Shop Vac - Ridgid or Dewalt - Portable Unit

[freebo86]

Looking at getting a new shop vac for my garage , car cleaning etc.

I’m either looking at the Dewalt DXV04T or Ridgid Propack WD4522, both units are 4GAL corded units.

Price difference between the two is approx. $60 with the Ridgid being more expensive. They both look identical besides color, brand name and cost.

Any recommendations between the two? Price difference on the Ridgid worth it? I know their warranty isn’t the typical LSA one but people still seem to claim it’s a great warranty. Dewalt is 3 years max.

These are the two contenders.

https://www.rona.ca/en/product/dewalt-120-v-portable-4-gal-5-hp-wet-and-dry-vacuum-with-20-ft-cord-dxv04t-41537017?viewStore=82413&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22361511595&cq_con=189972999828&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&cm_mmc=paid_search-_-google-_-aw_ecomm_allproducts_shopping_pla_enfr-_-71700000121569572&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22361511595

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-pro-pack-17l-4-5-gal-5-0-peak-hp-portable-wet-dry-shop-vacuum-with-filter-hose-and-accessories/1000527592

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

That Rigid is what was pretty standard and used a cross the marine industry when I was building boats.
For vehicles I prefer the 1-2.5 gallon shop vacs with the smaller hose though

 

[JohnX14]

We use these in our electrical work, and also for the cars. https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee...GJEOCWugPgDURapEYHtlarrHER_COWXBoCQtgQAvD_BwE

If corded isn't an issue, it's a big savings with what you chose. sorry I don't have any experience with either.

 

[Ohio Andy]

If you can afford the price difference by the Ridgid.

Dewalt has a 3-year warranty. Ridgid has a lifetime. Does it really matter? Maybe not, but usually the warranty gives me insight is to how long they anticipate something will last.

I find that it's often easier to find parts and filters for Ridgid vacuums than other brands. I recently replaced a vacuum because I could have probably made work given time but I didn't want to play trial and error and guess what filters I needed....

Dewalt does sell a stealth Sonic line of vacuums. I actually value quiet when I'm using it a lot and my Ridgid vacuums are loud as are on my other vacuums come think of it.... But it has occurred to me that next time I buy a vacuum I might look at how loud it is.

 

[freebo86]

Thanks! The warranty sounds tempting with Ridgid, even tho the lifetime isn’t like their LSA on the battery tools, reading online seems like they own up to it and repair the units even though the warranty has caveats in its wording.

I’d rather buy once and not worry about it. Never had a Dewalt or Ridgid vacuum but these two looks like pretty similar units so I was wondering pros / cons between each.

 

[DarryT]

Go Stealth Sonic Dewalt. Any other shop vac is too loud.

 

[freebo86]

Go Stealth Sonic Dewalt. Any other shop vac is too loud.

Too bulky and big for me.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Go Stealth Sonic Dewalt. Any other shop vac is too loud.

Although I agree, I don't think they make a small one. I will admit to considering replacing my very large powerful vacuum with a stealth Sonic just to get the quieter...

 

[freebo86]

I did stumble on rhis now which is even more money but more compact, 3gal

https://www.ridgid.com/ca/en/hd0300

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I would pick the quietest one

 

[GeoBruin]

Although I agree, I don't think they make a small one. I will admit to considering replacing my very large powerful vacuum with a stealth Sonic just to get the quieter...

The make a 6 gallon stealthsonic, but not a true 'portable'

 

[freebo86]

Well ended up spending more and getting this unit - https://www.ridgid.com/ca/en/hd0300

- Has a floor sweep festure
- Strong suction. Actually insane compared to my crappy Stanley unit lol..
- It’s loud but not obnoxious
- Blower outlet
- Compact and storage for accessories

Should work well and serve me for a while

 

[mike93lx]

I have the first ridgid you linked. It's good overall, but that hose pisses me off every time I need to use it

 

[gahrajmahal]

I also have the first Ridgid vacuum you linked. Have had it for over 10 years I guess. I like that it is small and you can stack stuff on top of it when carrying it around in your vehicle. Still has good suction after all this time.

 

[Indyrobb]

Although I agree, I don't think they make a small one. I will admit to considering replacing my very large powerful vacuum with a stealth Sonic just to get the quieter...

Costco has the 12 gallon stealth sonic on sale for 74.99 and free shipping.

 

[Wamsutta]

Nevermind. I should've read the whole thread including post# 12.

 

[Mr. Tool]

I bought a Ridgid portable shop vac some years back.
Liked the warranty they offered and also liked the fact that it was compatible with the batteries that my other Ridgid products used as well as the charger, etc.
It works good enough for my needs.

 

[duneslider]

I have an older version of the ridgid and have had it for more than 20 years. I don't know anything about the dewalt but I would buy the ridgid again. I used to use the ridgid daily, now it just gets occasional use but still works great. I one time used it on a flooded basement to **** up water, I bet I sucked up and dumped 200 gallons of water. I have since bought a bigger ridgid but still use the smaller one most of the time. I mostly use bags in it now, easier to deal with than the filter in my opinion. I think you will be happy with the vac.

 

[GaryM909]

I bought one of these when I needed to sand a lot of drywall in our finished basement. The Ridgid hose is too stiff unless using it for construction debris or water. It adds about another 8' to the original hose.
This hose is softer and I can use some older vacuum attachments. It's actually really good for cleaning vehicles.

 

[cpakalolo]

Looking at getting a new shop vac for my garage , car cleaning etc.

I’m either looking at the Dewalt DXV04T or Ridgid Propack WD4522, both units are 4GAL corded units.

Price difference between the two is approx. $60 with the Ridgid being more expensive. They both look identical besides color, brand name and cost.

