Kobalt KWM Wall mount Vac

[battsup]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking this forum for quite a while and finally decided to join because I couldnt see any of the pictures(because many ppl put them up as attachments as opposed to hosting them on photobucket etc). Anyhow i'm in the middle of my garage remodel of which I will start a thread when i'm done next weekend and I need/want a new Shop Vac.

There are many threads here on the Rigid WD5500 which is no longer available, its Craftsman equivalent the 17925(they're both made by Emerson tool company) is available. It's 8.5A 5hp unit, but it only flows 94 CFM. It was on sale a few days ago down to $74.62 but after taxes and shipping it came up to $95(there are no local stores in WA that stock this item for some reason). As I was about to bite the bullet i decided to look at the Kobalt KWM508 from Lowes which is also a 5hp 5 gallon but it is only 8A and flows 160CFM. It is $99, but again there are no local stores in WA that stock this item. The Kobalt seems like a better deal as it flows more, should theoretically use less power, is quieter and looks nicer.

Now my question is, has anyone had experience having something like this special ordered at their local Lowes? Call me a cheapa$$ but i'd like to save the $10 on shipping and spend it towards a retracting power cord.

For those that don't know what i'm talking about here are some pictures.

http://www.emersontoolcompany.com/en-US/Products/Craftsman/Pages/17925-5GallonWall.aspx

http://www.lowes.com/pd_120940-1034...oductId=3125679&N=0&catalogId=10051&langId=-1

 

[gcan]

I haven't special ordered anything from Lowes but I do have the Kobalt vac your looking at and am very pleased.....it was a good choice for me.

 

[chickenhauler]

A lot of times you can special order it online to be picked up at your store. I've done it on several things. You'll get an email and/or they'll call you when it's ready to be picked up.

 

[SyTyJim]

I own that Crasftman for about 8 years and like it alot.

Jimmy

 

[Mike_C]

I have the kobalt in my garage, I am happy with it. For the size it works well, doesn't have the power of a larger shop vac. I really like the wireless switch on the hose handle though. I hate having to listen to a vacuum that doesn't need to be running.

 

[dankicksass]

Not considering Shop Vac's models? (regular) (pro)

All of those things use small hose, for my small vac needs I use a 5gal bucket shop vac from Home Depot ($20) mounted to a wall with 50ft of hose next to it.

 

[NWphotog]

Costco has a verticle stainless steel model. Doesn't come with a bracket but that would be easy to to fab. I think cost was $30.

 

[Roman G]

I was in big lots a while back, and they had a shop vac brand wall mount one for 45 i think it was. Seemed like a good deal.

Roman

 

[musgofasta]

Also have the Craftsman - no complaints at all. Great suction and out of the way.

 

[Matt M PA]

While it's not a wet vac, I am very pleased with my Metropolitan wall mounted Vac. It came with 24' of hose..I added another two lengths. For a "remote", I wired a 120 relay into the line that feeds the vac outlet. I use a cheap remote for turning on lamps to activate.

 

[Zeke]

Big Lots can have some great deals.

 

[battsup]

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I've been on the phone with Lowes.com and they say they can't send it to the store. I just got off the phone with the local store and the tools guy gave me the full scoop. He says that the reason no stores have it is because it's being discontinued and that's why they can't order one in. I'm waiting for my moving coupon code to come in and I'm going to place my order, I believe the website was showing about 70 remaining so if anyone was looking at it I suggest you jump on it. I did look at the yellow shop vac models but I liked these removable ones better. Plus I'm in Canada so no one else will have this item either so it gives my garage more unique in a way. Plus the remote on off is cool. Those of you that are interested in the shop vac model go to amazon.com they have 50% off their 4 and 5 star rated power tools.

 

[kngelv]

I have been debating the purchase of one of the Kobalt Vacuums. I like the idea of the remote at the end of the hose plus I want a wall mount. I think the Kobalt is a reconfigured VacMaster http://www.vacmaster.com/product.cfm?p=16 I like that the hose attaches to the side of the Kobalt vs. the front on almost every other wall mount. Could those with the Kobalt give a more detailed review? Also can it be used without the bags? Thanks.

