Help me pick a Ridgid Shop Vacuum

[Colin Len]

First off, I've read a little bit and it seems everyone really likes the Ridgid vacs, plus they sell them at competitive prices at Home Depot for which I have gift card I could use to pay for some of the vacuum. I'm not 100% set on the Ridgid though if there are much better options for the price.

So, on to my situation. I recently purchased my first home and have a small (18'x18') garage - so obviously space is at a premium. I've been making due without a shop vac but with what looks to be an endless list of projects ahead of me I definitely need a good shop vac for general use. I'd like something compact, powerful, and not too loud - obviously there will need to be compromise somewhere, haha. Here are the models I was looking at when I was at HD the other day.

WD4070 $79.97
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-gal-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-WD4070/202077241
- 4 gallon capacity
- 5hp
- 20' cord
- 7' long 1.875" dia hose
- 12lbs (HD website says it's only 12lbs?)
- 20.6"Wx14.3"Dx16.75"H
- I like the idea of this vacuum as it seems to be quite compact. Reviews are really good other than lots of people saying it's too small - which should be kinda obvious.

WD0670 $46.97
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-gal-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-WD0670/205144661?N=5yc1vZc2f8Z18g
- 6 gallon capacity
- 3.5hp (Ridgid website lists 2.5hp, but a slightly different p/n)
- 20' cord
- 7' long 1.875" dia hose
- 13lbs
- 20.5"Wx20.5"Dx18.5"H
- I like the size and price of this one but it seems like it's likely not a good choice due to it's lower power. Also, if I remember correctly this one was rated as being louder than the 4gal one above. And it comes with a poor selection of attachments.

WD0970 $59.97
- 9 gallon capacity
- 4.25hp (Ridgid website says 3.5hp)
- 10' cord
- 7' long 1.875" dia hose
- 13.2lbs (Ridgid website says 14.1lbs)
- 21.5"Wx21.5"Dx21.5"H
- I don't think I want anything larger than this for space reasons. 10' cord seems way too short and power ratings are questionable.

WD1270 $79.97
- 12 gallon capacity
- 5hp
- 15' cord
- 7' long 2.5" dia hose
- 18.28lbs (Ridgid website says 16.5lbs)
- 18.4"Wx18.5"Dx23.25"H (this spec seems questionable)
- I'm not sure whether to trust the dims listed here as its not much bigger than the 9 gallon one. I like that it has a 2.5" hose and 5hp. Really just wish it was smaller so it'd be easier to store.

I think I'm pretty much stuck between the WD4070 and WD1270. The 4070 is nice and small which is a big plus. But it doesn't have as many attachments, small hose dia, small capacity (which maybe isn't a big deal), and maybe doesn't maneuver as well due to the wheel design. The 1270 seems to have all the function I need now and likely for quite a long time in the future (whereas the 4070 may end up too small down the road for larger projects), but it's just larger and I'm not sure where I'll put it in the garage - I'm not even sure where the small one would go, lol!

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[cheechi]

The 1270 is the closest to the one I have and the only one I'd recommend in that list. Hopefully you don't have to worry about a flood but as a homeowner a shop vac that can get rid of several gallons per load is ideal. the hose size is going to be more of a benefit also just like you noted. Finally I'll suggest that I stored mine in a single car garage full of stuff, it fits nicely under a workbench/desk/etc or if you have (or plan for) shelving it can fit below where the real shelves start.

Having a vac that's got enough power for what you need is worth the space it takes. I have owned a little 4gal/2hp, the bucket top vac, and I have got to say unless you really need portability then small vacs are a terrible idea.

Keep in mind also, those HP ratings aren't very accurate. I think the 5 HP ones are actually 12A motors, and the 6.5HP are the 15A motors. So that's under 0.20 HP in the real world for that '5HP' model.

 

[frankush]

I've owned quite a few Ridgid vacs, so I'll jump in. Unless you're sucking up water. I hate the round. wheeled versions. You are constantly dealing with wheels that fall off. I much prefer the hand held versions. I have an older version of the WD4070 without the wheels and it's a champ. Fits easily on the shelf. but storing the hose and attachments is a pain.

I picked up this model

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-5-gal-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-WD4522/100638389?N=5yc1vZbv79

and it's the cat's meow. Everything stores in or on the vacuum. Lots of power and the hose, although short, is very flexible. Unless you plan on picking up tons of stuff before emptying it, I would consider this one as well.

