How to Buy a Shop Vac

A Shop Vac is a lightweight portable vacuum cleaner. The industrial or residential strength vacuum is unique because it can pick up wet or dry material. The Shop Vac also comes with a long hose that has changeable attachments to get to the most difficult areas. There are a variety of options available on the Shop Vac, so here are some ideas to choose the right Shop Vac for your project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the use of the Shop Vac so you can choose the right capacity Shop Vac for your job. The Shop Vac comes in a 1.5 gallon capacity tank, a 55 gallon capacity tank, and several sizes in between. The 1.5 gallon tank is considered a "take anywhere" vacuum. It is small and compact and has the same 18 foot hose as the other Shop Vac's. The larger 55 gallon capacity Shop Vac is used for industrial and commercial use. There are several tank capacities in between for anything from cleaning a car interior to cleaning water out of a flooded basement.

2. Select a price range. Many Shop Vac's can be used for the same job. The difference is that the owner will need to empty the machine more often. Have a price range in mind and stick to it. The 4 gallon capacity tank has many of the same features as the 5.5 gallon Shop Vac. The difference is 1.5 gallons, which isn't much if you are willing to empty more often.

3. Decide which features you want on the Shop Vac. The less expensive machines are considered "extra quiet" while the medium Shop Vac's are only "quiet." The hose sizes may vary from Shop Vac to Shop Vac, but most are 18 feet long. Choose a machine with a blower or without. The blower reverses the direction of the machine. Instead of sucking things in, the blower ejects them.

4. Choose accessories if you will use the machine as an ordinary vacuum. Choose filters if needed for projects like woodworking where there is a lot of dust. Choose all the features you need and then comparison shop on Shop Vac's website.