I hate shop-vacs

[41Woodie]

I've owned several different style of shop-vacs over the years. Each purchase begins with the promise of fulfilled dreams and ends with my throwing the damn thing in the trash.
Apparently the most important qualification of a shop-vac designer is that he's never seen one in person and certainly never used one. They tip over, they get hung on their own cord, they don't have enough suction to pull a Kleenex out of it's box, the casters cause them to roll in a very similar fashion to a blackout drunk trying to run the high hurdles.
They are just infuriating....have any of you folks found a high suction, ergonomically sound, user friendly unit that doesn't have the word Festool on it?

 

[gearhead1]

I got an industrial one from a friend who got it at an auction. No issues.

I’ll try and get a pic and manufacturer. The suction is better, it rolls better, and doesn’t tip as easily. It was definitely worth the $40 or whatever it was at the time.....

 

[tarmy]

Here is my answer...got rid of the tippy one...

 

[lakeroadster]

I bought a Craftsman wet/dry/blower style shop vac back in 1984... still have it, works great.

It does a lot of the things you don't like.. but through logic and experience I've learned to not do those things.

 

[vavet]

Here is my answer...got rid of the tippy one...

Love your setup. Looks like another way gj could cost me some money.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I just use Ridgid, I never had any of those issues other than the cord hanging up

 

[astroracer]

I bought a Craftsman wet/dry/blower style shop vac back in 1984... still have it, works great.

It does a lot of the things you don't like.. but through logic and experience I've learned to not do those things.

I bought my Craftsman in '79. It is 40 years old and has no issues cleaning up just about anything in the shop...
I have also learned to work with it's short comings as a broom and dust pan also have their own issues... Is every tool perfect? Nope, learning to use them and work with them is on the operator...
The OP does not get a "you ****" from me... But my shop vac does...
Mark

 

[Magnum440d100]

I’ve got a couple vacs I use. One is an old glorified dust buster. I use it for small jobs where pulling out the bigger one is too cumbersome. I use it because it has a decent canister type filter right at the hose inlet on the vacuum body. The vacuum is pretty small, and very maneuverable...

For heavy duty, I have a medium sized rigid wet/dry.

Both serve my purposes extremely well.

 

[JRC3]

I just use Ridgid, I never had any of those issues other than the cord hanging up

Same here. I use a HEPA filter and a bag...Suction all day and easy to clean when it's time to empty. The new filters that come with it aren't bad, But like I said, run a bag. I can't stress enough to use a bag in a shop vac. The difference ia amazing.

Been using this one for years: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-6-0-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

I run these bags: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Shop-Vac-Wet-Dry-Vacs-3-Pack-VF2005/100151555


I'm on at least my third replacement hose with this vac. I'm very pleased.

 

[metaldad]

i have a ridgid.
exhaust vents in the handles, blowing downward.
making a mess of whatever your vacuuming. stupid design
i wound up punching holes to release air up, and sealing the original holes.
also have a coupla daytons, no comment

 

[FULLSCALE302]

I recently bought a 14 gallon Dewalt wet/dry vac and I’m very happy with it so far. Lots of suction and relatively quiet. Large rear wheels and casters on the front make it easy to move and stable, I was even rolling it around on grass this evening with no problem at all.

 

[Davefr]

I have at least 4 Shop Vacs and have never experienced all the frustration you have. (CM, Kobalt, Shop Vac, etc - nothing high end)

I have yet to see one wear out. They all serve their purpose.

They're bulky with big hoses but they **** well.

 

[fourjeepin]

+1 for the Ridgid

 

[DPG]

I started with the Craftsman and while it worked well, it also sounded like a 747 spooling up for takeoff in my garage. I traded it in for the Rigid and like it much better. I'll have to try using bags on it per JRC3 suggestion. If I had the extra money, I would try one of the central vacs.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I love shop vacs.Reasonable expectations are important, and filter maintenance.

 

[JRC3]

i have a ridgid.
exhaust vents in the handles, blowing downward.
making a mess of whatever your vacuuming. stupid design
i wound up punching holes to release air up, and sealing the original holes.
also have a coupla daytons, no comment

Not sure what model you mean. Is it one of those cute little vacuums or something?

This is what I do to direct the exhaust. Those baffle/exhaust things they sell are a joke. 1-1/2 PVC is all you need.

Well TGJF dumped my attached pics for some reason.

 

[gearhead1]

This is what I have.

http://www.mastercraftusa.com/produ...el-Dry-Wet-Tank-ElectricTank.php#.XOipBRopCfA

The rear wheels are weighted, and it does not tip over easy.

