Vacuum for the weekender

[Astouffer512]

Looking for some information and recommendations on a vacuum for a weekend detailer.

I like the look of the metro’s and Etc but as a weekend guy non-pro I do not need to spend that much on a vacuum

Any good shop vac type recommendations? Or just other recommendations

I do know when we have a house I would like to instal a central vac for a garage / basement system.....but that’s a year away or more at least

So I’m the mean time recommendations from fellow Autopian’s? It would have to be portable / movable. I don’t have anywhere to park inside so I will be doing to interior sweeping outside with an extension cord

Thank you


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[Fishroes]

Any shop vac will do
The bigger ones have a bigger wand which may or may not get in certain spots
I have a smaller shark vac with a smaller wand that gets in spots the big one wont
I have the sears 5.5 hp 13 gal
This one looks pretty good for the price from Sam’s club
Also it helps to brush the carpet as you’re vacuuming
IMAGE FOR COMPETITOR’S AD REMOVED


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[Astouffer512]

Would a wet / dry be the better option for doing some light carpet cleaning? Meaning will the wet function help in sucking up any extra water? I’m not planning on soaking my carpets by any means but spaying a cleaner in the carpets, scrubbing, mopping up up with a micro-fiber, the. Using the sho oval to help soak up any extra?


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[tom p.]

[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Tahoma,Calibri,Geneva,sans-serif]A, the next time you visit Home Depot, look at the Ridgid WD3050 vac. It`s got tremendous suction and is small/compact. You`ll just need an extension cord for it.[/FONT]

 

[dcjredline]

A smaller hose model will help you get into the tight spaces of car interiors, usually they dont have the suction youd want. Even though its $200+ Id still lobby for the VacNBlo from Metro. It just kicks assssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.

Otherwise a shop vac with a hose smaller than 2" would be second fiddle.

 

[Accumulator]

I guess I`m an outlier on this one:

FWIW I hardly ever use any of my ShopVacs, doing 99.9% of my Detailing-related vacuuming (shop, vehicles, etc.) with an old household canister vac from the `90s. Works fine, and if I need to suck up something wet I use one of the extractors.

I know a lot of folks have the wall-mounted ones, or the Metros (which I`m sure are really good), but I have zero interest in upgrading as I see no need at all.

ShopVacs are available used for pennies on the dollar and used household vacuums are often really inexpensive too.

EDIT: Don`t you have to check the amperage of your circuit for the twin-motor Metros? I know I have to plug the two cords of my extractor into separate circuits...

 

[JSFM35X]

My twin metro required a 20 amp dedicated circuit.

I guess I`m an outlier on this one:

FWIW I hardly ever use any of my ShopVacs, doing 99.9% of my Detailing-related vacuuming (shop, vehicles, etc.) with an old household canister vac from the `90s. Works fine, and if I need to suck up something wet I use one of the extractors.

I know a lot of folks have the wall-mounted ones, or the Metros (which I`m sure are really good), but I have zero interest in upgrading as I see no need at all.

ShopVacs are available used for pennies on the dollar and used household vacuums are often really inexpensive too.

EDIT: Don`t you have to check the amperage of your circuit for the twin-motor Metros? I know I have to plug the two cords of my extractor into separate circuits...

 

[Billy Jack]

I did some extensive searching for a wet/dry vac last year when I decided to replace my old, bulky Craftsman unit and found some interesting results. The commonly advertised number in consumer vacs is HP, which measures the peak power of the motor, but doesn`t really indicate how much air it moves or the level of suction. The more relevant numbers are CFM (cubic feet/minute), which measures the volume of air moved and sealed pressure or water lift, which measures the relative suction power.
The clear winner in both categories were the units from Powr Flite, a commercial vac company, but they`re also rather pricey, around $200. Second place in specs, and very reasonably priced, was the Vacmaster Beast line, such as the one in Fishroe`s post #2. Desiring a more portable size, I bought the similar unit in a 5 gallon size at Home Depot, LLINK REMOVED and have been well pleased with my choice. It comes with a 7 ft. 1 7/8" hose. Desiring a longer 1 1/4" hose, I also bought the Rigid Auto Detailing kit, also at HD, which includes a durable 10 ft. hose and numerous attachments. A bit of sanding of the inside of the vac`s intake port allowed me easy interchangeability between both hoses. After a year of use, I`m still well pleased with the performance as both a detailing tool and a household shop vac.

