How effective are small hand held shop vacs

[spence]

Does anybody use one of these small hand held shop vacs to clean floor mats and seats inside the car and how effective are they?

Shop Shop-Vac 2.5-Gallon 2.5 HP-Peak HP Shop Vacuum at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_215726-20097-9302011_4294857473__?productId=3339728&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo)=

[davidg]

http://www.orsnasco.com/storefrontB2BWEB/ObjectServer?table=Images&id=34893&variant=Small+Product+Image&mime=image%2Fjpeg

That little guy right there blows away even my large shop vac. (the huge brother to the one you posted about)
I also have the little red shop vac that's about the same size as the grey/blue one and I can tell you it's pretty bad. Will only do super light jobs. If it's what you have then ok, but if you're in the market for a new vacuum I would look elsewhere. Metro is a magnificent company, I've played with a good many of their auto line products and they all go way above expectation.

[KS_Detailing]

I have this vac,

5hp
4 gal
light and easy to carry

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/e9afdba8-b9b0-459f-a6c6-98a749d4d32b_1000.jpg

[PA DETAILER]

Metro VAC N GO 500 Plus 3 Ft. Flexible Hose & Filters (http://www.autogeek.net/metro-vac-500-plus-hose.html)

this thing is a BEAST. do not let the small size fool you. i love mine.

i do have a full size shop vac also. but for everyday use, the VAC N GO can't be beat.

[Calendyr]

I used one for a while, different brand but same size.

They do a good job over all but here are the issues I had and why I decided to get a bigger model:

1. The hose is really short so you have to move the vacuum around a lot.

2. If the vacuum tips on it's side, dirt Inside the tank sticks to the filter Inside and blocks air flow. If that happens you have to stop the unit and let the dirt go back to the bottom of the tank... it's really annoying and it happens a lot.

3. The tank is really small, so if you are doing a job on a dirty car it might not be big enough.

4. In order to use it for wet work, you have to change the filter. I am not sure why they have a different filter for wet and on for dry but that is inconvenient. My big Rigid unit uses the same filter for both dry and wet, so that is a big plus.

5. The accessories are very limited. Doing the space between the console and the seat is complicated with these very small units.

So overall, I would say that if it's used for a personnal car that is kept clean, they would work rather well. It's conveniant that they are so small and cost very little. If you plan to use them in a professionnal capacity, I would go for something bigger. I switched to this model: https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/4-5-gallon-portable-vac and purchased the car kit that includes a long hose (10') and car accessories. Really happy with the switch.

[spence]

Thanks guys, it really helps to get the opinion of others before you buy. When I read the reviews of carpenters and detailers on Home Depot's web site they felt the lack of wheels was a plus (not banging into things (base boards, car, etc.) when they are dragging around a shop vac with wheels.

[Pureshine]

I have this vac,

5hp
4 gal
light and easy to carry

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/e9afdba8-b9b0-459f-a6c6-98a749d4d32b_1000.jpg

:iagree: I've had this one for 3 years best shop vac yet has lots of power and wouldn't buy anything else.

[BrandonS]

I recently bought the little craftsman from kmart/sears. it was 30 bucks and came with a wall mount. It has better suction than my tired rigid. No wheels and super light. You bring it in the car with you. I wish I would have bought a long time ago.

[custmsprty]

Metro VAC N GO 500 Plus 3 Ft. Flexible Hose & Filters (http://www.autogeek.net/metro-vac-500-plus-hose.html)

this thing is a BEAST. do not let the small size fool you. i love mine.

i do have a full size shop vac also. but for everyday use, the VAC N GO can't be beat.


:iagree:This vac is awesome!!! Best small handeheld I've ever owned. Get the micro cleaning tool kit and your good to go. Light weight super powerful for it's size. Be sure to order extra bags.

[thebamboo23]

Metro VAC N GO 500 Plus 3 Ft. Flexible Hose & Filters (http://www.autogeek.net/metro-vac-500-plus-hose.html)

this thing is a BEAST. do not let the small size fool you. i love mine.

i do have a full size shop vac also. but for everyday use, the VAC N GO can't be beat.


x2

thing is beast. super small, not noisy, bunch of attachments, etc

[custmsprty]

The Vac-n-Blo 500 Kit

[artofdetailing]

I have this vac,

5hp
4 gal
light and easy to carry

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/e9afdba8-b9b0-459f-a6c6-98a749d4d32b_1000.jpg

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