Any recommendations between the two? Price difference on the Ridgid worth it? I know their warranty isn’t the typical LSA one but people still seem to claim it’s a great warranty. Dewalt is 3 years max.

These are the two contenders.

https://www.rona.ca/en/product/dewalt-120-v-portable-4-gal-5-hp-wet-and-dry-vacuum-with-20-ft-cord-dxv04t-41537017?viewStore=82413&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22361511595&cq_con=189972999828&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&cm_mmc=paid_search-_-google-_-aw_ecomm_allproducts_shopping_pla_enfr-_-71700000121569572&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22361511595

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-pro-pack-17l-4-5-gal-5-0-peak-hp-portable-wet-dry-shop-vacuum-with-filter-hose-and-accessories/1000527592

I have the new DeWalt. First the good" It is extremely quiet comparitively. Cons: Stainless steel barrel is a poor idea with the bolts going into weak plastic. Mine is broken. They have a special filter which is much more expensive.

 

[yhprum]

I know you didn’t ask, but if small and quiet is important to you, have a look at fein vacuums.

 

[MoonRise]

Dewalt stealthsonic vacs are impressively quiet, yet still **** in a good way.

Quiet enough that hearing protection is not absolutely necessary.

 

[freebo86]

So I’ve had the Ridgid 3 Gallon 5.0-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac for a couple of weeks that has the flexible hose that comes with it which can be stored on the unit when not in use.

Is it just mine or, when the vacuum is turned on this hose that’s supposed to extend gets basically sucked in and is hard to be extended? Is this part of the design or what? Basically it’s quite a chore to get it to extend passed its collapsable state

 

[cpakalolo]

Looking at getting a new shop vac for my garage , car cleaning etc.

I’m either looking at the Dewalt DXV04T or Ridgid Propack WD4522, both units are 4GAL corded units.

Price difference between the two is approx. $60 with the Ridgid being more expensive. They both look identical besides color, brand name and cost.

Any recommendations between the two? Price difference on the Ridgid worth it? I know their warranty isn’t the typical LSA one but people still seem to claim it’s a great warranty. Dewalt is 3 years max.

These are the two contenders.

https://www.rona.ca/en/product/dewalt-120-v-portable-4-gal-5-hp-wet-and-dry-vacuum-with-20-ft-cord-dxv04t-41537017?viewStore=82413&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22361511595&cq_con=189972999828&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&cm_mmc=paid_search-_-google-_-aw_ecomm_allproducts_shopping_pla_enfr-_-71700000121569572&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22361511595

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-pro-pack-17l-4-5-gal-5-0-peak-hp-portable-wet-dry-shop-vacuum-with-filter-hose-and-accessories/1000527592

No shop vac sold in a box store has a real hose. Always, always buy a 2 inch hose system to replace. The 1.5" and the 3" hoses ****. The longer, super flexible 2 inch hoses work far better. I bought mine at Lowe's for about 50 bucks a while ago. It is smooth on the inside and it ***** better. It is far longer and way more flexible with a better overall performance. Buy the vac you want and get the hose separately. You will thank me later. It comes with adapters. They fit everything too. I think mine is 15 feet and is much easier to handle than anything that comes with the vacuum by a long mile.

 

[freebo86]

No shop vac sold in a box store has a real hose. Always, always buy a 2 inch hose system to replace. The 1.5" and the 3" hoses ****. The longer, super flexible 2 inch hoses work far better. I bought mine at Lowe's for about 50 bucks a while ago. It is smooth on the inside and it ***** better. It is far longer and way more flexible with a better overall performance. Buy the vac you want and get the hose separately. You will thank me later. It comes with adapters. They fit everything too. I think mine is 15 feet and is much easier to handle than anything that comes with the vacuum by a long mile.

But in this vacuum the hose like has clip that attached to the inlet on the vacuum.. i feel like another hose won’t have that or?

 

[cpakalolo]

But in this vacuum the hose like has clip that attached to the inlet on the vacuum.. i feel like another hose won’t have that or?

Yeah, mine has that
Ignore it. It is not useful at all.

 

[mike93lx]

So I’ve had the Ridgid 3 Gallon 5.0-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac for a couple of weeks that has the flexible hose that comes with it which can be stored on the unit when not in use.

Is it just mine or, when the vacuum is turned on this hose that’s supposed to extend gets basically sucked in and is hard to be extended? Is this part of the design or what? Basically it’s quite a chore to get it to extend passed its collapsable state

Yes, that's what I dislike about my rigid. It stores well but ***** to use

 

[freebo86]

Yes, that's what I dislike about my rigid. It stores well but ***** to use

Is there a fix for this lol? I mean, I draw the hose out, turn the unit on and it basically collapses the hose / pulls the vac towards me.. this is gonna be a nightmare to use for car cleaning..

And I’ve thrown the box away for it already so a return isn’t possible..

 

[mike93lx]

Is there a fix for this lol? I mean, I draw the hose out, turn the unit on and it basically collapses the hose / pulls the vac towards me.. this is gonna be a nightmare to use for car cleaning..

And I’ve thrown the box away for it already so a return isn’t possible..

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1-1-4-in-VT2534-Premium-Car-Cleaning-Kit-Accessory-Shop-Vacuum-Attachments-for-RIDGID-Wet-Dry-Vacs-VT2534/100638355?adobe_mc=TS%3D1777240319%7CMCMID%3D45387506419005996325927451327908171416%7CMCORGID%3DF6421253512D2C100A490D45%40AdobeOrg&mboxSession=0743b50e-da56-4e3a-a068-7e691a3e90b6&appsFlyerId=1759093518416-3652963965796520150