Metro Vacs

I have a Metro Vac and it's a very powerful, easy to use tool. I wouldn't tackle a filthy car with it except for the final swipe, but I never have a filthy car.:Dancing Dot: Too much debris will fill the bag quickly.

When I bought it, I installed a dedicated 20 Amp GFCI circuit for it. The existing GFCI outlet was already loaded with air compressor, radio and landscape lighting and lawn sprinkler timers.

As Bunky says, if the circuit is already loaded, most high performance tools will trip it.
 
I actually just bought a smaller Ridgid shop-vac dedicated to car vacuuming. I also bought the car care kit, which has a longer hose, and nozzles good for car cleaning. All for around $110.

I haven't used the METRO, so I can't compare, I just know that this works fine for me so far.
 
I've had good luck with mine. It's nice to get in those tight spots and helps when drying off the car. The only problem I had was one of the braces for the wheels broke. I just gave it a little weld and it's good as new.

It runs a little hot, but the unit is metal. Noise isn't bad at all and the blower is really strong. It's the smaller vac n' blow model. I've had it for about a year now. I still use a normal shop vac for all the wet stuff and nasty vans.
 
I love my Metrovac because it is tiny! Which given the lack of space I have for detailing means a lot, I have never ever felt like I didn't have enough lift to get the job done!
 
How big is your air compressor? You would be better off with a dedicated circuit for just the compressor that is not GFCI.
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NO. The local building code requires outdoor and garage electrical outlets to be GFCI. In fact, mine were installed GFCI at the main breaker, not an add-on outlet in the garage.

The compressor is a portable compressor which disqualifies it. If it was permanent, I could get away with no GFCI.

NEC:
210-8(A) Dwelling units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, and 20- ampere receptacles installed in locations specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages and accessory buildings that have a floor at or below grade not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.
Exception No.1 to (2): Receptacles that are not readily accessible (Ceiling or out of reach on wall)
Exception No.2 to (2): A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within a dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord and plug connected.

I personally abide by the NEC, and my insurance company requires proof of GFCI where required by NEC.
 
th0001 said:
I love my Metrovac because it is tiny! Which given the lack of space I have for detailing means a lot, I have never ever felt like I didn't have enough lift to get the job done!
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my point exactly, I think you and me both know what its like getting a vac in the back of a little wagon :wink:
 
I've had my little Vac N Blo for about 4 years now and it has seen some battles and is still rockin'. I've dropped it many many times and it seems to be indestructable. PLENTY of suck power provided you keep it cleaned out. I also love it's compact size.

I will absolutely replace this unit if mine ever dies completely (unlikely).
 
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