Wet Dry Vacuum Comparison
Wet Dry Vacuum Comparison Guide
If you are getting ready to purchase a wet-dry vacuum, this comparison may help you. Your final decision may be based upon the size of the unit, accessories included and price. For the most part, wet-dry vacuums are fairly simple . They have minimal moving parts. The electric motor and air impeller represent the primary mechanical components. Yes, I know the caster type wheels move as well, but they are simple moving parts.
To the best of my knowledge, there are really only two major players in the wet-dry vacuum business. They are Ridgid Tool Company and Shop-Vac. There are three other companies, Clarke Industries, Dayton Electric Manufacturing Co., and Fein Power Tools. My guess is that they will be a surprise to you as they were to me. I have never seen one of these vacs. Here is how you can contact each company for literature:
- Clarke Industries
800-253-0367 - Dayton Electric Mfg Co.
847-647-0124 - Fein Power Tools
800-441-9878 - Ridgid Tool Company
888-4-RIDGID - Shop-Vac
717-326-0502
| Mfr. | Model # | Peak HP | Capacity | Drain Plug | Warranty |
| Ridgid | WD 1245 | 5.0 | 12 gal | Yes | Lifetime |
| Ridgid | WD 1665 | 6.0 | 16 gal | Yes | Lifetime |
| Ridgid | WD 1850 | 6.5 | 16 gal | Yes | Lifetime |
| Ridgid | WD 5500 | 5.0 | 5 gal | Yes | Lifetime |
| Shop-Vac | 925-40-10 | 4.0 | 10 gal | Yes | 1 year |
| Shop-Vac | 925-41-10 | 5.0 | 12 gal | Yes | 1 year |
| Shop-Vac | 925-63-10 | 6.0 | 12 gal | Yes | 1 year |
| Shop-Vac | 925-46-10 | 6.5 | 15 gal | Yes | 1 year |
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Click here to watch a video on two types of wet dry shop vacuums.
Related Articles: Wet / Dry Vacuums Have Grown Up, Wet Dry Vacuum - Your Household Workhorse, Keep Wet Dry Vacuum Filter Clean, Filters - Dust Collection - Air Filtration
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Tim built custom homes and did ultra-custom remodeling for 20+ years before launching his Ask the Builder media presence. He was selected as one of the Big 50 by Remodeling magazine in 1993. This award gave birth to Ask the Builder in October 1993. Tim also operates https://DrawPlumbingPlans.com. His @askthebuilder YouTube channel was the first home improvement channel on YouTube.