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scottybaccus

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A former employer had a whole house vac installed in a home he built a few years ago. I got a good look at it before the home was finished, but don't recall the maker. It was pretty neat, but I think it fell short of his expectations. What I took away from it, Don't underestimate the power needed to do a good job. We've all had those moments where the junk we try to vac is just a tad heavy and doesn't manage to climb the hills in the hose, so we go pick it up high and shake it, etc. Now imagin the same scenario in a very long hose or fixed piping. It can be a bummer to clean out the clogs that result. If I were buying, this is one item I would shop commercial, Like car wash type, and pick power over space efficiency.
 
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glenmore

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We put one of these things in when we built our house.

http://builtinvacuum.com/products.html

We went with the blue MD Standard model and it has been problem free for about 19 years now. There is plenty of power for general operation but I think it doesn't do the greatest job on carpeting because of the air-driven brush. IMHO a regular push vacumn with a belt drive does a better job of beating the dirt out of the carpet. MD has a LOT of experience so I think their products are time tested. They may be quieter now but ours gives you quite a start when it kicks in. The unit is in the garage and the outlets are all in the house. I would check the noise ratings on these things and try and find a relatively quiet one.
 
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Weber1

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Bexley, Ohio
I bought the craftsman 5.0 hp for myself for Christmas and I love it. It comes with a 7ft hose and then a 14 ft accessory hose. It converts to a blower and lifts off easy if I want to take into the house. It comes with several attachments. The other good thing about the hose is that it comes out the front, not the side so you dont have to worry about an extra 6" of width so that the hose can come out and take a 90degree turn.
 
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holland_patrick

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hartford ct
Lay I had a home dopt one what worked great for me.. but it did come out the side but it was wall mounted and had great reach the only problem was it was an odd hose size so nothing except what came with it fit even though i tryed to get an adapter for it
 
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DGUS

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West central Wisconsin
I bought this wall mounted Rigid vac @ Home Depot a couple years ago. I really like it. The mounting bracket stays attached to the wall but the vac and attachments can be remoed very easily so it can be moved around when needed. The attachments are stored in a detachable bin on the side of the vac so they are easy to access and kept organized. I don't think the vac is very loud when running compared to some of the other vacs I've owned. Yet it has plenty of power, even with the extension wands and longer hose attached. I do suggest adding the longer more flexible hose sold seperately at H.D. It gives you a lot more reach and rolls up easier. The hose stores around the wall bracket so it's not in the way. The only problem may be finding this model. I haven't noticed it in the stores lately. Shopping around on the web is always a good idea. Try finding one using this locator site:

www.ridgid.com/Tools/Where-To-Buy

Hope this helps!
 

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Scotto

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Weber1 said:
I bought the craftsman 5.0 hp for myself for Christmas and I love it. It comes with a 7ft hose and then a 14 ft accessory hose. It converts to a blower and lifts off easy if I want to take into the house. It comes with several attachments. The other good thing about the hose is that it comes out the front, not the side so you dont have to worry about an extra 6" of width so that the hose can come out and take a 90degree turn.
Click to expand...

I have that vacuum and I'm left disappointed with it. The features are really nice, but it just doesn't have the suction of a regular old 5 HP shopvac - it's at least half. For any tough jobs I need to get out my regular Ridgid.

DGUS said:
I bought this wall mounted Rigid vac @ Home Depot a couple years ago. I really like it. The mounting bracket stays attached to the wall but the vac and attachments can be remoed very easily so it can be moved around when needed. The attachments are stored in a detachable bin on the side of the vac so they are easy to access and kept organized. I don't think the vac is very loud when running compared to some of the other vacs I've owned. Yet it has plenty of power, even with the extension wands and longer hose attached. I do suggest adding the longer more flexible hose sold seperately at H.D. It gives you a lot more reach and rolls up easier. The hose stores around the wall bracket so it's not in the way. The only problem may be finding this model. I haven't noticed it in the stores lately. Shopping around on the web is always a good idea. Try finding one using this locator site:

www.ridgid.com/Tools/Where-To-Buy

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately that vacuum has been discontinued. I looked EVERYWHERE for one of those vacuums a year ago.

If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten this vacuum:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000289920/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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TONE

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Ryan.........

I have the exact one you have pictured. Ive had it close to 4 years now.

Its bullet proof!

I use it for woodworking, car detailing and general garage cleanup.