Bill

 

[Accumulator]

My twin metro required a 20 amp dedicated circuit.

Thanks for confirming that.

 

[Astouffer512]

I did some extensive searching for a wet/dry vac last year when I decided to replace my old, bulky Craftsman unit and found some interesting results. The commonly advertised number in consumer vacs is HP, which measures the peak power of the motor, but doesn`t really indicate how much air it moves or the level of suction. The more relevant numbers are CFM (cubic feet/minute), which measures the volume of air moved and sealed pressure or water lift, which measures the relative suction power.
The clear winner in both categories were the units from Powr Flite, a commercial vac company, but they`re also rather pricey, around $200. Second place in specs, and very reasonably priced, was the Vacmaster Beast line, such as the one in Fishroe`s post #2. Desiring a more portable size, I bought the similar unit in a 5 gallon size at Home Depot, LINK REMOVED and have been well pleased with my choice. It comes with a 7 ft. 1 7/8" hose. Desiring a longer 1 1/4" hose, I also bought the Rigid Auto Detailing kit, also at HD, which includes a durable 10 ft. hose and numerous attachments. A bit of sanding of the inside of the vac`s intake port allowed me easy interchangeability between both hoses. After a year of use, I`m still well pleased with the performance as both a detailing tool and a household shop vac.

Bill

Thank you for that link...I wish I had a home depot close by but I don`t. Well, an hour away, but within 15 minutes I have a lowes and Harbor Freight

I see this model at Harbor Frieght. Has a CFM of 75 and a blower function....will I use the blower function? Or how useful is the blower function on a shop vac?
I`ll assume attachments for it are just possibly a means of modifying them to fit?

Can the wet function with 75 CFM suck excess water / cleaner from carpets and seats effectively?

Link Removed

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[quebert]

If you have any Ryobi tools and already have batteries, they make an awesome 18v vac that`s shaped like a tool box. It doesn`t work as good as my Metro, but it was way cheaper and works as a wet vac too.

 

[Accumulator]

....will I use the blower function? Or how useful is the blower function on a shop vac?

For non-critical/Detailing stuff it might be OK, but I`d never use it as a vacuum *and* as a blower for the vehicles for fear of contaminants.

FWIW, I`ve only used a shopvac as a blower once in my life (maybe 30 years ago), just to see what I thought of it. You can guess what the verdict was...since I never did it again

I`ll assume attachments for it are just possibly a means of modifying them to fit?

I bet most of the vacuum attachments I use in the shop have some kind of adaptor/modification to make `em fit on the vacuums/extractors I use.

Can the wet function with 75 CFM suck excess water / cleaner from carpets and seats effectively?

I`d *GUESS* it`ll be OK with a narrow-orifice nozzle. Even my wimpiest little extractor does pretty OK with the right thing on the end of its hose.

BUT...the "for replacement filter, contact customer service" note in that ad would give me pause...I`d sure look into that before you buy it, just in case it takes some proprietary filter that`s hard to get. When you need one, sometimes you really *NEED IT NOW*.

 

[Astouffer512]

For non-critical/Detailing stuff it might be OK, but I`d never use it as a vacuum *and* as a blower for the vehicles for fear of contaminants.

FWIW, I`ve only used a shopvac as a blower once in my life (maybe 30 years ago), just to see what I thought of it. You can guess what the verdict was...since I never did it again



I bet most of the vacuum attachments I use in the shop have some kind of adaptor/modification to make `em fit on the vacuums/extractors I use.


I`d *GUESS* it`ll be OK with a narrow-orifice nozzle. Even my wimpiest little extractor does pretty OK with the right thing on the end of its hose.

BUT...the "for replacement filter, contact customer service" note in that ad would give me pause...I`d sure look into that before you buy it, just in case it takes some proprietary filter that`s hard to get. When you need one, sometimes you really *NEED IT NOW*.

For non-critical/Detailing stuff it might be OK, but I`d never use it as a vacuum *and* as a blower for the vehicles for fear of contaminants.

FWIW, I`ve only used a shopvac as a blower once in my life (maybe 30 years ago), just to see what I thought of it. You can guess what the verdict was...since I never did it again

In regards to the blower function and using compressed / forced air on the interior. Is it standard practice to sweep first or use compressed / forced air to move particulate to the carpet area and then sweep?

