What wears out on a shop vac?

[MushCreek]

I have an older shop vac, and it's losing it's suction. When it was new, it didn't ****, because it sucked. Now it ***** because it doesn't ****. Clean filter, no obstructions, makes plenty of noise, but suction is definitely weaker. What wears out on these things?

 

[jblnut]

Depending on what you’ve been using it for the impeller and its housing could be wearing out. If it’s been mostly wet stuff it’ll last longer. If it’s dry stuff that fine dust will make its way by the filter and slowly eat away at the impeller.

The seal between the top and the bottom reservoir could be letting vacuum escape as well. Or the bearings could be worn and vacuum is escaping through them. Lots of places for potential leaks.

 

[pcrov]

Bearings would be my first guess. When those wear they rob a vacuum of power. I haven't had an issue with my shop vac but have had them go out on other vacuums.

 

[Russell_Reid]

My rigid vac that I had for 20 years suffered this fate. The edge of the impeller distance from the housing got too large and suction dropped. Happened slowly. Just replaced it with a Dewalt stealthsonic and boy does it '****'. Quiet too.

 

[johninct]

I am on my third Shop Vac switch.

 

[mike93lx]

I am on my third Shop Vac switch.

How would a switch reduce performance, besides making it non operational?

I'd suspect the impeller and/or bearings as well. And will also second the recommendation on a dewalt stealthsonic

 

[RonnieC]

How would a switch reduce performance, besides making it non operational?

I'd suspect the impeller and/or bearings as well. And will also second the recommendation on a dewalt stealthsonic

I think he’s just pointing out a known failure point on shop vacs. I’m currently pushing the on button, which doesn’t do anything, then lightly tapping the off button until it turns on. Had the same situation with a previous shop vac as well.

 

[Rinspeed]

I had to replace the impeller on my Craftsman after 25 years.

 

[cgrutt]

I wore out a relatively new shop vac on a project involving concrete dust it ate right through the impeller in a matter of hours. Was pretty upset about it too as it was a Fathers Day gift with the stainless tank. Don't recall the details but it was more expensive to repair than replace I wound up with a Rigid.

 

[Steve_P]

I've worn out at least two shop vacs, to where they didn't run, using them with blasting cabinets. I never took them apart to investigate, but I'd assume all the dirt and grit destroys the motor over time. Since yours still runs, probably the impeller as mentioned above. This type of vacuum is a consumable.

 

[tarbellb]

Shop vacs and pancake compressors are two of those tools that you almost wish would die-

so you can buy the modern quiet versions

 

[pcrov]

I didn't even know there were modern quiet versions until this thread.

Wait why is one suddenly in my shopping cart oh no nononono

 

[larry_g]

Look at your fan. Some will become coated with dirt and stuff reducing the air flow. Also check if it has an exhaust filter that may be plugged. All air flow paths have to be clean to flow the air through the machine.

lg