craftsman wet/dry vac 5.0 hp

**roadchief** · 09-07-2003, 01:11 PM

i`m looking for a good vac for detailing, only for my own cars. does this seem like a good choice? its on sale with car cleaning kit thrown in http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00917939000

thanks for all the great advice on this site:up

**imported_memnuts** · 09-07-2003, 03:59 PM

I have the older model of this Vac ( very durable) and I not only use it for interior cleaning ( excellent suction for deep cleaning) but also for the garage floor and out-door hot tub prepping ( do not use year around), and cleaning lower gutters on house and garage.

It is hard to go wrong with Craftsman. :wavey

**Mr. Clean** · 09-07-2003, 04:09 PM

blkZ28Conv,

Just curious, do you use the 2 1/2" or 1 1/4" accessories when using it on your interiors? I read on this forum that the 2 1/2 accessories really improved performance. Your take on that?

Reasoning behind this line of questioning is that the similarly configured HD Rigid model has only the 2 1/2" accessories which appear a bit more cumbersome (especially the crevice tool), but the lifetime warranty on the Rigid is tempting.

**kbshadow** · 09-07-2003, 04:33 PM

I have that one, for about a year, really works great, does not tip over like most of them, also has a blower that is powerful.

I have used both hoses and both work about the same but the little one is eaiser to use.

Bob

Stockton Ca

**imported_Aurora40** · 09-07-2003, 05:25 PM

I also have that same vac, but in 75th anniversary trim. It`s great and very powerful while still being pretty small. Mine also came with the car kit. I use it as the 1 1/4" hose is easier to use around the car. I imagine the smaller hose has a higher velocity of air pulling in, but ultimately pulls less air. The increased velocity might be better for pulling stuff up in a car, though. I find it works great.

With the 2 1/2" hose and attachments, you can vacuum a larger area quicker though. That would be better if you were vacuuming out the garage or something. Since you get both, try them both out and see what you think.

**JimS** · 09-07-2003, 09:15 PM

I like the Craftsman vac w/detatchable blower. Very handy to have.

**CwestinFD** · 09-07-2003, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by JimS

I like the Craftsman vac w/detatchable blower. Very handy to have.

I agree who needs a leaf blower for drying cars off anymore!:xyxthumbs

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00917038000

**imported_memnuts** · 09-08-2003, 05:00 AM

2.5 inch and 12 gallons.

Lifetime warranty on the Rigid!! Even though I am completely pleased with my Craftman`s it is hard to beat a lifetime warranty from a good company (LOWES). If they are equal power (5hp) and size (12 gallons) go with the Rigid unless someone has had a bad experience with this vac.

**kg/cmÂ²** · 09-08-2003, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by blkZ28Conv

2.5 inch and 12 gallons.

Lifetime warranty on the Rigid!! Even though I am completely pleased with my Craftman`s it is hard to beat a lifetime warranty from a good company (LOWES). If they are equal power (5hp) and size (12 gallons) go with the Rigid unless someone has had a bad experience with this vac.

that`s the vac that i purchased at HD...awesome sucking power...the lifetime warranty is what sold me...

**roadchief** · 09-12-2003, 03:59 PM

Thanks to everyone for your replys, i picked up the craftsman vac and so far am very happy with it. great sucking power.it came with the 1 1/4 and 2 1/2 hoses and a lot of attachments.the only thing i didnt like was that all the attachments were hard plastic,so i bought a dusting brush attachment to vac my leather seats and console. i also got the micro attachments that are great for little nooks and crannys.i got micro attachments at home depot, a few bucks less than sears for the same item. i was there to look at the ridgid vac.the sears came with more attachments and i have had great luck with craftsman stuff

**kbshadow** · 09-14-2003, 12:03 AM

One other thing that worked for me.

I made an adapter to hook the two hoses together, that way you can do the whole car without dragging the unit around.

Bob

**Mtnsummit** · 10-02-2003, 05:55 PM

I picked up a Craftsman 6.5 HP Wet Vac, 16 gallon, on sale for $109.99 at Sears, comes with car cleaning attachments. If you join the Craftsman Tool club (one phone call, no sales gimmicks) you can take another 10% off, so I actually got it for $99.00. They even took the 10% before I "joined", as you have to call a 800# to join. I did this when I got home. So for Sears to give the discount before I "officially" joined I thought was pretty cool.

Can`t wait to try it out. No more coin ops.

**imported_chewy** · 10-09-2003, 06:39 AM

I have the Craftsman--it has been one of the best things I have purchased in a long time--moved into a new home and it came in very handy when we removed all the wall paper and had to refinish hardwood floors. It was a lifesaver when we had a hard rain and my sump pump died. As for the car--the 2 1/2" hose is a little hard to manuver--thinking about getting the 1 1/4" for automotive use.

**jeremyp111** · 10-09-2003, 08:00 AM

I`m a firm believer in Craftsman products and am in the opinion that you can`t go wrong with their products. I`ve seen that vac at Sears and it sure looks like it`s a well built vac and certainly worth the money. I ended up with a Rigid (Home Depot) 3.5HP 9 gal. unit for $49 and bought the 1 1/4" car accessory kit for $19. It`s worked well for me and certainly seems to be powerful enough using the 1 1/4" hose (which attaches directly to the unit or to the end of the larger hose to make a really long hose)

just my $0.02

Jeremy