loaded. I had the panel updated with a 200 Amp main breaker. I added a couple 20A outlets throughout the whole house. It helps but I will still trip breakers.
The appliance cord I was using for the air conditioner is 12 AWG, my mistake. It`s a Ace Hardware cord.
The 6 outlet power strip I was using a Dirt Devil upright vac. The Ace Hardware store clerk told me these upright vac draws 13 Amps by itself. If their was anything else plug in I`ll be over the rated Amp/draw. Then a possible fire. He wasn`t surprise to see the strip all burnt, but he was nice enough to exchange it for me under warranty.
Now I`m using the new strip for my DVD player, cable box, clock.
With the Yellow Jacket extension cords the 14/3, and 12/3 both says max Amp 15 A. Do you know why the thicker (12/3) have the same Amps rating as the 14/3?
Do you feel comfortable using extension cords with large air compressor?
What brand name extension cords are you using?
The shops I see now the cords are tape to the floor everything is kind of neat, clean. I think insurance companies are forcing these shop to practice safety.