James

 

[chrommagman]

I would go with the Kobalt! if you are going to wall mount you could put some pvc lines in so you don't have to have a supper long hose. kinda like what you would do with a air compressor.

 

[matty d]

Hey that Kobalt is cool. I wanted a wall-mount but already had a Rigid 5.0 portable. Here's my silly attempt to make it into a wall mount using a Gladiator bin holder. Actually it works pretty well in the bin holder and I actually like it I can store some of the tools on the shelf above...the next step is a longer hose and car cleaning attachments...

 

[kngelv]

Does anyone have a Vac Master?

 

[ket-tek]

Just search for the word 'vacmaster' and you'll find the past threads comparing this and many other vacuums.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=5448741

I have the vacmaster and it's been great. Plenty of power, the remote is great, has big diameter hoses, and is not to loud.

The kobalt does seem to have the similar remote. but keep in mind folks the kobalt uses BAGS! The vacmaster and most other brands talked about here don't. I will never own another vacuum indoor or garage that uses bags..

Here's mine:

 

[battsup]

See i specifically want to be able use bags, my current shop vac brand shop vac that I used for cleaning up my basement renovations was useless because it spread dust all over the air. Bags keep the dust sealed up, I went bagless for my home vacuum before as well. Now i'm back to a bagged vacuum and couldnt be happier. It's ridiculous when you need to vacuum using a dust mask.

 

[kartracer23]

I've got the VacMaster. Pretty nice - Probably comparable to my Craftsman Wall mount. I like that it has a mid-size hose - sometimes the big ones like on the Craftsman (2"?) are just too big to get suction and won't pick up things like nails.

One caution on the VacMaster: Never leave it on the remote setting! I came into my shop one Monday and mine was running - don't know for how long, but it was hot as hell. I suppose some radio transmission, garage door opener, etc. turned it on.

I did contact VacMaster about it and although they had never heard of it happening, I guess they were going to start putting a warning on them.

 

[boosteddsm92]

Just got back from Lowes after reading this post They had a bunch of them there so I picked one up. BTW, it has a filter, using a bag w/it is optional.

 

[battsup]

I just placed an order, got one for myself and one for a friend. I'll post a review next Friday/Saturday when it arrives.

 

[kngelv]

Does the Kobalt have a brush attachment? The box does not indicate what accessories come with it. I'm on the fence between the Kobalt, the VacMaster and possibly the Bissell.

James

 

[gcan]

yes the Kobalt comes with attachments, open the kobalt link and watch the demo video and you'll see what comes with it.

I moved a wall mount shop-vac to wifey's garage and bought me the Kobalt....it's quieter and I like it much better.

 

[kngelv]

Just picked up a Kobalt. Won't have it up for a few days but will post a review after a week or so of use.

James

 

[3 at 8]

Just picked up a Kobalt. Won't have it up for a few days but will post a review after a week or so of use.

James

I'd be intredted in your review of the Kobalt wall mount one. The remote switch does seem handy and seems to have a tight profile against the wall.

 

[boosteddsm92]

Does the Kobalt have a brush attachment? The box does not indicate what accessories come with it. I'm on the fence between the Kobalt, the VacMaster and possibly the Bissell.

James

Nope, no brush. I plan on getting one though. Hung mine last night, really liking it so far!

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I use a 5gal bucket shop vac from Home Depot ($20) mounted to a wall with 50ft of hose next to it.

Pics?

