Review: Shop Vac 5-Gallon Stainless Steel Wet-Dry Vacuum
If there's a mess in the shop, you need a reliable vacuum that's always handy. A stainless steel tank, casters that roll easily and a decent power cord all help.
The Shop Vac 5-Gallon wet/dry vacuum has all of those features.
The feature we liked most is the rear blower port. You can attach the hose to it to blow sawdust out of corners, and the exhaust points away from the area you're cleaning.
Here are the additional features you'll want to take a look at with this model.
- It sits on a dolly with casters, which gives it a stable base as you work.
- There is on-board storage for the cord and accessories. The cord wrap is basic but keeps things tidy.
- The motor is quiet enough for cleaning up a small, enclosed area.
- It uses a foam sleeve filter for wet messes and a dry filter for sawdust and debris. Swap the filter to match the job, since the wrong filter can clog or let fine dust through.
There is a top handle on this vacuum as well, which makes it easy to carry from site to site. It has steady suction and needs little maintenance beyond cleaning the filter.
Shop-Vac's current 5-gallon stainless model spec sheet lists a 7-foot, 1-1/4-inch hose, a rear blower port and a limited lifetime home-use warranty. Check the listing for the exact model and warranty you're buying, since specs vary by model.
Key Observations About the Shop Vac 5-Gallon Wet-Dry Vacuum
The 1-1/4-inch hose is the common size for small shop vacs, but it is narrower than the 2-1/2-inch hoses on many larger units. Large chips and wood scraps can clog it.
If the hose clogs, unplug the vacuum before clearing it. Pick up large scraps by hand and let the vacuum handle the fine debris.
Wood dust is a health hazard as well as a mess. OSHA links wood dust exposure to respiratory problems, so use a fine dust filter and wear a dust mask when cleaning up after sanding.
If you're looking for an affordable shop vacuum that will provide you with consistent suction, then this Shop Vac 5-gallon model is a good option to consider. It handles everyday shop messes well.
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