 

[Addrock]

The larger HD vacs are HEPA, also there is a goretex replacement filter that replaces the original that is washable.

http://www.cleanstream.com/products/landing_craftsman_ridgid.html

All of this really depends what you are using it for. I have the Model # WD4522 that is great for in the truck. But the smaller filter is OK (3500)

 

[vartz04]

I have the largest and the smallest on your list. Both have been great. We use only rigid vacs at work (construction company) because they last the longest so that should tell you something

 

[GSteg]

check your inbox

 

[retfr8flyr]

I have owned numerous different shop vacs over the years and hated all of them for various reasons. I really hated my last Shop Vac brand because it took up so much space and the wheels were always falling off, absolutely hated it. Last year I was going to redo my garage and knew I needed a new vac. I got the Rigid WD1851 and it's the best vac I have ever owned.

I know you are looking at smaller versions but this machine doesn't take up much more space and will handle anything you could ever want. It's fairly quiet, the wheels don't fall off, it's very easy to move around with the long handle and you can wrap the cord and hose around the handle to keep them out of the way. I absolutely love this machine and I highly recommend it for anyone looking at getting a new garage vac.

 

[Colin Len]

Thank you for all of the input. I was hoping for a slam dunk on this one but apparently my quandary isn't that uncommon as it seems many here are also choosing between the super convenient small ones and the more powerful larger ones.

I hate the round. wheeled versions. You are constantly dealing with wheels that fall off.

Hmm, that seems very inconvenient. Seems very strange to me that they'd design it so that the wheels would come off so easily.

Has everyone else had this same problem with the wheels?

 

[jimgood]

Never had wheels fall off either of my Rigid vacs. I have an one that's 12 - 14 years old and a new one that's about 2 years old. Both are the largest ones that HD carried; don't know the model numbers. But I love them; especially the old one. That thing'll "**** the chrome off a bumper hitch".

 

[Colin Len]

Thanks everyone, I'll take a trip to HD this weekend and take one last look in person. Or possible take GSteg up on his offer of his WD1280.

 

[hackwelder]

I've had the WD4050 for years and am happy with it also am glad it does not have wheels, older shop vacs I've had would roll and tip over easily. Size is good for my use....home improvement projects, auto, etc.... The cord is 20' long so usually I don't need an extension cord and it coils neatly on the vacuum itself. BTW the supplied hose is not great, the accessory 10' Ridgid hose is waay better but expensive, can buy it alone or as part of the auto accessory kit

 

[Wamsutta]

Get the one with the big chrome tank. That's the one I have and it has excellent suction even when using a 12 ft. hose.

 

[royesses]

I have the WD1280. It;s about 2 years old and works great. Wheels don't fall of. Plenty of suction. So far my favorite vac.

 

[Colin Len]

I have the WD1280. It;s about 2 years old and works great. Wheels don't fall of. Plenty of suction. So far my favorite vac.

Have you found a use for the detachable blower? I don't think I would need this feature and fear that it could only be a negative if perhaps it is just one more mechanism which could fail.

 

[chrisexv6]

My local HD has the vacs on display along with noise ratings on a scale of 1 to 10. All of the models with detachable blower are the loudest according to them (6). The steel tank and plastic model with the basket for accessories all have the lowest rating (4)

I think the highest noise maker they have is a 7, the buckethead vacuum. If thats the case, 6 has to be pretty loud. If you dont NEED the detachable blower, I would avoid them for noise reasons.

I just spent 30 bux on a Cleanstream replacement filter for my current ShopVac, but Im considering returning it and going with a new Ridgid vac (my current one is old and Ive put it thru hell so its probably only a matter of time before I have motor issues). While $150 for a new vac isnt cheap, it pains me to pay 20% of that cost just for a filter for my 10 yr old vac. Especially if I can get a new Ridgid vac with lifetime warranty (for whatever the warranty is worth)

 

[royesses]

Have you found a use for the detachable blower? I don't think I would need this feature and fear that it could only be a negative if perhaps it is just one more mechanism which could fail.

I use the blower all the time to clean sawdust, grinding dust and leaves out of the garage. Also helps to dry out spills on the floor. Simple one button press takes it off and just snaps back into place.
Roy

 

[White 99]

+1
I find I use the blower more than the vacuum.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

If you're not dead set on Ridgid, Costco sells this vac for $64: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023EY052/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's specs are comparable to the WD1270, but the quality and design is a little bit better, and it has a detachable blower. Suction is a little stronger too.