I love it, ***** up way more than my normal, pull around and trip over it craftsman shopvac.
 
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n1gzd

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I am looking for a low profile (not wide) wall hang unit that can be picked up and carried around (for vacuuming sand from the floor, or vacuuming the car. However, I also want to use it with my sand blaster. I used to use my Sears shop vac with my sand blaster but i got rid of it because it was unwieldy. I did see anyone mention whether any of these shop vacs that people have been discussing can be used that way. I like what I read about the Hoover.

Rebecca
 
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jmack

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TONE said:
I think Ryan knows how the site works............;)
Click to expand...

One would think, yet here we get a repost of a question that has already been asked and already received over 100 responses.
 
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Zrexxer

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I've got the Hoover GUV pictured, I bought it on Amazon for a LOT less than other places wanted for it. I like it, it does everything I want it to do, which namely is to reach out into the driveway to vacuum out the pickup floorboards and seats.

The only thing that's a little difficult on it is emptying the canister. Well, not emptying it so much but juggling it back into position while trying to snap the latches shut. Not a dealbreaker for sure, I usually just lift the unit off the bracket and turn it upside down to reinstall the canister.
 
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Tman

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Black Hills of South Dakota
I have a vintage one from the 40s or 50s that looks like that only smaller diameter. Mine is easy to carry out to the car and has amazing power. If I was able to do pics right now I would post one............really need to get some hardware fixed/replaced since we have no computer at home right now.
 
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Todd.Brock

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I bought my Hoover GUV on CL for about 45 bucks. It was new in box. Not sure/didnt ask why the guy was selling it so cheap . Hopefully, there isnt a lien on it :bounce:

I really like the vacuum. it gets into little crevices well, a little quieter than my shopvac and 100x easier to deal with just the hose. I would buy it at regular price and still be happy with it.
 
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Axis11

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jmack said:
One would think, yet here we get a repost of a question that has already been asked and already received over 100 responses.
Click to expand...

You do know that Ryan owns this site, along with the rest of the Atomic Industry Network right? Although there is another post like this, he linked this discussion to the front page as a featured post for product reviews. :wtf:

Back on topic: I wanted to set up a home central vac for the garage, but the price is pretty steep on the units. I did get the Vacmaster from Costco and I really like it. Some reviews claim the remote on/off switch doesn't work after you drop it on the floor and run it over with your car, but I just consider them to be whiners.
With 21 feet of hose (10' flex, 11' standard) hose it has a good reach.

And it's on sale right now. But if you'd done a search, you would have known that... :rolleyes2
 
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PurdueSD

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TONE said:
Ryan.........

I have the exact one you have pictured. Ive had it close to 4 years now.

Its bullet proof!

I use it for woodworking, car detailing and general garage cleanup.

I love it, ***** up way more than my normal, pull around and trip over it craftsman shopvac.
Click to expand...

Interesting... I too wouldn't mind owning something similar. Some of the reviews on amazon for the hoover GUV say it is much weaker than a typical roll around shop vac... They also mention how the hose is really cheap plastic.

Isn't that how it always is...some people love it and some hate it...
 
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tatra

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have had an built in vac for years and the the best and cheapest way to unplug the hose is to fire a bent beer cap down the hose...........nice satisfying clunk when it hits the cup...........pennys work too but that can add up..............oh and don't try and use a pool vac hose cuz they're cheap..........if you have in the past, i don't need to tell ya why..........
 
E

Evmaniac

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n1gzd said:
I am looking for a low profile (not wide) wall hang unit that can be picked up and carried around (for vacuuming sand from the floor, or vacuuming the car. However, I also want to use it with my sand blaster. I used to use my Sears shop vac with my sand blaster but i got rid of it because it was unwieldy. I did see anyone mention whether any of these shop vacs that people have been discussing can be used that way. I like what I read about the Hoover.

Rebecca
Click to expand...

Take a look at the GarageVac , I got one for Christmas and it's got to be the lowest profile one out there. It's less than 4 inches wide, and they have one that can be mounted inside a 2x4 stud wall. It's got an 8' hose that stretches to 40', and all the accesories for cleaning the car. Powerful too, and it's made in the USA.
 
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TONE

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Wow, yeah, I guess youre right. Everyone will have different opinions.

I cant truly understand the cheap plastic comment though. I like it.

