Need a wet-dry vac recommendation

[diyer999]

Hello Members

I'm looking for a particular style of wet dry vac and wanted to know if anyone knows of a "NOT FROM CHINA" wet-dry vac of durable materials and design? Made in US, or Europe, or Japan???

About 15 to 20 years ago, I purchased a 16 gallon Sears Craftsman (recommended at the time) I have since given it to my son in law. I hated it. It was too fat and squatty but it seemed to work ok. One thing I hated was that it had this big plastic rim around the bottom that stuck out and had four crappy plastic wheels. That fat bottom rim (as if it wasnt already fat enough) interfered with storage space.

But, I have since seen photos of wet/dry vacs that are taller, more vertical as opposed to fat and squatty, and without that bottom rim sticking out. The wheels are maybe three, a smaller front one with two larger back wheels, a stainless steel body, and a rear handle that sticks up in the back that has a rectangular shape to it and makes for easier transporting. Milwaukee had one as I described, not sure if they still do. Shop-vac has something similar, close but no cigar -- I couldnt seem to find a model without that short fat squatty rim on the bottom. Whats up with that fat rim on all these vacs???

One important question I have is what gallon size to get, but dont want to have to purchase another one again in the near future.

 

[kctyphoon]

I believe shopvac is USA made.. I think their stainless steel models are more tall than wide (at least mine is) and has a metal frame, and better wheels.. Milwaukee has pro models also USA made.. it all depends on what you want as far as gallon size goes.

This is the one most similar to my older model.. not 100% on the COO.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-16-Gallon-6-5-Peak-HP-Shop-Vacuum/1000003650

 

[diyer999]

I. . . it all depends on what you want as far as gallon size goes.

That's just it, I don't have any thoughts on gallon size. I don't have any special needs (at this time). I'm not in the predicament that Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, etc., are in. All I know is that I don't want or need a 16 Gallon.

 

[fivespdcat]

They're short and squatty because everyone pulls them by the hoses. If they weren't that way, they would constantly be tipping over.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[mbshop]

Yea, I have a large shop vac that I have used twice in the last 6 years. Over a week ago I bought a 2.5 gal shop vac with no wheels and have used it regularly since. Go figure.

 

[diyer999]

Yea, I have a large shop vac that I have used twice in the last 6 years. Over a week ago I bought a 2.5 gal shop vac with no wheels and have used it regularly since. Go figure.

Hey thanks for that info. I've been narrowing it down to either a 5 gal or 8 gal. Gallon wise I think either is sufficient. Just wasn't sure though. After I gave my 16 gal away I was temporarily using a 1 gal, and that thing just doesn't cut it. So, perhaps 5 gal is enough after all.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I've always been a fan of Ridgid vacs. They're a bit pricey though. They have a good selection of 3-6 gallon ones, most of them are square and fit on a shelf easily. They're a little pricey at $~60-80 but I think they're worth it.

 

[Wamsutta]

The 16-gallon Ridgid with the chrome tank is excellent.

Then you get you a Mr Nozzle kit from Amazon.

 

[diyer999]

I've always been a fan of Ridgid vacs. They're a bit pricey though. They have a good selection of 3-6 gallon ones, most of them are square and fit on a shelf easily. They're a little pricey at $~60-80 but I think they're worth it.

wth . . . wow, that's cheap. Look at what Nilfisk is asking for one. Try like $250 to $500 depending on size, filter type, etc.

 

[tarbellb]

^^^^ Ridgid is Made in China

 

[kngelv]

^^^^ Ridgid is Made in China

Actually Mexico.


James

 

[Finky198]

2x +1 on the ridgids. We have 2 they are old and just won't quit....

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Ridgid!!!...is there another shop vac brand???

 

[rippledabs]

My most used cordless power tool. It's not as powerful as a corded, but it's so convenient that I find myself sometimes cleaning things for fun.

If you're into the Milwaukee platform, definitely consider it.

However, it's power hungry. Probably pulls ~15 amps out of the batteries.

 

[SMKS]

The big Ridgids like the WD1450, which I would highly recommend, are made in Mexico. I can't speak for the smaller models, as I haven't looked at them.

 

[Socket Pounder]

Vacumaid is Made in USA. I don't own one but have been looking at them. BUT, I don't know if they make a wet vac.

 

[stevengarage]

I have a Craftsman myself that is probably about 15 years old, it's a 6 gallon which works well for me. I like that size because of weight, it's not as heavy when you have to empty it. I have been looking at the Shop Vac brand in Walmart but not sure where that is made?

 

[pbon]

I agree with going smaller. I used to buy the 16 gallon but they are bulky and honestly I rarely used the capacity in the work I did. I just bought an 8 gallon and like it much more. The best value is probably the Ridgid 9 gallon for about $60 at HD. You can go smaller if you don't need the capacity. I have one of those 5 gallon oval ones that is pretty powerful.