Shop-Vac #5872462 5GAL 5.5HP Wet/Dry Vac

Oct 01, 2010 22:23:03

Brand : Shop-Vac

Product Overviews

Heavy-duty unit is perfect for cleaning up the jobsite, garage or basement. Lots of power in a compact size. Features convertible blower port. U.S.A. Gallons: 5, HP: 5.5, Power Cord (ft.): 20

Product Features

Shop-Vac #5872462 5GAL 5.5HP Wet/Dry Vac
SHOP-VAC CORP
Replacement filter
Fits all tanks 6 gallons on up
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Shop-Vac #5872462 5GAL 5.5HP Wet/Dry Vac Reviews By Customers

The first time I tried this I rated it a four. Now after using it for awhile (or trying) I realize it doesn't get much up. It is great when you are tired because it is light. Good for hard floors. But not much good on carpet. Doesn't have the power of a big shop vac and it doesn't come with a real vacuum cleaner attachment. Not much good at sucking up pet hair off the carpets which I hoped for. Very light though for those days when I don't want to drag around my weighty cumbersome upright Kenmore Progressive. I originally rated this four stars, but after using realized that although its lightness is wonderful, the fact that it doesn't have enough power to do much is a problem. Good for quick jobs though but only on hard surfaces. I tried to change my star rating by editing but I guess Amazon does not permit me to edit that. Sorry folks.

Some good, most bad - Tonka - northwest
I purchased a red/black version - new of course, from a big store.
First, the good stuff - the hose is nice and long and gets the stuff I use it for (general shop debris and inside vehicles); The cord is long also (about 20 foot or so) - I can get nearly all areas easily enough; it is an easily maneuverable unit - just slides wherever I pull it. The blower is nice, also. It is easy to clean out - just clips apart. The on/off switch is expertly placed - very easy to use - but the "off" could be a different color than "on" - so you wouldn't have to READ it when it's facing the other way.

Now, the bad stuff - it does not have a dust brush - you must figure out what might fit and order it separatly (I duct-tapped my old one). The attachment ends do not fit well - constantly come detached or loose. The suction is not so hot - I have to go over and over truck interiors to get dog hairs, same with sawdust in shop; one attachment does not work well pushing - it nust be pulled - creating awkward stumbling on carpeting (I ground the end off for easier comfort for myself). Also, the noise it makes is to loud for me - I have to wear earplugs (the same as I use for flooring, chainsaws etc.).

And now the really bad stuff - The cartridge is bad enough to toss the entire unit. It has a solvent-like odor when using that is so bad I can't use this indoors. Looking around in various stores for a replacement filter, I found them all to be the same (yes, I opened and smelled the same smell, with the clerk right there). I carved myself a frame and packed some foam in it just to use this unit. Contacting Shop Vac with this problem proved futile - they just recommended not using it. The smell is overpowering and sickening to me. It seems to me to be a petroleum based odor I recall smelling once when working with solvents, several years ago. No amount of filtering controls this smell and your hands will smell just handling it (I know that personally). I've tried washing it, drying in outdoor air and nothing seems to work.

My vote - this is not a good unit and you should not waste your time, money and health on it.

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Excellent power and lightweight - Anne R - Port Washington, WI
This shop vac is easily carried and light weight. It has excellent suction power and has far exceeded my expectations for a shop vac. I have used it to clean dog hair from the carpeting and seats in my car. It did a better job than the industrial strength vacuums at the car wash. Excellent product

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