SUCTION: Wet/dry VS. Extractor

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imported_rookie

New member
I just have a general question, this isn't about what is better. I know that one needs an extractor to get a better clean; but this question more pertains to the suction.



I am wondering if wet/dry vacs have the same suction as extractors? If there are a few, what are they? regardless of price.



Also, i know the name brand big time wet/dry vacs. But does anyone use any other kind of wet/dry vac that is exceptional? Any smaller companies that make a great one?



Thanks.
 
Generally the higher priced extractors will have better lift than shop vacs. It's really hard to tell though, because extractors are rated in inches of lift and shop vacs aren't.
 
I'm not sure that anyone does because shop vacs aren't measured that way.



If you are looking for a good shop vac, buy one of the proven brands and models...Craftsman, Shop Vac, Rigid. Horsepower ratings are peak numbers and the difference in anything over 5 hp is going to be negligible (from what I have been told).
 
I also think hose extensions have a big impact on suction.



They might be convenient and all that, but I think it can dramatically effect suction.
 
If you have an extra dollar, take look at the Fein line (Coastaltool.com), best one out there. Quiet, tremendous lift. I got the extended hose, and I think it is now 26' long. Gets the chrome off a bumper hitch, if ya know what I mean...



Jim
 
Generally the higher priced extractors will have better lift than shop vacs. It's really hard to tell though, because extractors are rated in inches of lift and shop vacs aren't.
Click to expand...



This one that Jimmy suggested has :Static Water Lift: 99"







How is that?
 
Jim, by the way, thanks. I would like to hear what people say about this thing.



You have one? How is it? How long have you had it? Is there a noticeable difference between this and a craftsman 6.5hp?



Thanks.
 
rookie said:
This one that Jimmy suggested has :Static Water Lift: 99"







How is that?
Click to expand...



Go ahead and find me stats on more vacs and I'll retract my statement.



What's the point of your question in the first place? Are you trying to buy a shop vac?
 
~ One man’s opinion / observations ~



ZaneO is correct in saying that vacuum (power) is stated as static lift (the amount of suction required to ‘lift’ a static column of water in a U tube that is graduated in inches.



‘For what it’s worth’ the extractor I use (Vapor Clean T5 Extractor / Spotter) has a static lift of 102 inches water gage.



The suction hose will make a difference insofar as the interior smoothness, the length of the hose and the amount of ‘bend’ you put in the hose when you use it (all equate to more resistance = less vacuum available)





~Hope this helps ~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
 
Black regal, do they make vacuums that have that kind of lift (150-200')? Or can you only get extractors with that?



Zaneo, Yes I am looking to get a wet/dry. The reason I put down the 99' lift, was just to ask whether that was adaquete or not.
 
~ One man’s opinion / observations ~



Just a thought but if you consider a wet/dry vacuum with a high static lift (no pun intended) and an extractor wouldn’t the extractor be a better buy (obviously dependant upon costs) as it would do two jobs both vacuum and clean?



The extractor I have cost me approx $500 if memory serves, my vacuum (Metro Vac N' Blo) with a 95 inch WG lift was approx $190

My reasoning for buying these units: the extractor is a vac/cleaner for interiors and the vacuum is also a blower to dry vehicle, engines, etc



~Hope this helps ~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
 
Because I have worked for three different shops now. I am trying to learn the system, how to do it, take the good, leave the bad..... Anyway, a guy I am with now doesn't use an extractor and does an unbelieveable job.



We clean the carpets first, scrub, then extract. After seeing the different systems, I don't know if spending the extra 1000 bucks is even worth it. They do a fantastic job without one. He actually is opposed to it for different reasons. But i think the difference is hot water vs. cold water mixed with cleaner. In the end it is NOT going to be that big of a difference; and I am not even seeing the difference.



I feel like they have as good of suction, I just wanted to know if there was a measure for them both to compare.
 
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