Shop Vacumn Review Wanted

[TagMan]

I'm in the market for a new shop vac, about 5-10 gallon capacity. I'm more interested in getting a dependable untit with a good suction, than price. Made in the USA would be a big plus, but I'm probably dreaming.

Anyone have one bought recently (last few years) who would recommend one?

Thanks,
-Bob

 

[LNKMK8]

I've been using a Ridgid that I bought on Black Friday over 10 years ago and it still works great. Low profile, doesn't tip over easily, and easy to get filters for. It's not anything amazing, but has worked well for me. They seem to have them every year for around $40 which is a great value in my mind. Bought the same one for a friend of mine.

 

[TagMan]

Thank you, LNKMK8, I appreciate it.

 

[Shiftless]

I like my Fein, but the long skinny hose gets clogged when I vacuum up wet tree needles from the corners of the deck that’s over the attached garage roof.

The machine is the quietist one I have ever used.

 

[customh]

The Ridgid HD1400 at home depot is what our company buys exclusively. We work with small micron size powders and put these vacs through about the worst conditions I can imagine. They last quite a while for the environment we have them in. If you can find the old (non-NXT) version I like the way the attachments and hose store far better than the new ones.

 

[getbent4x4]

The black friday rigid and shop vac version for about $30-40 is perfect for cleaning car interiors and for repairs. bfads.net if you want to look up what was on sale.

 

[Josey Wales]

The black Friday vac comes with a 1 7/8 hose, but really wakes up with a 2 1/2 installed. (it fits!) The 14 gallon Ridgid is quiet and works good enough to keep me from spending more money on anything else. But I might get one that hangs on the wall. Thanks for reminding me!

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I have both a Flex HEPA and a Ridgid HD Black Friday deal.

I use the FLEX for "indoor" vacuuming of fine dust in my basement workshop and use the Ridgid for cars and garage "outdoor" vacuuming. Can’t go wrong with a Ridgid for "general use" HOWEVER if you are doing any "fine dust" clean up like sheet rock or saw dust on a REGULAR basis a HEPA vac is a must have.

I also purchased the small Ridgid vac because I needed some accessories for my Flex and the cost of the vacuum with accessories was $20 more than just purchasing the accessories so I got a small portable vac for $20.