Wet/Dry Vacs

M

Missdetail

New member
Ok guys, i would like your suggestions on Wet/Dry Vacs. Which Brand do you like the most, and why? I will soon be shopping for one. (for professional use.)

Thanks ahead of time and have a HAPPY Thanksgiving!!:)
 
The "Professional Use" qualifier helps. :)
Wet-Dry vacs are priced from $30 to $600 and for professional use, the smaller, cheaper models wouldn't be my choice.
Ridgid, Sears Craftsman and Shop Vac are three that I have owned and all three brands did what they were advertised to do.
Just my thoughts here:
1. Suction is a lot more important than tank size.
2. A unit that is stable when you end up pulling it around by the hose, (And you will :)), is a good idea.
3. I presently have 2 five HP units and wouldn't want to have any less power.
4. If I were in the business, the 6.5 HP would probably be my low end want. (Unless you are mobil)
5. If you are mobil, I would look at the Ridgid Tool Box unit that stores the hose and tools in the case. It is very handy if you don't have a fixed location.
6. The difference in price for a unit with more power isn't that great and considering you might use it for 10+ years, that difference could be a good investment. The 5 HP units are usually in the $60 to $80 range and the 6.5 HP units are around $100.
The Ridgid Toolbox 5 HP was close to $100 at the time I bought mine, but I think they are a little cheaper now. It is handy, but if you are in a fixed location some of the others would probably be a better choice.
 
Missdetail said:
Ok guys, i would like your suggestions on Wet/Dry Vacs. Which Brand do you like the most, and why? I will soon be shopping for one. (for professional use.)

Thanks ahead of time and have a HAPPY Thanksgiving!!:)
Click to expand...

When you say pro level...this means that you are using it in a fixed location or mobile?

Something that you plan on using everyday?

What's your budget like for this?
 
I agree with Charles on the Rigid box vac. It is great and most importantly powerful enough for mobile use. Over the summer I bought the top of the line Rigid 6.5 HP with the stainless tank. It was $180 marked down to $100 in the clearance isle. It is great for shop use because of its large wheels and durable construction. I have tried many brands except for Metro and I like my Rigid the best.
 
I've got teh metro vac.
Don't think you can use it for wet though.
Unbelieveable amount of suction.
 
Ronkh said:
I've got the metro vac.
Don't think you can use it for wet though.
Unbelievable amount of suction.
Click to expand...
The Metro Vac N Blo is handy and does have a lot of suction, but like you said, it is a dry vac only.
The bag seems like it would be rather small for anyone doing a lot of vehicles.
FWIW, My wife has pretty much taken the Metro over to use around the house where the upright is unhandy. :)
 
I have a rigid 5HP, which works quite well.
But as others pointed out, if you can go with one of greater HP.
It will make a difference.
 
CharlesW said:
The Metro Vac N Blo is handy and does have a lot of suction, but like you said, it is a dry vac only.
The bag seems like it would be rather small for anyone doing a lot of vehicles.
FWIW, My wife has pretty much taken the Metro over to use around the house where the upright is unhandy. :)
Click to expand...

My wife went to the Peg Bundy School of Marrige. She doesn't know how to use a vacume (or any other household appliance). :help:
 
elk42 said:
I'm gonna get a rigid but haven't decided on the 5HP or the 6.5 HP.
Click to expand...
Since cost isn't mentioned as a factor, go for the 6.5 HP.
Lots of people say they wish they had more power.
I have never heard anyone say they wish they had less power. :D

BTW, I use this same logic on my wife when buying boats, bikes, cars, etc.
 
everyone starts out with a sear's 5.0 i thought. they are a work horse in my book. they also have great acc's, you can get the coupler where you can link two hoses together gives you great lenght. you can also check the sear's outlet store for an even better deal. you could spend $600 on the new "next great thing" but in 6 months they will come out with a new"next great thing" i would rather soend $100 and keep the other $500 in the bank. check the price of the 6.5 also
 
I agree with Charles and Troy. 6.5hp. Ridgids are great products and they have a life time warranty.
 
blk45 said:
I agree with Charles and Troy. 6.5hp. Ridgids are great products and they have a life time warranty.
Click to expand...

Wow I didn't know they had a lifetime warranty. Is that on Motor too?

I just looked on Home Depot's site and they don't carry the one I have anymore. Too bad because even though I don't use the detachable blower I thought it was a nice feature. I see some on Craigslist though. That might be the way to go especially if they have such a good warranty.
 
you better check that l/time warrantee. if they really do i will be a ridget convert.i got $20 that lifetime warrantee is incorrect. i beleive i am on my 5th craftsman in 26years.( just about every day but sundays) i can't keep a reciept 5 minutes, much less 5 years.
 
"RIDGID branded tools are known the world over as best-in-class tools that allow the end-user to complete jobs more quickly and reliably.
 However, there’s added peace of mind with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty. Should your tool ever malfunction from defects in workmanship or materials, we will repair or replace the tool free of charge.


What is Covered
 RIDGID tools are warranted to be free of material and workmanship defects.

How Long Coverage Lasts
 This warranty lasts for the lifetime of the RIDGID tool. Warranty coverage ends when the product becomes unusable for reasons other than defects in workmanship or material."


From their website...

RIDGID Warranty - RIDGID Professional Tools

As for my $20, I will take Paypal. ;)
 
aagh..thank you very much for looking up that warranty 4 me. but wait just a minute before you rush out to spend my $20 on a crack rock. i beleieve in all of your excitement that u may have actually made a dollar today. you neglected to continue reading the warrantee...under section 3 what is not covered...misuse,abuse,or normal wear and tear. now, if i were to drag one of my 5year old "normal wear and tear" vac's 2 the local home depot and told them to give me a new one they would look at me like i was jacked up as your picture looks!!!:rofl now as for the $20 you owe me. i will either take a $20 credit w/poorboy or if you will promise me you will go and get your lettuce (hair) tightened up i will give you a hand up not a hand out & pick up the tab.(limit the $20 u o me):cool:
 
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