I am about to get a small Shop Vacuum, any advice? (I did STF)

[New.Dad]

I am thinking about getting a small Shop Vac like this one:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=215726-20097-93002-11&lpage=none

I need it to pick up hair from places difficult to reach with the upright vacuum, and also for quick pickup jobs when the baby spills cheerios, etc. Maybe also run an extension cord and vacuum the carpet in the car rather than going to the gas station. And also pick up a spider web in the stairwell, since they don't clean that often around here

questions: is this small and cheap vacuum adequate for the job? I did STF but found a discussion about Shop Vacuums and Drywall and special filters, so no, I am not interested in sucking up drywall dust.


Thanks

[microchip13]

We have the exact one you mentioned in your link.

It seems to do the job pretty well. Car cleaning, cleaning up stuff in the garage. It's fine.


It's also nice that it's pretty small.

[kap]

For your type of cleaning, a small Shop Vac will suffice.
My S/O's impatience mercilessly killed our small Shop Vac vacuuming hoards of Autumn leaves in our backyard

[Carm]

The wifee and I use it for those same reasons, also spills water and broken glass. I have the 5 gallon size one with wheels, Ive had if for a long time. Works great.

I've got this old beast. http://www99.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tool...eak_301_01

Edit: As someone mentioned, get the 6 gallon model with wheels, $10 more. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=215727-20097-93006-11&lpage=none

Carm

[Don Kiyoti]

I have a ShopVac QSP 2.25. I use it as my house vacuum too. It's been really handy. If I were you I'd get the next one up, with wheels, for $10 more.

[Grateful11]

I have an old Sears 12 gallon with the large 2 1/4" hose and boy does it suck. You get that
thing over a heavy rubber mat and you have to pry the mat off the nozzle or turn off
the vac. I think it peaks at 2.75hp. It's never missed a beat and I've used to
vacuum up some really nasty stuff. On the down side it's so loud you have to wear
hearing protection when using it.

[AlphaDog]

I have the 6 gallon with wheels, just like the one linked in Carm's message. I use mine in the garage, on the patio, and for the car. You can also use a bag in it (optional), which makes it filter better, which is good if you're using it in the house. The bag also makes it easier to empty than the bigger, older one, I have, where you have to turn the whole thing over the garbage can and beat the crud out. I bought the little one early last summer, and I love it.

Oh, for Cheerios, absolutely nothing beats the convenience of a DustBuster. I'd give up my shop vac before I'd give up that. DustBusters do a wonderful job on bees, spiders, and flies, too.

[spacescape]

I picked up a RIDGID, 9-Gallon 3-1/2 hp Wet/Dry Vacuum Model WD0945 from Home Depot last year right about the time I was getting ready to finish my basement. I got this one based on it uses the larger diameter host. Also, my neighbor had the same one and it worked great.

About $50 and you can't go wrong.

Bill

[testcase]

Make sure there's a positive connection / lock between the hose and vacuum. I bought a small Sears model that has a friction fit hose. A few pulls on the hose and it comes loose. I then have to stop working and push the hose back in place. Most small vacs have a 1.25" diameter hose. The larger vacs have a 2.5" hose which can handle much larger debris without clogging. If you have a choice, I'd recommend the 2.5" hose. I find I use my small vac more often the the 16 gallon monster shop vac.

[MacArtist]

I wouldn't buy anything but a Sears/Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac. They are excellent. They hold up to commercial use.