Opinions on wet dry vac?

**Davidle1787** · 10-06-2013, 06:50 PM

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a wet dry vac and I am trying to figure out what I should buy. I'm not trying to spend too much, I'm just a weekend warrior and sometimes do friends cars (not for free of course). Currently I'm debating between :

RIDGID 16 Gal. Wet/Dry Vac with Blower-WD1680 at The Home Depot

Shop Shop-Vac 16-Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Shop Vacuum at Lowes.com

I also thought of the LGM, but realized I think I could just put some elbow grease in with folex, a scrubber and just wet vac the carpet clean. I was also thinking of using it to dry my car...as a Metro Vac is very expensive lol.

Which one would you guys/gal choose? Or if you have any other opinions let me know. Thanks!

**jamesboyy** · 10-06-2013, 06:56 PM

Well i would pick Shop-Vac 16-Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Shop Vacuum from lowes because while the one in home depot is cheaper you are going to come out to the same price as the one from lowes

**Davidle1787** · 10-06-2013, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the input! Anyone else care to give their opinion? I also heard "Shop-Vac" has gone down in quality over the years...

**Davidle1787** · 10-06-2013, 07:42 PM

I suppose I shall also add the Powr-Flite PF51 to the mix. Anyone?

**AjNavo61490** · 10-06-2013, 07:56 PM

I have 2 rigid wet/dry vacs and LOVE THEM! Super powerful and reliable... I know this is not supposed to happen, but they've been rained on numberous times (open trailer) and no faults with them! One is about 5 years old and another is about a year old and no complaints whatsoever.

**Real Riders** · 10-06-2013, 08:32 PM

I worked at a Chrysler Dealership detailing cars for 20 yrs and we used Shop Vac and Craftsman. The Shop Vac didn't seem to last as long as the Craftsman so we mainly purchased 5 gallon Craftsman wet/dry vacs. The Craftsman always held up to the abuse of being used 6 days a week. -- Marc

**richy** · 10-06-2013, 08:42 PM

I wrote and did a video review on an amazing wet vac a few years ago and I still recommend it just as highly as I did then. I believe Sears is carrying them in the US now.

PF51-Wet-Dry-Vac-Review
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ad.php?t=35123

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**KS_Detailing** · 10-06-2013, 10:11 PM

I have the Rigid 6.5hp 16 gallon vac. Works really well for what its design for. I dont have the one with the blower though. I use my Metro Master Blaster to dry cars. I'm going to pick up the 4 gal 5hp vac also since its easier to transport.

I know the larger gallon vacs are meant for industrial use but it annoys me that all the attachments are large. They are not meant for cars. I ended up getting 2 hoses for extended length and buying all new attachments that are smaller in size for detailing interiors.

**epikls** · 10-06-2013, 11:14 PM

I would go with the rigid
it has two uses and lifetime warranty

**Davidle1787** · 10-06-2013, 11:34 PM

@AjNavo61490 - Lol. Good to know. Have you ever done wet vaccums.. perhaps using Folex and some agitation to lift stains out of carpets or seats?

@Real Riders - I actually have a Craftsman W/D vacuum, but it might be the 3HP peak one...total pos. lol. I know that Craftsman, Ridgid and Cobalt...possibly other companies utilize some similar parts at the factory... I'm trying to stray away from Craftsman, I have not had the best of luck with them. But, thank for option/opinion though!

richy - That's funny, you are the reason why I added the 51 to my list. I actually stumbled up your two reviews on Youtube as well as your post on AG. I'm really contemplating on purchasing the Powr-flite, but how well does it blow dry a car? I really want a AIO type of purchase. I was first considering getting a Ridgid and a Little Green Machine, but after reading throughout AG and Autopia... I might be better off with a Wet/Dry vac.

@04Golf - THat's one thing that bugs me as well. I really want that is compatible with auto detailing. I was considering on purchasing the "Premium Car Detail Kit" that ridgid sells at Home Depot. Which would tack on another 40. Putting it close to the Powr-Flite price.... Have you ever blow dried the car with the ridgid? If so, how was it?

epikls - I'm leaning towards the Ridgid... I wish I can see someone do a semi-deep clean on a stained carpet with the Ridgid though. I would like it to have better Extraction than the Little Green Monster, So I wouldn't have to worry if I run into a nasty carpet stain.

Thanks all! Keep 'em coming