Its not really fat and hard to roll up. I use mine constantly in the summer and havent had one single issue.

Now, my pull behind shop vac wasnt a great one so I cant really compare there.

I just dont like pulling the hose and having the vac tip over and having to run over to it.

My opinion is its a great buy, no regrets, would buy it again.



PurdueSD said:
Interesting... I too wouldn't mind owning something similar. Some of the reviews on amazon for the hoover GUV say it is much weaker than a typical roll around shop vac... They also mention how the hose is really cheap plastic.

Isn't that how it always is...some people love it and some hate it...
Click to expand...
 
C

Costner

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Obviously the needs vary depending upon what you intend to use the vac for, but in my previous garage I just took an existing 2 gallon portable Craftsman vac I had and used zip ties to fasten it to a tool bracket that I screwed into the wall.

My father gave me the extended hose and attachments from his old wall mounted shop vac that died, so I mounted those to the wall right next to it. When not in use, the hose would just wrap around the vac and hang on the wall, and since I had a separate standalone Rigid vac that I used for my larger jobs, the wall mounted one was really only used for cars and the occasional small job such as cleaning off my benchtop.

Because the portable vac was hanging by the handle, I could disconnect and empty the bucket very easy, and I even still had access to the exhaust side if I ever wanted to perform a blow operation rather than vacumming. Honestly it was much cheaper than buying a true wall mounted version and it worked fine for me since it met my needs. However if someone needed more suction power or planned to use it for larger jobs it probably wouldn't be the ideal solution.
 
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gahrajmahal

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Cincinnati, Ohio
I have a Beam whole house vaccuum system in a bi-level house of around 1700 sq. ft. The vac unit is mounted in the garage just like your picture, and there are two outlets upstairs and one down, plus you can plug it directly into the unit in the garage if you like. It is on of my most favorite upgrades to our home. The house gets really clean because the exhaust exits outside. It is very quiet and super light. The only drawback is the long hose rubs the door jambs and wall corners as you vaccuum around the house. I do have a regular shop vac for drywall dust, cleaning gunk from the cars and saw dust. It is a workbox shapped Rigid unit I got because all the hose and fittings go inside making it compact to store in the closet unlike my old 5 gallon shop vac, passed on to my son. Let him put up with the hose and falling wand.
 
K

ket-tek

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Axis11 said:
Back on topic: I wanted to set up a home central vac for the garage, but the price is pretty steep on the units. I did get the Vacmaster from Costco and I really like it. Some reviews claim the remote on/off switch doesn't work after you drop it on the floor and run it over with your car, but I just consider them to be whiners.
With 21 feet of hose (10' flex, 11' standard) hose it has a good reach.

And it's on sale right now. But if you'd done a search, you would have known that... :rolleyes2
Click to expand...


I also got this vac last year and have been totally happy with it. The remote has been such a awesome feature, hands down the best part and a though it wasn't a big selling point at the time of purchase, it is now what I would miss the most if going to another vac.

It has plenty of power, no complaints there. Sure some of the $250+ central vacs talked about in other threads probally **** way harder, but for sawdust, metal grinding dust, and car cleaning it's been great for my needs, and when it's often on sale for $99 it's a great deal.

Shortly after buying it I called vacmaster and ordered another standard hose directly from them so I can reach 30 feet, and get to more areas of the garage. I have not noticed any significant power loss when using the extra hose..

Here is a pic from the original vac thread mentioned here a couple times:)

3571521587_e9819db435_o.jpg
 
K

ket-tek

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gahrajmahal said:
It is a workbox shapped Rigid unit I got because all the hose and fittings go inside making it compact to store in the closet
Click to expand...

I have one of those I got out of a trade from my old neighbor. Never seen anyone else with one.. :thumbup:

Great to have on work truck or service van. It works well and isn't awkward to store like standard shop/job vacs are!

c7476de0-eb5a-4b20-b618-0f7f74cf40fa_300.jpg
 
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Matt M PA

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I just saw a t Lowes a new wall hanginng vac...don't know how good it is ubt I hadn't seen it there before.

I too have the square Ridgid vac like above...works great!
 