I bet most of the vacuum attachments I use in the shop have some kind of adaptor/modification to make `em fit on the vacuums/extractors I use.


I`d *GUESS* it`ll be OK with a narrow-orifice nozzle. Even my wimpiest little extractor does pretty OK with the right thing on the end of its hose.

BUT...the "for replacement filter, contact customer service" note in that ad would give me pause...I`d sure look into that before you buy it, just in case it takes some proprietary filter that`s hard to get. When you need one, sometimes you really *NEED IT NOW*.

Again I should have been more clear. I tend to type faster than I am thinking most times...i won`t not plan to actually have the seats or carpets / mats wet - more damp to the touch. With stating that does a wet purpose version of a shop vac have to auction to aid in "drying" the damp to touch feel?


I also did some looking at my local lowes yesterday afternoon at the shopvac`s they have in stock. To my amazement and disappointment none of the units had CFM listed anywhere on the packaging that I could find. I did however find on the shop vac website where they have a partner page listed and found the model I was considering at my local lowes.
This unit has 150 CFM. Some complaints I saw on lowes reviews was availability of filter bags, but a search on Amazon shows the readily available. I think I have a Christmas idea for someone now


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[Billy Jack]

Thank you for that link...I wish I had a home depot close by but I don`t. Well, an hour away, but within 15 minutes I have a lowes and Harbor Freight

I see this model at Harbor Frieght. Has a CFM of 75 and a blower function....will I use the blower function? Or how useful is the blower function on a shop vac?
I`ll assume attachments for it are just possibly a means of modifying them to fit?

Can the wet function with 75 CFM suck excess water / cleaner from carpets and seats effectively?
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By comparison, the Vacmaster specs are 102 cfm for the 5 gallon and 143 cfm for the 12 gal.
Personally, I`ve never found a shop vacuum blower to be of any value, just not powerful enough.
Also, HD offers free shipping.

Bill

 

[dcjredline]

In regards to the blower function and using compressed / forced air on the interior. Is it standard practice to sweep first or use compressed / forced air to move particulate to the carpet area and then sweep?



Again I should have been more clear. I tend to type faster than I am thinking most times...i won`t not plan to actually have the seats or carpets / mats wet - more damp to the touch. With stating that does a wet purpose version of a shop vac have to auction to aid in "drying" the damp to touch feel?


I also did some looking at my local lowes yesterday afternoon at the shopvac`s they have in stock. To my amazement and disappointment none of the units had CFM listed anywhere on the packaging that I could find. I did however find on the shop vac website where they have a partner page listed and found the model I was considering at my local lowes.
This unit has 150 CFM. Some complaints I saw on lowes reviews was availability of filter bags, but a search on Amazon shows the readily available. I think I have a Christmas idea for someone now


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Which one? Come on help some others out who may have the same question in the future

 

[Lonnie]

I will add my 2-cents about using a shop vac as a water extractor when cleaning fabric or carpets: DON`T DO IT! While many shop vacs are indeed wet/dry and can be used to suck up water, it is better if you use a dedicated extractor, even if it an inexpensive (AKA, cheap) one like the Bissel Little Green Machine.

I have a 10-year-old (Wow, time flies) Sear`s Craftsmen 6 Peak Horsepower- 16 gallon shop vac with a 2-1/2" hose and various attachments that works well for me as a hobbyist. I liked Craftsmen because they were (past tense) a good value (not overly-expensive) and readily available. However, with Sears/Kmart demise as a viable retailer store (both have closed in the Green Bay area, sad to say) and the selling of its Craftsmen name to Stanley Tool, I can still find filters and hose attachments at retailers like Lowe`s or Ace Hardware (albeit at hardware store prices).

So when this one gives out, the suggestions I see in this thread will need to be given some thought and consideration.

A good (or great) vacuum is an essential tool in detailing, and it is one of those frequently asked question in this forum, "What is the best shop vac for my needs?" It also goes without saying, "What can you afford?" and "You get what you pay for."

Also, if you power any shop vac with an extension cord, make sure it is the 12-gauge wire type and not some a light 16 or 20 gauge (AWG), especially if it is 50 feet long! They really put a crimp on electric motor`s life expectancy if used for an extended time, like 2-hours of continuous use in warm weather.

 

[Accumulator]

In regards to the blower function and using compressed / forced air on the interior. Is it standard practice to sweep first or use compressed / forced air to move particulate to the carpet area and then sweep?

