Any opinions on which brand of shop vac to go with. ShopVac or Ridgid Brand. Is one more reliable than the other + better features? I'm looking at 6.5 hp in both brands. I know ShopVac has contractor model and I'm thinking this is probably a heavier duty one than just the home owner one but I'm not sure.
Which Shop Vac
- Thread starter shelshel
- Start date
safetyman2010
New member
I have owned and used and abused them all. IMHO you just can't kill those rigids. I still have one kicking around the shop I bought as a backup 3 years ago and we have beat the living hell out of that poor machine every day for those 3 years.
tkr128
New member
You really can't go wrong with any of the mentioned brands. I have a ShopVac 12-gallon 5hp unit and love it. I believe the Rigid offers a lifetime warranty though.
jimmybuffit
That'll buff right out!
I am a big fan of the FEIN brand. Check it out at Coastaltool.com.
Good tools are worth the money.
Jim
Good tools are worth the money.
Jim
Accumulator
Well-known member
Jimmy Buffit said:
How's the parts/service availability for FEIN in the US?
Corey Bit Spank
Active member
5hp rigid 12 gallon....love it 
GearHead_1
Long Time Member
Anyone have comments on the noise level of the brands mentioned. My current Craftsman 6 H.P. is a great vaccum it will pick up anything but is so loud I can't stand to use it. It's about 5 years old. I'm looking for a new one and this is on the top of my priority list.
Shop-Vac 12 gallon 5 horsepower contractor's series. Bought last year.
Works well but the hose is a weal link. I just duct taped the spot where it cracked due to wear. Didn't use it THAT much.
Good filter, easy to clean. Great suction. Blows, too. I use it to air dry the truck after drying with the microfiber towel. Sure gets rid of a lotta' water hiding behind trim pieces, etc.
Watch for sales on whatever brand. In the Omaha area the Rigid and Shop-Vac brands have numerous places to get extra parts, filters, etc.
You may want to note which brand offers the most extra goodies such as specialized nozzels, etc.
For truck drying I use a reducer that allows a narrower tube and nozzle to be used. Allows greater velocity that can be aimed better and allows me to stand far enough back I don't get sprayed with water droplets.
Also, consider the hose size. Smaller units usually have a smaller hose that limits usage. Larger units have the what? 2-inch or larger hose? Bigger is better!!!!!
Generally, reliability is likely similar in most ways. There's nothing too exotic about vacuum technology. My unit is a fairly large one but due to plastics it is easily portable...... within the yard. It's kinda big so may not be the best for those seeking portability.
If there's a Lowes and/or a Home Depot in your area check them out. In this area those stores have the best selection and a decent array of accessories.
As a plus, you can use your nifty powerful sucking/blowing device to clean the refrigerator's cooling coils and push the built-up lint out of the dryer exhaust hose..... preventing a possible fire.
I also use mine for cleaning the mice cages. The furry-faced critters revel in it. They come running to the hose, apparently enjoying the wild ride down the hose into the holding tank. When done cleaning I pop the top and see little rodent faces peering up at me, awaiting the hand that returned them to their home.
Such a handy device......
Works well but the hose is a weal link. I just duct taped the spot where it cracked due to wear. Didn't use it THAT much.
Good filter, easy to clean. Great suction. Blows, too. I use it to air dry the truck after drying with the microfiber towel. Sure gets rid of a lotta' water hiding behind trim pieces, etc.
Watch for sales on whatever brand. In the Omaha area the Rigid and Shop-Vac brands have numerous places to get extra parts, filters, etc.
You may want to note which brand offers the most extra goodies such as specialized nozzels, etc.
For truck drying I use a reducer that allows a narrower tube and nozzle to be used. Allows greater velocity that can be aimed better and allows me to stand far enough back I don't get sprayed with water droplets.
Also, consider the hose size. Smaller units usually have a smaller hose that limits usage. Larger units have the what? 2-inch or larger hose? Bigger is better!!!!!
Generally, reliability is likely similar in most ways. There's nothing too exotic about vacuum technology. My unit is a fairly large one but due to plastics it is easily portable...... within the yard. It's kinda big so may not be the best for those seeking portability.
If there's a Lowes and/or a Home Depot in your area check them out. In this area those stores have the best selection and a decent array of accessories.
As a plus, you can use your nifty powerful sucking/blowing device to clean the refrigerator's cooling coils and push the built-up lint out of the dryer exhaust hose..... preventing a possible fire.
I also use mine for cleaning the mice cages. The furry-faced critters revel in it. They come running to the hose, apparently enjoying the wild ride down the hose into the holding tank. When done cleaning I pop the top and see little rodent faces peering up at me, awaiting the hand that returned them to their home.
Such a handy device......