( 7 reviews )
-
Posted: Mar 20 2009
I purchased the 5-gallon, 5.5HP blue and gray version of this vac from Lowes. Seems that in many instances, Shop Vac simply changes the color of the plastic used according to the specific major retailer selling the vacuums. They do, however, offer units that appear identical but with 4.5HP and 6.5HP ratings. First of all, when evaluating wet/dry vacuums, it's essential to remeber that the HP or Horsepower rating of the motor does NOT necessarily translate into superior suction or actual performance. Basically, the "sealed pressure" number in inches, i.e. how far up a marked tube in inches that the vac will lift a column of water, and the vac's decibel rating are far more telling of a vacuum's suction performance and ease of use. This vac's SP number is 59 according to the information published on the manufacturer's website. Very respectable for sure - and adequate for homeowners and weekend warriors - but nothing to brag about with regard to contractors, considering that Shop Vac offers other wet/dry vacs with "sealed pressure" ratings of 80, 90 and even 107 inches. Yes, more expensive but perhaps well worth it depending upon your needs. As the filter gets clogged and/or the bag is filled through normal use, that SP number is reduced and suction at the end of the hose progressively falls off. Shop Vac does not publish actual decibel ratings and this particular vacuum is rather loud for its size. They prefer to use descriptors such as "Quiet Plus", Super Quiet" and "Super Quiet Plus" but that says little about actual noise. As for suction and cleaning up normal debris, it's pretty good BUT the vac's suction deteriorates as the tank is even moderately filled. Because the vacuum is smaller in height, the filter sits very, very close to the bottom of the tank and, as the tank is filled, more of the filter's surface is obstructed by the incoming debris. So, you have to pay attention and empty the tank more frequently than you would with a larger tub vacuum. The 1-1/2" hose that the vac comes with is nice for routine messes but it's much more of a pain with larger pieces of debris that get hung up at the end of the hose just inside the tank wall. As an example, larger paint chips, caulk remnants, paper and leaves can collect immediately inside the hose end as it enters the tank. Also, 1-1/2" accessories are NOT readily available. You have to look around for them and they're usually available only as part of a larger kit which is not cheap. This vac's built-in tool holder does NOT hold the two tools it comes shipped with securely enough and I had to use straps with Velcro to keep them from regularly falling off the holder. Also, the hose, if left connected to the vac and wrapped around it on those useless clips, makes it bulky and a bit awkward to store inside a vehicle without the hose repeatedly coming undone. I ended up buying the Shop Vac 2-1/2" lock-on hose to reduce my frustration with picking up larger debris and stowage inside my vehicle. There is a plethora of 2-1/2" accessories readily available including adapters down to the more common 1-1/4". I liked the idea of a vac that could use filter bags, including ones specifically for drywall dust, BUT because of the filter's diameter and the smaller, squat tank, the bags are run snugly around the filter and along the tank's inner wall and therefore useful only for debris that will not accumulate at the hose's end which is also the bag's opening. Small leaves and larger debris easily thwart any practical use of bags. I found that using filter bags only contributed further to my frustration as I used the vacuum. All-in-all, it's a decent wet/dry vac for the non-professional and occasional user BUT I do not believe that it's worthy of being touted as a "contractor" vac. There are simply too many legitimate shortcomings for the busy professional to have to work around on-the-job. A "contractor" should not have to be so conscientious about using a wet/dry vacuum.
-
( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 8 2008
Good for when you want to carry it around. I sometimes as a precursor to my HEPA vac to get up the bigger stuff. It is good for getting up pet hair so that you don't waste your HEPA bags although doesn't work as well getting up hair as my Kenmore Progressive does. Nice and light and good for carrying around and for doing stairs and walls and such. For powerful big jobs though I use my monster Shopvac with wheels.
-
( 4 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 8 2008
The first time I tried this I rated it a four. Now after using it for awhile (or trying) I realize it doesn't get much up. It is great when you are tired because it is light. Good for hard floors. But not much good on carpet. Doesn't have the power of a big shop vac and it doesn't come with a real vacuum cleaner attachment. Not much good at sucking up pet hair off the carpets which I hoped for. Very light though for those days when I don't want to drag around my weighty cumbersome upright Kenmore Progressive. I originally rated this four stars, but after using realized that although its lightness is wonderful, the fact that it doesn't have enough power to do much is a problem. Good for quick jobs though but only on hard surfaces. I tried to change my star rating by editing but I guess Amazon does not permit me to edit that. Sorry folks.
