I need a new shop vac.

[Bruceter]

I am in need of a new shop vac. My old Sears one is 20 years old and no longer has as much suction as it used to and the motor is getting very noisy. I would like one that isn't as loud as the old one. I thought that Shop Vac was selling a model that was supposed to be quiet, anyone have one of these. Any brands you would avoid?

TIA

Bruceter

 

[yablanowitz]

The new Shop-Vac brand tank vacs are indeed much quieter than the old ones, although "quiet" is a relative term. I had forgotten just how loud the old ones were until I cranked up one of the company vacs yesterday. I had been using my own at work for years, and while there is no danger of forgetting it's running, at least you don't need earplugs to stand next to it like you do with the old ones. I prefer the shorter, wider models with the casters on the outside to the taller, narrower models with the casters on the bottom myself, as they are less prone to tipping over.

 

[Gollnick]

Be aware that the Shop Vac name is not what it used to be these days. You've got one that's twenty years old. The old ones used to do that. But the new ones are a lot of plastic and they just fall apart. And it's true of all of the consumer brands.

I'd try to take the old one apart and clean every part and lubricate everything. The motor probably needs some new brushes (which is probably 50% of your loss-of-power issue). You just won't find one like that again.

 

[cj65]

I bought one at Lowes. It has a blower since you can take off the motor off the top and I can blow pine needles into a neat little pile and save 3 hrs. of work. I do not like the attachment holding capabilities, nor the cord wrap holder. It is about 6 yrs. old, and is not bad, but not great either. I think the saving grace is the blower part of it. If you can find floor display models, make sure everything makes sense. Take it apart, fit the hose pieces together, take them apart and put them back on thier storage places. Make sure they do not fall off easily. Simple design flaws such as this piss me off.

 

[Grubbster]

Not sure what your budget is but the best shop vac I have owned is made by Fein. They claim to be about 20db quieter than standard vacs and although I don't own a decibel meter I can agree they are quieter.

 

[capid1]

Not sure what your budget is but the best shop vac I have owned is made by Fein. They claim to be about 20db quieter than standard vacs and although I don't own a decibel meter I can agree they are quieter.

+1 I've had my Fein for about 7yrs now and it's just awesome. Most consumer vacuums you find in Lowes/Home Depot can't touch their suction either (average of 90+ inches of water lift).

 

[Bruceter]

Not sure what your budget is but the best shop vac I have owned is made by Fein. They claim to be about 20db quieter than standard vacs and although I don't own a decibel meter I can agree they are quieter.

If I had that kind of money to spend, I'd buy a Sebenza instead

I'd like to keep it at around a $100.00 or so. I may look around at some pawn shops, never know what you may find.

Bruceter

 

[IUKE12]

I have both the Sears and Rigid 16 gallon shop vacs with detachable blowers. You can pick up a muffler that sticks in the outlet that will quiet it down considerably.
Sold right where all the attachment accessories are.