I Need a New Vacuum

J

JohnnyAb

New member
Joined
Oct 27, 2015
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I've been making due for a long time with an old Hoover Spirit canister vacuum. I have an old ShopVac too, but it's ridiculously loud and has no attachments for detailing. I have some money left over from my tax refund check so I'd like to get myself a good vacuum for detailing. I've been researching like crazy, but I can't decide. I'd like something made in the USA, which means ShopVac or MetroVac. I can't seem to find a ShopVac model that I like that can be found easily either locally or on the internet, and I can't quite stomach the price of the MetroVac just yet. Everyone seems to love the Rigid vacs, though everyone says to ditch the included hose and get something else, which means its costing more just to get started with the Rigid. The Powr-Flite PF51 seems to be a favorite too, but it lacks accessories and I can't seem to find where its made. Though, that 100 inches of water lift does almost make it worth it.

MetroVac Vac-n-Blow
Rigid 4 Gal wet-dry (WD4070)
Powr-Flite PF51
Any ShopVac that close close in the size and power of the above 3, throw out suggestions

What do you guys think? The price on the Rigid is nice, and with a limited lifetime warranty, too. Anyone know where the Rigid is made? The PF51 a nice unit, but seems to lack any kind of accessories other than a crevice tool. Anyone find other attachments that work with it? Also, where is the PF51 made? Is the Vac-n-Blow worth the price? Any suggestions on a ShopVac model? ShopVacs are made just up the river from me here in PA. I'd love to buy a local product, but if I can't find a ShopVac model that suits my needs, I'm ok with going elsewhere.
 
wd4080 would be a great choice, it's small compact and the top comes off so you can use it as a blower...
 
It took me forever to figure out which one to replace my old vacuum with. I almost pulled the trigger on the PF51. The next day I had to make a trip to HD so I purchased the WD4070. It does a great job and easy to transport for mobile jobs.
 
A lot of guys on here have the Rigid and like it. I bought the DP shop vac from Autogeek two years ago and love it. Nice accessories, 12 foot quality hose, 30 foot power cord, powerful suction, and extremely quiet. I highly recommend it. Paid $144 during 20% off sale. Worth every penny.
 
I have the Metro Vac-n-Blow and I love it. It has plenty of attachments and having the ability to use the blower is a bonus while doing interiors. It is expensive, but I expect it to last awhile.
 
I use rigid WD4070 and its bang for the buck. It has great power, compact design, and great for drying a car as well but it loud for sure...

I also have Craftman 5 gal which at around same power and much, much quieter but its bulky and costed me about extra $50 bucks.
 
I have both vacuums discussed already, the WD4070/4080, & the Metro Vac-n-Blow 4 HP model. The Metro is by far my favorite. Everything about it is very good quality, and it has 130" of water lift, according to Metro. The Metro is far quieter than the ridgid. The ridgid is nice too. I use it for the disgusting jobs that I don't want to subject my nice Metro to.
The Metro is on sale here now. Further, it comes with a turbo brush which is an excellent tool for pet hair.
When it's all said and done, the ridgid with an aftermarket kit will come to about $80 less than the Metro. Knowing what I know after using both, I would choose the Metro again. It's made here; ridgid comes from Mexico.
If you're more concerned about price rather than ultimate quality, then check out this ridgid model:Ridgid ProPack WD4522
 
I bought the Ridgid Stor-N-Go 5 Gallon. I have it mounted on the wall and just use a long hose to reach every bit of the vehicle in my garage. I love it.

LINK REMOVED : See forum rules
 
I'll throw in for the Metro unit. The thing is built like a tank and worth every penny!
 
I have the Rigid and the Metro. If you can afford it go with the Metro, its really a night and day difference in power.
 
Boy, it's hard to believe I've had the PF51 for 5 years now...where does the time go? Anyway, I will include a review I did on it when I got it. I am still a very strong advocate for this machine. Yes, the attachment issue is something. I use the adapter that came with my Master Blaster (you can also buy just the adapter from them which is what I've recommended some people to do). This is a very, very powerful vac that does wet and dry...something that sets it apart from the Metro as it only does dry. The washable and re-usable filter is a great feature too that saves you money not buying expensive bags. Powr Flite's head office is in Texas. They have a toll free # (800-880-2913). The easy solution to your question is to call them and ask them where it's built. Here's that review:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/35123-pf51-wet-dry-vac-review.html
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I checked them all out, slept on it, and ended up going with the Powr Flight PF51. After weighing the options, the reusable filter and the power was what won me over. Unfortunately, the PF51 is made in China, but its not the other usual Chinese junk. Its well engineered, well made, and good quality. I would have loved to have gotten a USA made Shop-Vac, but until they make something with a reusable filter and something with more than 60 inches of waterlift, this is still the better option. There is a definite lack of detailing attachments since this was really only made to clean floors, and the hose is a little short for detailing. This kit should take care of the accessory problem, which is the same as the one from Home Depot, just not orange and a few dollars cheaper. This should take care of the length of the hose while still allowing the use of the swiveling ends that come on the PF51's hose.

Is OUTSIDE LINK REMOVED the adapter you are talking about richy?
 
JohnnyAb said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I checked them all out, slept on it, and ended up going with the Powr Flight PF51. After weighing the options, the reusable filter and the power was what won me over. Unfortunately, the PF51 is made in China, but its not the other usual Chinese junk. Its well engineered, well made, and good quality. I would have loved to have gotten a USA made Shop-Vac, but until they make something with a reusable filter and something with more than 60 inches of waterlift, this is still the better option. There is a definite lack of detailing attachments since this was really only made to clean floors, and the hose is a little short for detailing. This kit should take care of the accessory problem, which is the same as the one from Home Depot, just not orange and a few dollars cheaper. This should take care of the length of the hose while still allowing the use of the swiveling ends that come on the PF51's hose.

Is OUTSIDE LINK REMOVED the adapter you are talking about richy?
Click to expand...

Johnny,

I'm delighted you got the PF51! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! Can you please PM me the link as posting it violated the AG rules, but it's not against the rules to PM a link like that. Thanks.
 
I currently have the Metro Van N Blow and it ok imo, I do plan on upgrading it to something a bit better soon, just not sure to what thou.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top