Specs To Check Out In Shop Vacuums

Typically bigger and much more powerful than an upright vacuum, a wet/dry vacuum may be used to keep the home or workshop clean and make quick work of bulky debris and liquid spills.

Before searching for your wet/dry vac, think about the following questions:

How frequently do you want to make use of it?
Exactly how much space for storage are you experiencing?
What kind of cleaning tasks will you must complete?
What special features can be useful to you?


Size, Capacity and Power

Wet/dry vacs are classified by capacity (measured in gallons) and peak horsepower (hp). These come in a variety of types and sizes from portable and handheld units to large 18-gallon professional vacs.

Tip: Small units by using a high horsepower and low capacity work well in demanding environments with restrictive space requirements.

Small capacity (2 - 6 gallons):

1 - 4.5 hp
Available as corded or cordless
Can be handheld or caster mounted
Quiet operation
Suitable for smaller tasks around the home, car or boat

Medium capacity (6 – 14 gallons):

5 - 6 hp
Has blower conversion capability
Are equipped for from fine dust to large debris
Perfect for most indoor/outdoor cleaning tasks around the house or shop, including wet basement cleanup to standard home and garden tasks.

Large capacity (14 - 18 gallons):

6+ hp
Are designed for anything from fine dust to large debris
Well suited for heavy-duty and commercial use where maximum horsepower is needed.


Craftsman 12007


Filter

Locate a pleated cartridge filter, seen on most models. It's quicker to change and fewer prone to dust leaks than the usual two-piece paper-and-foam filter. Take into account, some odd-sized filters are difficult to get beyond the manufacturer's website. Check on filter availability prior to buying a vacuum.

Dust Bag Round the Filter

A dust bag, about $3 to $8, keeps the inside of the vacuum cleaner, making the switch from dry to wet cleaning easier. It will also help the $10 to $20 cartridge filter stay longer and keep more suction. Some models include bags, although some cause them to an alternative. But think twice about pricey "high-performance" replacement bags. Our tests have revealed that standard bags can securely hold a pile of bolts, nails, screws, and other debris while still allowing plenty of suction.


Hoses

Hoses and nozzles with large, wide passageways greatly reduces the potential for clogs and blockages.


Cleanup Tools

Most models come with a utility nozzle, for bulky debris, plus a crevice nozzle for tight spots. Some furthermore have a special nozzle for car interiors and an insert to get a dusting brush. A squeegee attachment helps with spills. The main one-piece version on some vacuums is a lot more convenient compared to the insert on others.

Extension Wands

Long ones reduce the demand for stooping and kneeling.


Off-the-Wall Designs

Traditional wet/dry vacuums roll around and occupy space on to the ground. Some models can clip onto a wall bracket or slide onto a shelf. But you pay money for that convenience. Larger models typically hold more for approximately the same price but take up more space for storing.

Pump

Models having a drain spout often enable you to attach a pump along with a garden hose to enable you to empty the vacuum without lifting it and carrying it around. Some vacuums include a pump; others will accept an aftermarket pump.

Tool Storage

Most vacuums have convenient brackets for holding extensions and tools. One toolbox-shaped model has space for storage inside.