 

[vavet]

Same here. I use a HEPA filter and a bag...Suction all day and easy to clean when it's time to empty. The new filters that come with it aren't bad, But like I said, run a bag. I can't stress enough to use a bag in a shop vac. The difference ia amazing.

Been using this one for years: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-6-0-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

I run these bags: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Shop-Vac-Wet-Dry-Vacs-3-Pack-VF2005/100151555


I'm on at least my third replacement hose with this vac. I'm very pleased.

Holy ****. Based on your post I went to the Home Depot app and watched the videos.I assumed the bags were just to make emptying the drum easier, but it’s much more than that. It basically turns the bag into a big filter because it connects to the vacuum inlet. This would also extend the filter life, but more importantly, it will take much longer for the performance to degrade because the filter bag has so much more space reface area.

When using a filter bag, do you still use the filter for general cleanup?

 

[The Cobbler]

My $15 or $20 Fein shop vac from the pawn shop is awesome

 

[JRC3]

...I assumed the bags were just to make emptying the drum easier, but it’s much more than that. It basically turns the bag into a big filter because it connects to the vacuum inlet. This would also extend the filter life, but more importantly, it will take much longer for the performance to degrade because the filter bag has so much more space reface area.

You just hit the nail on the head.

When using a filter bag, do you still use the filter for general cleanup?

Yep. And I run a HEPA. I get superior suction while getting HEPA filtration. That is what got me started on using a bag, to keep the HEPA clean for a specific task of mold clean up. Years later I still run it because it's far superior in every single way.

When I change a bag I then pull the filter and vac it clean with the actual shop vac with the new bag in place...Then I reinstall the filter, before the fine stuff can even leave the bag.

 

[todd_fuller]

Just drink the koolaide.

No, really buy a European brand. Fein, Bosch, starmix, whatever. Lightyears beyond what US brands pass off their cheap Chinese vacuums as.

But seriously, Festool is good. It’s $$$ but quality and features aren’t an afterthought. Maybe get a recon from Amazon or festoolrecon.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Same here. I use a HEPA filter and a bag...Suction all day and easy to clean when it's time to empty. The new filters that come with it aren't bad, But like I said, run a bag. I can't stress enough to use a bag in a shop vac. The difference ia amazing.

Been using this one for years: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-6-0-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

I run these bags: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Shop-Vac-Wet-Dry-Vacs-3-Pack-VF2005/100151555


I'm on at least my third replacement hose with this vac. I'm very pleased.

Yep, we use Ridgid vacs to clean out the tracks of nails, concrete chunks, rocks, monico, screws etc before the rock goes up and we are talking thousands of track feet per job without a hiccup

 

[ChrisLS8]

Just drink the koolaide.

No, really buy a European brand. Fein, Bosch, starmix, whatever. Lightyears beyond what US brands pass off their cheap Chinese vacuums as.

But seriously, Festool is good. It’s $$$ but quality and features aren’t an afterthought. Maybe get a recon from Amazon or festoolrecon.

You haven't tried the brand new NXTs. We just got 3 pallets of em at work and they kick ***

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I bought my Craftsman in '79. It is 40 years old and has no issues cleaning up just about anything in the shop...
I have also learned to work with it's short comings as a broom and dust pan also have their own issues... Is every tool perfect? Nope, learning to use them and work with them is on the operator...
The OP does not get a "you ****" from me... But my shop vac does...
Mark

Astroracer My story would a duplicate to yours. My CM vac just keeps going and going, sucking and sucking.

 

[FigureItOut]

I don't quite share the OP's frustration with shop vacs, but there are a few annoyances. I watched this video on the Ridgid MOB a while back, and decided this will probably be my next shop vac. It solves a few of the annoyances.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

Ridgid 16 gallon and Mr. Nozzle 12 ft. hose kit will **** the paint right off a wall.

 

[GTO]

I to,like many here have an older Craftsman Shop Vacuum.I think it was purchased in the mid to late nineties.
It has served me well over the years and is in great working condition.
Still use it almost everyday during spring,summer and fall in NJ.

 

[rustyjames]

My $15 or $20 Fein shop vac from the pawn shop is awesome

That was a steal. They're great vacs, expensive but worth the money. Best parts is how quiet and powerful they are. The 6 casters works well too.

 

[Dagny]

If i'm sucking up real fine dust I put another hose on the exhaust and run it outside.

 

[reader2580]

I have a Ridgid I got for $29 at an HD Black Friday sale about a dozen years ago. I'm pretty sure it is made in the USA. It does everything I want from a shop vac with plenty of suction.

