Shop Vac Comparison -Which one would you pick??

**dschribs** · 11-25-2004, 05:56 PM

I`m looking for a good shop vac for the garage. Which one do you think you guys would pick?? and why? They both look pretty much identical to me other than one has a slightly longer hose. Am I missing something??

Thanks!!!

Shop Vac Comparison

**scottabir** · 11-25-2004, 06:03 PM

I would pick the one on the right just because it looks easier to move around and has a bigger hose diameter.

**Eliot Ness** · 11-25-2004, 06:10 PM

You may want to take a look at this Ridgid that is on sale:

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...threadid=46983

This is a picture of the one mentioned in the above ad for $29.97 (12 gal, 5 hp):

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/12-Gallon-Vac/index.htm

**Intercooled** · 11-25-2004, 06:13 PM

I recently saw a Ridgid in Homedepot. 5HP with a nice size hose and attachments. They also have the vaccuum with a nice wall mount storage center. The bucket part of the vaccuum seems like it would be real easy to handle and move around. Also Ridgid has some nice attachments which you can buy later on at any Home depot. This is the one That I asked for Christmas. I think the price was around $90.00.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/4-Gallon-Vac/index.htm

**Intercooled** · 11-25-2004, 06:26 PM

I reviewed the Craftsman vac and the Ridgid vac.

Both have the same size hose.

Ridgid has a 9.0 amp motor

Craftsman has a 8.5 amp motor ( hardly any difference)

Ridgid`s net weight is 12 lbs.

Craftsman`s net weight is 22lbs. ( Thats almost double the Ridgid) That might make a difference when your hauling it around.

**Corey Bit Spank** · 11-25-2004, 06:33 PM

I have the rigid--very happy with it

**Corey Bit Spank** · 11-25-2004, 06:34 PM

edit: My dad also bought the sears wall mount and it is considerably less powerful then my rigid.

**dschribs** · 11-25-2004, 06:37 PM

Thanks Eliot & Intercooled..

However, I need one that hangs on the wall.

**cwcad** · 11-25-2004, 06:42 PM

being an advid wood worker as well as newbie car detailer i personally own a sears vaccum. i bought mine because of the price. imho that was a mistake. you get what you pay for. if price is your big concern by either one. if you want to get the best do a search on any woodworking site and you will find that sears is rated very low.. fein is one of the best out there and it is quiet.. all do the job. how you want to get the job done is up to you. from now on i buy the best even if i have to wait to be able to afford it

**Intercooled** · 11-25-2004, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by dschribs

Thanks Eliot & Intercooled..

However, I need one that hangs on the wall.

I know that Ridgid vac has a wall hanging unit for it. Thats the one that I requested. If I find a pic I will post it.

**imported_perry** · 11-25-2004, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by Intercooled

I reviewed the Craftsman vac and the Ridgid vac.

Both have the same size hose.

Ridgid has a 9.0 amp motor

Craftsman has a 8.5 amp motor ( hardly any difference)

Ridgid`s net weight is 12 lbs.

Craftsman`s net weight is 22lbs. ( Thats almost double the Ridgid) That might make a difference when your hauling it around.

Pretty sure they are both made by the Emerson Tool Company too.

**stilez** · 11-25-2004, 07:18 PM

I have the Sears one on the left.

I love it for 2 main reasons other than power...

1) It`s thin so therefore can fit in my trunk with other detailing supplies

2) The hose is long enough to plop in one place and vacuum an entire vehicle without moving the main piece.

**pocon1** · 11-25-2004, 07:58 PM

About the 29 dollar ridgid, how well does it fit into the back of an impreza wagon? I have a large (25 gallon) genie 6 hp. It seems to have plenty of power to clean and extract from carpets. But, it takes up my whole cargo area so I cannot fit anything else. Is the ridgid strong enough and small enough for me? It can`t be much louder than the one I have right now.

**Eliot Ness** · 11-25-2004, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by pocon1

About the 29 dollar ridgid, how well does it fit into the back of an impreza wagon? I have a large (25 gallon) genie 6 hp. It seems to have plenty of power to clean and extract from carpets. But, it takes up my whole cargo area so I cannot fit anything else. Is the ridgid strong enough and small enough for me? It can`t be much louder than the one I have right now.

Sorry, I don`t know anything about it except it looks like a good price and I think the sale is good thru Sat or Sun..

Best thing to do is swing by a HD and take a look at one. If you buy it and don`t like it I`m sure you can return it if it`s in good condition.

I`m thinking of picking one up as a spare for the garage. That way I can dedicate my current Shop Vac (with a bag filter) for dry pick-up and this new one for wet.

**pocon1** · 11-26-2004, 06:34 PM

Well my wife went and bought the 29 dollar ridgid today. So I tried it out on my beater mazda today. It worked well in pulling dry grassfrom out of the carpet. Obviously it did not pick up the woven through stuff, but when it hit a napkin it yanked it right through. I will try it for wet carpet extraction on a detail sunday. The size is nice, and it is quieter than my genie.