compact shop vac - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

72chevy4x4 · 03-15-2009, 03:11 PM

I had researched vacuum's for site work-something small and easy to carry around. Ended up getting the dewalt 2 gallon unit in part b/c it uses a HEPA filter. It has very poor suction, blew a fuse and going back. Ended up with a Rigid Propack-a little suitcase looking vacuum with tons of suction power, a large hose and storage area for the cord, hose and attachments, all for the same cost as the Dewalt. It doesn't have the ability to run off a battery as does the Dewalt, but tons of suction is more important for moving the job along! both units were $99

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/WD4550-P...k/EN/index.htm

mrmike · 03-15-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72chevy4x4

I had researched vacuum's for site work-something small and easy to carry around. Ended up getting the dewalt 2 gallon unit in part b/c it uses a HEPA filter. It has very poor suction, blew a fuse and going back. Ended up with a Rigid Propack-a little suitcase looking vacuum with tons of suction power, a large hose and storage area for the cord, hose and attachments, all for the same cost as the Dewalt. It doesn't have the ability to run off a battery as does the Dewalt, but tons of suction is more important for moving the job along! both units were $99

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/WD4550-P...k/EN/index.htm

I have a Rigid like this & it is very powerful & it doesn't take up much room in my van. It doesn;t hold alot but I was never a fan of those monster ones that got so heavy to empty & take room to store. I've got one of those in my garage & never use it because its so damn big & hard to get out. This rigid guy is the cat's meow!

Winchester · 03-15-2009, 04:35 PM

That's very nice. I've been wanting to buy a smaller one for a little while.

BuildingHomes · 03-15-2009, 04:57 PM

Wow! That's a nice one and has more power than my Eureak Toolbox Vac.

Five Star · 03-15-2009, 07:25 PM

this vac is awsome i bought it when it first came out. it was $99 back then. worth every penny

Inner10 · 03-19-2009, 11:47 AM

I just got the little ridgid to replace my big ridgid that kicked the bucket a few months ago, I love it! Keep the filter clean, that little bugger plugs up fast and be very careful with the hose...if you bend it its shot.

Tinstaafl · 03-19-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72chevy4x4

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/WD4550-P...k/EN/index.htm

I've had one of those for about three or four years. Fits great in the truck with its rectangular shape, and while I've used more powerful vacs, it's quite good for its size. Another great thing about it is that it's tough enough to stand on when you need that little bit of extra reach.

My only druthers would be for a longer hose and a wand, though you can pick those up separately (I think). Hasn't been enough of an issue for me to go shopping for them.

neolitic · 03-19-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinstaafl

I've had one of those for about three or four years. Fits great in the truck with its rectangular shape, and while I've used more powerful vacs, it's quite good for its size. Another great thing about it is that it's tough enough to stand on when you need that little bit of extra reach.

My only druthers would be for a longer hose and a wand, though you can pick those up separately (I think). Hasn't been enough of an issue for me to go shopping for them.

I got the wands, nice not to have
to bend over so much.
It's great that it packs and stacks,
but the best part is....
it's a great place to sit down!

Tinstaafl · 03-19-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

but the best part is....
it's a great place to sit down!

You sit down?!?

My boss is a real jerk; he won't let me do that.

'Course I--uh, he's only 59. I guess you old guys deserve a break.

plazaman · 03-19-2009, 06:27 PM

hows the suction? i need something for my home. No lie, we have a lab in the house the hair is really getting to me. I usally bring my 6.5 HP ridgid or my 5 HP ridgid 3 times a week just a deep clean and a regular vac everyday. 1 of those household broom vac. would this be able to pickup the pet hair? the 5hp works fine.

Tinstaafl · 03-19-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plazaman

hows the suction? i need something for my home. No lie, we have a lab in the house the hair is really getting to me.

Well, it's 5 HP. As long as you keep the filter clean, it's pretty darn good. Gunks up fast with stuff like drywall dust, though.

I have a yellow Lab and three cats; I DO know what you mean.

Skip Borders · 03-19-2009, 07:37 PM

I was looking at the Dewalt because it works both corded and on the 18v battery.

I thought that the more tools that share the same battery the better, but you guys think the ridgid is better?

SLSTech · 03-19-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Borders

I was looking at the Dewalt because it works both corded and on the 18v battery.

I thought that the more tools that share the same battery the better, but you guys think the ridgid is better?

The Rigid one is great - you can get an inverter if you need to use it in an area w/o power or a broom

Besides with my luck with Dewalts batteries lately, it would die within a minute of use

Tinstaafl · 03-19-2009, 08:00 PM

Skip, it all depends on how you're going to be using it.

I'm all for having a battery job for those quick little shavings-in-the-corner cleanups, but (1) there's no way you're going to get the same suction out of one of those as with one of the larger AC-only jobs, and (2) on those occasions that you need extended runtime, you'll be eating multiple batteries [well okay, not with that DeWalt].

In a perfect world I'd carry one of each, but with limited space the corded version, with its extra power and capacity wins for me.

olyteddy · 03-19-2009, 08:22 PM

I've been using my 2 gallon Craftsman (gifted myself with it for Father's day some years ago) and it's often the first tool out of the truck. I especially use it a lot for plumbing tasks (emptying the sink before unclogging the disposer, getting the water out of the toilet before pulling it, sucking up the slop from a leak, etc.) but it also makes a pretty good little blower for cleaning heaters, fans, fridge coils and what-not.