 

[GSteg]

That vac is nice! The only things it lacks is power cord length (only 12 feet) and warranty (only 2 years).

 

[SMKS]

Spend and extra $20 and step up to the WD1450. It's better than all the ones you listed and only two gallons larger than the 12 gallon model you list as an option.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-Professional-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

With any of these you'll want a longer hose. That's just the way it is. They ship them with 7' hoses, which are too short, IMO. They recently had a good deal where they included the extra-long hose kit with the WD1450 for free, but who knows when they'll offer that again.

Also, read this thread and do googling on the WD1450:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226762

 

[kngelv]

If you're not dead set on Ridgid, Costco sells this vac for $64: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023EY052/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's specs are comparable to the WD1270, but the quality and design is a little bit better, and it has a detachable blower. Suction is a little stronger too.

I had the Kobalt branded VacMaster. It was a piece junk. Now have the wheeled Ridgid. Best vacuum that I've owned.

James

 

[Patrick Boyle]

What was junk about the VacMaster?

 

[Kay_poops]

I have the 14 gallon WD1450 model and really like it. For a shop vac, it's pretty quiet too. The 2.5 diameter hose is a huge plus, doesn't clog up as easily. I've had mine for a couple years now, used on a dry walling project and a flooded basement, worked like a charm every time.

 

[Colin Len]

I use the blower all the time to clean sawdust, grinding dust and leaves out of the garage. Also helps to dry out spills on the floor. Simple one button press takes it off and just snaps back into place.
Roy

I already have a battery powered leaf blower and compressed air in the shop so I figured there really wasn't a reason to have this blower.

If you're not dead set on Ridgid, Costco sells this vac for $64: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023EY052/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's specs are comparable to the WD1270, but the quality and design is a little bit better, and it has a detachable blower. Suction is a little stronger too.

I'm pretty set on Ridgid as the reviews are fantastic. Also, that one comes up as more expensive than $64 when I click the link.

If you're not dead set on Ridgid, Costco sells this vac for $64: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023EY052/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's specs are comparable to the WD1270, but the quality and design is a little bit better, and it has a detachable blower. Suction is a little stronger too.

Spend and extra $20 and step up to the WD1450. It's better than all the ones you listed and only two gallons larger than the 12 gallon model you list as an option.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-Professional-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

With any of these you'll want a longer hose. That's just the way it is. They ship them with 7' hoses, which are too short, IMO. They recently had a good deal where they included the extra-long hose kit with the WD1450 for free, but who knows when they'll offer that again.

Also, read this thread and do googling on the WD1450:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226762

Thank you. I have read that thread already in my searching. Larger is going in the opposite direction of what I need, I already think the 12gal is too big.


Well, after everyone's very helpful insights and looking again at HD I'm pretty set on the WD4070 - just because of size. I spent some more time in my garage this weekend and really can't think of where I'm going to store such a large shop vac when I will only need it's capacity once every year or two. In those instances I'll drive a couple miles down the road and borrow my girlfriend's dads larger one.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Flat-rate]

I have the 4070. Has a lot of suction power for a small vac. Noise level is acceptable. Wish it had a longer hose, is my only complaint. Has more power than a sears of the same size we have at work.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

I already have a battery powered leaf blower and compressed air in the shop so I figured there really wasn't a reason to have this blower.



I'm pretty set on Ridgid as the reviews are fantastic. Also, that one comes up as more expensive than $64 when I click the link.





Thank you. I have read that thread already in my searching. Larger is going in the opposite direction of what I need, I already think the 12gal is too big.


Well, after everyone's very helpful insights and looking again at HD I'm pretty set on the WD4070 - just because of size. I spent some more time in my garage this weekend and really can't think of where I'm going to store such a large shop vac when I will only need it's capacity once every year or two. In those instances I'll drive a couple miles down the road and borrow my girlfriend's dads larger one.

Thanks everyone!

I'd suggest checking to see if there is a Cleanstream filter that fits whatever vac you buy. I hosed of the CS filter on my Ridgid vac yesterday and it came as clean as a whistle with very little effort. That's after vacuuming up Kitty litter, tons of cat hair and very fine sawdust in the basement and garage.

Cheers

Jim