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DARKSCOPE001

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Pickerington Oh
now im just going to voice my oppinions and what ive heard. Like I said these are only my oppinions and what ive seen and heard so take it or leave it here it goes... Ok so first off the tried and true shop vac hang on 5 gall and its brother the bulldog? the only difference is that the bulldog has the 2.5 inch where as the hang on has a 1.25 with a 5 inch converter i think. now while i was at a local big lots i saw one that was perminant lock on 1.25 so if that small size is ok it was about half the price of the regular hang on. next the one im considering is the craftsman 5 gallon hang on unit. This unit features a blower I like this alot (dont know why but i think that having a blower on your shop vac makes it that much more valuable where as shop vac seams to be killing this feature) it does use an oddball 1.75" hose tho :/ but from what ive seen and read its quite easy to convert over to 1.25 or 2.5 with a small amount of cash. The unti looks verry durable and i like the way the top locks on. I cant tell you how many times the bin on my 14g shop vac has decided it didnt want to stay in the fight up the stairs spilling dirt and gunk. :( only complaints are that it uses an oddball size hose (this can be fixed easily) and that its verry shallow. so if you do alot of wet pickup it might not be the one for you. because the filter will be sitting in the water. other than that ive seen the GUV and various others. i tend to think that you shold leave it to the big names and leave hover in the living room but I have heard good and ive heard bad. most of the bad being it overheats and isnt powerfull enough.


HOPE THIS HELPS
Sean Scott
 
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greenwell

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ket-tek

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greenwell said:
Lowe's carries a Kobalt version similar to the Vacmaster mentioned beforehand. It priced at a reasonable $99 and from the comparisons that I have done, seems to have plenty of power. Personally I cannot see buying a vac JUST to hang on the wall. These wall mountable AND portable vacs are the only way to go for me! You can check out the Kobalt vac here:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_120940-10345-KWM508_0_?productId=3125679&Ntt=wet dry vac&Ntk=i_products
Click to expand...

Huh, haven't noticed at my local stores yet? I may have missed it. Looks decent, and the remote control on the wand seems similar to the vacmaster.

I see that this vac takes bags tho? That would scratch it of the list instantly for me, I've had my fill of bag vacs back in the 80's.

899794001863lg.jpg


899794001856lg.jpg
 
K

ket-tek

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DARKSCOPE001 said:
This unit features a blower I like this alot (dont know why but i think that having a blower on your shop vac makes it that much more valuable where as shop vac seams to be killing this feature)
Click to expand...

I thought the blower feature was cool when I got the vacmaster. But have yet to use it. When mounted on a garage wall right near a ready to go 100+psi air hose I can't think of a reason to ever need the feature.

DARKSCOPE001 said:
it does use an oddball 1.75" hose tho :/ but from what ive seen and read its quite easy to convert over to 1.25 or 2.5 with a small amount of cash.
Click to expand...

I agree hose diameter is something to consider when purchasing a vac. You may already have a vac with accessories and hoses you can interchange and would be useful. Though there are adapters available to fit most popular sizes to convert attachements for use on other vacs. But of course it's just some more money to spend. :)
 
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sledmods

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brimorga said:
I was in Costco about a month ago and they had this garage vac on sale for about $139. I think regular price was $169. Going off of memory here, so could be slightly off.

Bissell 18P0 Garage Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

I don't see it on the costco webpage, so it might be hit or miss, but it was a great deal.
Click to expand...

i just bought this last week. have not had a chance to REALLY put it to the test but so far so good. The hose seems really well built and does not kink

utf-8BSU1HMDAwNTEtMjAxMDAxMjQtMTgwN.jpg
 
B

bmwpower

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Someone needs to do a side by side technical comparison of these things. I want one for my garage as well, but I don't want to buy a dud.

The Kobalt one looks promising but where's the hose?
Needs to be shallow - no sticking out into the walkway
Needs to be side exit hose - no sticking out into the walkway
 
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Greatbear

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I've had the Bissell Garage Pro vac for about a year now, and it's been a great investment. Bought from Costco for about $160. It's remarkably quiet (the boxy attachment on the side is actually a muffler) and despite the 30+ feet of hose it has a surprising amount of vacuum at that distance. It can be used on and off of it's hanging mount, and the selection of tools/attachments makes auto detailing and general cleanup a lot easier. There are several small attachments made to get into tiny cracks and small places. Cleanout is pretty simple but can be a bit messy if removing the inside filter, this can be alleviated somewhat by brushing the filter off in place before removing. It's also easiest to empty the tank while the unit is in it's wall bracket. Motor draws 12 amps.
 
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