Back then both Craftsman and Ridgid vacuums were made by Emerson Electric.

 

[Ing3018]

I bought a Fein in '97. Still going strong. I use a bag and a canister filter in mine. I'm still using the original filter. I just blow it out once in a while.
I use it on my sanders to minimize airborne dust and also for general cleanup duties.

 

[mike93lx]

If i'm sucking up real fine dust I put another hose on the exhaust and run it outside.

A bag and a filter makes that a non issue

 

[xin]

Same here. I use a HEPA filter and a bag...Suction all day and easy to clean when it's time to empty. The new filters that come with it aren't bad, But like I said, run a bag. I can't stress enough to use a bag in a shop vac. The difference ia amazing.

Been using this one for years: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-14-Gal-6-0-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1450/100081216

I run these bags: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Shop-Vac-Wet-Dry-Vacs-3-Pack-VF2005/100151555


I'm on at least my third replacement hose with this vac. I'm very pleased.

How loud is this model, is it better than the 'shop vac' brand by chance?

 

[fartymarty]

I highly recommend the Gore Cleanstream filters, I have one that's been in use at least 10 years. I just hose it off, let it dry and reuse...no new bags nor new filters needed.

I use my Craftsman shop vac for all the usual things, water pick up, sawdust etc. However my favorite usage is for digging. When I have to do valve maintenance on my decades old lawn irrigation system it usually involves a lot of digging either to get to a valve or a broken pipe. I only need an area about 8" around the valve cleared (above and below the valve or pipe must be clear for clean gluing of the PVC) but is usually takes a 3 foot diameter hole to keep the balls of dirt and rocks from constantly rolling back down into the hole. Using a motorcycle tire iron and a couple of hose clamps to hold it on the end of the vac hose, I can dig like a rabid mole and have no fear of cutting the control wires buried with the pvc plumbing, and the rolling balls of dirt all get sucked into the vac. I can usually get by with only a hole twice the size at the top as is needed at the bottom to make the repair. Just open the vac and tip it over the repair and 90% of the refill is finished. Granted I look like an idiot vacuuming the earth, but it's a system that's worked over and over for me.

Yes, I have more love than hate for my Shop vac, I try to love it and simply do all the hating for the jobs I need it for.

 

[larry_g]

A couple of hints;

1; Clean and lube your wheels. They are probably fouled with stuff and not turning.

2; Put a brick or some weight in the bottom of the canister.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[tarbellb]

Just drink the koolaide.

No, really buy a European brand. Fein, Bosch, starmix, whatever. Lightyears beyond what US brands pass off their cheap Chinese vacuums as.

But seriously, Festool is good. It’s $$$ but quality and features aren’t an afterthought. Maybe get a recon from Amazon or festoolrecon.

This. ^^^

It depends on what you are doing, but my biggest complaint is suction loss over time. These European brands have "auto filter clean" tech that continually cleans the filter eliminating the need clean yourself.

Everything else is well thought and much better than the typical store brands here.

But, a Ridgid shopvac is absolutely the best bang for the buck, period. Just dont expect more than what is given- large motor, large hose, and not much else.

My personal fav, Bosch Dust Extractors

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

My CM is like I mentioned earlier 40+ years old. I am still using the original filter. It sometime gets pretty clogged but a quick shake in the garbage bin and a compressed air blow out has me working in no time at all. The only thing that I have had to do is glue the accessory end on the hose as it got a bit crushed and cracked.
But likely in my new garage I will put in a central vac unit.

 

[Bryan Burns]

Same here. I use a HEPA filter and a bag...Suction all day and easy to clean when it's time to empty. The new filters that come with it aren't bad, But like I said, run a bag. I can't stress enough to use a bag in a shop vac. The difference ia amazing.



I run these bags: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...Shop-Vac-Wet-Dry-Vacs-3-Pack-VF2005/100151555

Made by RIDGID but fits Genie and Shop-Vac brands only? Not RIDGID? I have an old Home Depot Black Friday model and want to use a bag now but the vac doesn't look like yours.

 

[tarbellb]

Well damnit GJ.... I now own a Bosch Dust Extractor just like I recommended a few post up.

Checked my Amazon account and the 9 gallon Auto Filter Bosch vac was on sale:

Normally $599+ tax, on SALE FOR $509 plus -$20 promo = $489.

Then... I applied for the AMEX card, another $125 off, so $364 before taxes!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076CSZXY3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[TMcCay]

I switched to Ridgid an haven't looked back! I even bought a second small and very portable one for the house.