I only do the blowing with floormats, and I take them out of the vehicle and usually also *out of the shop*. I vacuum first, and generally find that`s sufficient and the blowing isn`t called for anyhow, but every now and then I do blow them off and re-vacuum.

Maybe somebody who uses the compressed air/etc. approach will chime in; I just don`t do that the way others do (e.g., blowing dust back into dash vents, blowing stuff out from under seats) as I don`t want to stir up dust/etc. and have it go...wherever it wants (only to need cleaned up from *there* afterwards). Although yeah, I will do it on a new-to-me vehicle during the initial Big Detail if it`s necessary. It`s hardly ever necessary after that as long as I don`t slack off with the regular tidying (every interior gets vacummed pretty regularly, like at least weekly; I do the dog-haulers every time I use them for that).

..i won`t not plan to actually have the seats or carpets / mats wet - more damp to the touch. With stating that does a wet purpose version of a shop vac have to auction to aid in "drying" the damp to touch feel?

Not really IME, but then maybe I quit doing it before you would. Once things are "merely a little damp" I`m usually done. But other than the mats I hardly ever do that degree of cleaning as again, it`s just not necessary. If I were driving a cloth-upholstered Work Truck to job sites every day that`d sure be different, but our interiors just don`t get dirty enough to need it.

..[I gotta consider the ]..availability of filter bags, but a search on Amazon shows the readily available..

Some of the generic vacuum bags I got from an online retailer are at least as good, sometimes better, than the name-brand ones.

 

[Accumulator]

I will add my 2-cents about using a shop vac as a water extractor when cleaning fabric or carpets: DON`T DO IT! While many shop vacs are indeed wet/dry and can be used to suck up water, it is better if you use a dedicated extractor, even if it an inexpensive (AKA, cheap) one like the Bissel Little Green Machine...

While I do tend to just use an extractor for such stuff, I gotta say that some of my extractors are functionally identical to my wet/dry vacuums. Like...there`s simply zero difference other than the labels on them. Those Craftsman shopvacs that I generally *don`t* use for this actually work better than my oldest Bissel, and before their "Carpet Extraction Accessory Kit" broke in a terminal way, it was one of the best (single motor) carpet extractors I`d ever used.

..I have a 10-year-old (Wow, time flies) Sear`s Craftsmen 6 Peak Horsepower- 16 gallon shop vac with a 2-1/2" hose and various attachments that works well for me as a hobbyist...So when this one gives out, the suggestions I see in this thread will need to be given some thought and consideration..

Heh heh, it might never give out. I`ve yet to kill a Craftsman shopvac and all of mine are well over 20YO, one is from the `80s and it still works like new. I figure that swapping out the filters regularly when using it in "Dry" mode helps. In "Wet" mode I try to remember to put some liquid in it *before* use to hopefully capture some dirt that would otherwise make its way into the motor (mine generally don`t use filters for Wet).

Heh heh, when I consolidated my old shop and stuff from my dad`s estate into my current place, I auctioned off some extra shopvacs and I still ended up with four of `em! No reason to "keep some spares for when one dies" since they never do die!

..
Also, if you power any shop vac with an extension cord, make sure it is the 12-gauge wire type and not some a light 16 or 20 gauge (AWG), especially if it is 50 feet long!

Props for posting that! Using a proper (i.e., nice and thick) gauge extension cord is a topic that gets little attention here. For my Extractors/Garage Vacs I use a really thick gauge cord made for things like Washing Machines, something I can also use for the Steamer/etc. It`s not a 4 or anything, but it`s bigger than a 12.

 

[Accumulator]

Oh, and IMO everybody oughta have one of those "micro attachment" kits with the little nozzles/brushes/etc. I use mine all the time, both in the shop and in the house. I taped up some of the vent holes for more suction...which is undoubtedly very hard on the vacuums` motors, but again, zero issues and I`ve been using that stuff for decades.

 

[dcjredline]

Ive had my Craftsman shop vac since the 90s also.

I would like further discussion why a Bissel little green machine would be better than a shop vac at extracting? I would disagree. I had a LGM and it DIDNT suck (which for an extractor is bad) any where near as well as my old faithful shop vac does. I generally do not soak vehicle carpets down and extract them BUT I do the carpeted floor mats ALL THE TIME with the shop vac extract and it works awesome.