PF51 Wet Dry Vac Review

richy

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An auto detailer needs a wet vac that is powerful for both picking up dry debris as well as wetness from carpeting and upholstery.
In this review, the author will examine both the specifications of the unit as well as evaluating its performance in both dry and wet applications. The review will also include a 2 part video analysis as well showing the performance of the PF51 in both dry and wet applications.

Manufacturer description:

Powr-Flite’s Wet/Dry Vacuums feature a two stage filtration process with a washable permanent cloth filter bag which keeps dust from circulating back into the air and a super performance pleated paper cartridge filter for more efficient general cleaning filtration. All Powr-Flite Wet/Dry vacuums have the capacity and power for large water recovery jobs or dry debris pick-up in the shop or on the job site. They are perfect for hard floor maintenance jobs, recovering floor strippers and hard floor cleaners easily. The swivel hose connector allows 360° hose rotation, letting you move the vacuum without fear of disconnect.

(disclaimer) The above statement refers to a pleated paper filter. The PF51 model does not come with that filter.


Product Overview:

• Compact design with commercial duty construction and components
• 1.6 hp, 1200 watt heavy-duty commercial vacuum motor with 114 CFM and 100" waterlift for the toughest jobs
• Heavy-duty polyethylene tank provides years of service
• Built in non-marking wheels for easy maneuverability
• Comes complete with two-piece wand, hose, 11" carpet and squeegee tools, plus, crevice and dusting tools


Observtions:

The unit comes with a 1.25" diameter hose which allows the high water lift capacity.
The pistol grip end on the hose is great for controlling the end of the hose.
The crevice tool works very well to pick up small debris.
The hose snaps into place with a locking tab that prevents the hose from being pulled out from the cannister.
The unit rolls very easily too and can be pulled along effortlessly by the hose.
For such a powerful unit, the noise level seems very quiet in comparison. There is no published data from Powr Flite on the db rating for the PF51 however. Including that information would be very helpful to further compare the PF51 to its competition.
On the handle is a sliding plastic switch allowing for some suction to be bled off. This feature served no use to me and I will put black tape around it to abate some of the suction you can feel around the switch.
Plastic pieces are sturdy and the unit appears to have great build quality.


Video Review Part I:


[video=youtube_share;Bf1SLY8UP-Q] - Powr Flite PF51 review Part I[/video]



Video Review Part II:


[video=youtube_share;ag7M9gGsiyU] - Powr Flite PF51 Review Part II[/video]



Conclusion:

Very powerful and quiet machine for the price. A lifetime guarantee like the RIGID has would be beneficial as well as having a few more attachments. The performance of this unit does not disappoint. Very strong suction for wet or dry applications.
I do recommend it based on my experience with the unit.
 
Nice review!:dblthumb2:I just got a Vacmaster and I wonder how it compares in performance.:dunno:
 
Thanks guys. I think I'm really going to like using it!
 
Hmm. Just checking the specs between the Shop Vac and the PF51...the SV has 5 more HP, 81 more CFM, a quarter inch wider hose, yet is down almost 60 water uplift inches. Interesting...
 
How is the vacuum doing?

I have used it a ton this summer and honestly I love it every bit as much now as I did when I first got it. The only thing is that other attachments don't fit into the handle, but, when I got my Master Blaster, it comes with an adapter that fits perfectly and allows me to use a bunch of other vacuum attachments that I already had. The one I use the most is a soft horse hair one. The one that comes with it has bristles on the stiffer side.
The unit has fantastic power, is quiet and pulls water really well. I would replace it in a minute if it got stolen or whatever.
 
Richy,

I was able to find a 4 inch bissell hand tool attachment with clear window that I modified for use on that same shop vac that you had been using, It looked like it might fit your new vac without much work. i like to use it because I can see the color of the fluid I am extracting as well look for the presence of excessive suds.

It was cheapish at 12$ and might be something that you are looking for in addition to your modified claw tool.

Chris
 
Richy,

I was able to find a 4 inch bissell hand tool attachment with clear window that I modified for use on that same shop vac that you had been using, It looked like it might fit your new vac without much work. i like to use it because I can see the color of the fluid I am extracting as well look for the presence of excessive suds.

It was cheapish at 12$ and might be something that you are looking for in addition to your modified claw tool.

Chris

Thanks Chris, with my Master Blaster adapter I was able to use a bunch of older vac accessories I had. I have too many now!! LOL
 
You know richy, even after recommending this vac to you based on a technical question, I still haven't picked one up!

Then again, I can already hear the wife, "Why do you need another shop vac?"
 
You know richy, even after recommending this vac to you based on a technical question, I still haven't picked one up!

Then again, I can already hear the wife, "Why do you need another shop vac?"
I hear ya brother. I ordered it, went Stateside to pick it up and gave my old one to my father a few days later. I don't think she realized it had been replaced. She doesn't look that closely at my stuff. She just likes me to keep her interior clean. I'm glad I wasn't "caught" though...I woulda been asked the same question, LOL!!
 
Very nice review. So detailed and positive that it's on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.
 
Very nice review. So detailed and positive that it's on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.

My pleasure. I found it by freak really and nobody has talked about it in the detailing world, yet it's a great machine for our purposes. I would replace mine tomorrow if someone stole it or whatever. I think that is the highest praise you can pay a tool.
 
I used this vacuum to clean my PF54... It work good but not something I would use to vacuum cars
 
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