 

[kngelv]

I hung mine on the wall today and used it quite a bit (dry only so far). I really like it. As mentioned previously the use of a bag is optional. It has a traditional filter for normal use. I can see using the bag if there is something with really fine particles. In fact the bag would have seen a lot of use a month ago. My 13 year old future step-son accidentally knocked a fire extinguisher down the stairs releasing all of its powder. I use my old Craftsman which did a fine job but I had to clean the filter at least ten times due to clogging. A bag would have helped in this situation. It is fairly quiet compared to my Craftsman and an old Dayton I have. The blower option is a nice feature. Instead of firing up my RedMax gas blower I just switch ports. There are two 10 foot hose sections. One is the typical crush proof and the other is a more flexible stretch hose. They are held to each other by friction and either one can be attached directly to the unit and be locked in place. I think I may order another ten foot regular hose to give me 30 feet overall. I chose this over the similar VacMaster for a couple of reasons. I like that it is rectangular instead of round. This gives a slimmer profile on the wall and is a little more stable on the ground.. Also the hose connects on the side instead of the front which again results in a slimmer profile. The standard warranty is a three year replacement. Since they consider it a tool if it breaks within three years you get a new one. At $99.00 it is a bit cheaper than the VacMaster Hope this helps.

James

 

[battsup]

Sorry for the delay on the update, It came in last week but I wasn't able to head stateside to go pick this up until a few hours ago. I'll hang it up in a few hours but here are some teaser shots. It seems very well built, the handle is rubberized and very ergonomic. The car attachment is the only weak point it seems kind of cheap. Its not very loud, no where near as quiet as my miele house vacuum but much better than my shop vac. I put the dust bag in because I don't want to be blowing dust around my garage or getting my new vacuum dirty.

I quickly tried it in my living room and it pulls the carpet off the ground, so its got good suction for sure.

I was trying to find out who makes this, in small writing on the side it says lgsourcing.com I went to the website and its just the purchasing company owned by lowes for buying their chinese stuff it seems.

I too like the slimness of this unit along with the side hose. I bought this for $89.10 using a Lowes moving discount coupon from their website. However I did have to pay for shipping and tax. Both units came in at $208 shipped to WA state. I've only had it in my hands for 2 hours and people have been asking me to order this for them too.

 

[kngelv]

Well I've been using the vacuum for three weeks now and love it. It works really well but does not replace my 12 gallon Craftsman as far as sucking power. If you had a huge mess with a ton of water or muck the Kobalt would not be sufficient. For 90-95% of a typical shop use it works great and the portability is a big plus.

James

 

[kngelv]

I was in Lowes yesterday and these have been dropped to $69.30 on clearance. A great deal.

JamES

 

[Voi]

Old thread but I thought I'd post anyways.

I have both the Kobalt and the Craftsman. Had the Kobalt for a bit over a year and the motor recently started to scream loudly so I decided to pick up the Craftsman at the recent Sears Friends and Family sale.

I like both vacs and really like the idea of a wall mount vac in general. I mount mine on the inside of a door of a closet I have in the garage.

I like the more flexible hose on the Kobalt and the remote is great. I can't compare them fresh out of the box obviously but my recollection is that the Kobalt was a bit quieter and ever so slightly less powerful than the Craftsman. My wife thinks the same but we can't be sure.

I'm pretty sure the Kobalt came with more attachments.

Kobalt is bag or bagless, Craftsman is bagless only as far as I can tell.

Kobalt has a tab one has to push down to get to the exhaust filter. Mine gets pretty gummed up for some reason so I prefer the pop off filter on the Craftsman. I think I'll be more likely to clean it.

A friend of mine thinks he has the safety bit needed to get to the motor and interior filters in the Kobalt. I hope we can save it but honestly the Craftsman is good enough and better in some ways.

The Kobalt only lasted a bit over a year but we worked it hard during our remodel. Emptied it or the bag a few times per week for several months straight. Didn't clean the filters nearly as often as I should have during that time. Upshot being I don't feel I can comment on the longevity. We really should have taken better care of it.

 

[lynchmob723]

You can still buy this. You just have to call lowes.com 800 number and ask them to look for it at a store around the country. I just bought one, shipped to my door for $77

Also where can I find extension hoses for this? Will any brand fit?

 

[Big Ed5150]

i have the kobalt and have been very pleased with it. Kobalt makes some fine stuff that is for sure.

 

[Mr_fixit]

Some stores have the Kobalt on clearance.10% to 40%. Some don't . I didn't want to say anything until I snagged a couple for around 60.00. ( I miossed out on the HD ones a while back.