Just had an interesting and disturbing encounter with Craftsman over my shop vac. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas a couple years ago. It is 16 gallon 5 3/4 hp wet/dry and like new. I finally got around to changing the filter for the first time and went to Sears and bought the filter that is suppose to fit it. The filter won't fit. The box says it is suppose to fit a number of different models. I checked and double checked the numbers. I called Craftsman and got a woman that obviously needed a break. She was nasty and no help. I sent two emails over six days and never received an answer. I called Craftsman again hoping to get someone different. I got a girl named Malinda that was very nice but knew nothing other then to go back to the store. I loaded the filter and vacuum into my truck and off I go. At the store I found a clerk and explained my problem. I asked if he wanted to look at my vacuum. He said there was no need and said he could not help me. He then explained that Craftsman vacs are now all made in China and the filters and parts made in China that are suppose to fit either fit poorly or not at all. I stupidly asked what I am suppose to do now. The answer was "buy a new vacuum, thats what the store wants you to do". Sorry for the long post. Just thought it might help someone else. Sears/Craftsman.......no thank you!!!!
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Craftsman Shop Vacuum
- Thread starter frdtrknut
- Start date
I also have a Craftsman shop vac. One of the first things I did when I bought it was to replace the filter with a CleanStream filter. I have not changed it since.
I believe Sears used to sell them in the stores. The model I have was made by Emerson Electric, same as Ridgid.
http://www.cleanstream.com/
I believe Sears used to sell them in the stores. The model I have was made by Emerson Electric, same as Ridgid.
http://www.cleanstream.com/
There is a large round plastic piece (like a big washer)that goes over the filter on mine before you spin the plastic nut on to hold the filter on. With the CleanStream, it is not needed. Be sure to label it and put it aside as you may accidentally throw it out.
On the newer Chinese made vacs, I noticed they are not as serviceable as the older ones.
(motor parts especially). Mine can be converted to a blower.
On the newer Chinese made vacs, I noticed they are not as serviceable as the older ones.
(motor parts especially). Mine can be converted to a blower.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Lowes sells the Cleanstream filters in the store. They have several different p/n filters including this one that is very common on the Craftsman vacs. Shop-Vac Ridgid Craftsman Cleanstream Hepa Item #: 11357 | Model #: 9036011. $31.92
Search the Lowes site for yourself, the links usually don't work when posted, probably due to being tied to "your store".
Sounds expensive until you realize that you will probably never buy another filter again. Just be careful and do not air hose blow it out or use a garden hose spray nozzle. Running water out of the garden hose is OK as is a faucet. They come real clean. Made of Goretex fabric like certain water/wind resistant clothing.
Charles
Search the Lowes site for yourself, the links usually don't work when posted, probably due to being tied to "your store".
Sounds expensive until you realize that you will probably never buy another filter again. Just be careful and do not air hose blow it out or use a garden hose spray nozzle. Running water out of the garden hose is OK as is a faucet. They come real clean. Made of Goretex fabric like certain water/wind resistant clothing.
Charles
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