Customer Reviews for DEWALT 20V MAX 2 Gal. Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum

Box delivered damaged but luckily unit seems fine for now

While I've had a large vacuum for years, I've always hated having to drag it around for simple clean-ups. I purchased the DeWalt DCV581H to fit my need for a vacuum that is small and portable, yet will get the clean-up jobs done. I've had my unit for over a year now and use it almost daily. I love that fact that I can pop a 20-volt battery on and be able to use the unit anywhere, yet still be able to plug-in the cord when using it for longer periods where electric is readily available. I've also purchased a DeWalt multi-function connector (DWV9000) that screws onto the vacuum hose to allow direct connection to some DeWalt tools. That allows me to connect the vacuum to my saw or sander and greatly reduce the mess they would otherwise cause in sensitive areas. I definitely recommend the DCV581H Vacuum for its portability and use on smaller jobs. My only suggestion for DeWalt would be to have an accessory tool kit readily available that fits this unit and to setup the debris cannister for the ability to use disposable debris bags.

The reason I chose this model over the 580 model is because I like to have the option to run the vacuum off of AC power when it is available to use on my jobsites. Otherwise, a battery operated vacuum was just what I needed for convenience. This is the type of tool that once you begin using it, you find all kinds of tasks that it helps with that you didn't even think about when you went to purchase it. After having used it for numerous jobs over the past few months, I am very satisfied with it - but do not quite understand a few of the design issues. For one, the battery is installed with the 'fuel gauge' down, so you cannot read it while it is installed. The exhaust port is also on the same side of the vacuum as the suction port and since the hose is rather short - you can easily end up creating a miniature dust storm when you first turn on the vacuum and forget that it is pointing at the area you intend to clean-up. I've been using 5Ah batteries with it and I find that they last a decent amount of time before needing to be changed. The hose is large enough but the length could certainly be another foot or two longer. You can buy 3rd party hose extenders as needed, quite easily. I like that you have a brush attachment, a wide suction attachment, and the weight of the vacuum is commensurate with the 2 gallon storage size of the vacuum. So far, a great addition to my growing DeWalt tool collection.

Let's be clear this vacuum was designed for convenience not performance. It is a small well designed vacuum that is perfect for bringing to the "one day" job site. If I have to cut a hole in the wall for a electrical box or drill a hole through a cabinet it is going to make a mess in my clients house. This vacuum is perfect for picking up after those small messes. Being that it is cordless or corded it makes it that much easier. It's compact design and well thought out ergonomics that incorporates the hose/tools are integrated into the vacuum body without protruding outwardly. It easily fits in the truck in the morning without dragging hoses or cords...and the accessories stay put unlike my shop vac. It helps me be a better carpenter for my customers. That said it is not about performance. It has about half the suction power of my standard shop vac (see photo). But if you are picking up dust or wood shavings this guy is up to the job. Quick and easy.

I bought it for my wife as a birthday gift. That’s what she wanted and she loves it. The only thing is I’m not sure why the battery doesn’t charge when it’s plugged in not in use. Nice product.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Love this tool, use it so much, bought a second so wife would stop taking mine. Keeps work arra clean, connects to sander and use as blower to get all the water off Harley engine after her bath

Purchased this 6 months ago. The On/off switch was intermittently not work For some reason, now it’s completely dead. Checked the in-line fuse and that’s fine. Cleaned all electrical with WD-40 and thought it would work. Nothing....

I just got this item i ordered online today and put it right down to work,I’m installing vinyl Floor planks and it’s just perfect,it’s light,not bulky and really picks up stuff from the floor,my only issue so far is that it doesn’t have a rotating hose end like other vacuums do so my hose was getting twisted,but all and all really like it

It is very useful because it is very light, it's great for small bathrooms and closets

The combination cordless or plug-in is great. Easy to carry and put away and clean is great. 2ah battery only lasted a few days with minor usage --- I recommend at least a 4ah battery with regular usage. Cats are afraid of it too --- a plus for me. Lol

GREAT DRY VAC!!!!

I have used this beast to vacuum up water (on the floor, and out of a toilet), ice/ snow, dirt, sand, gravel, the left over grass on my lawn mower, even hair... didn't skip a beat. I have used it both corded and battery... No issues. I have only used a 20V 3.0Ah battery so I can not speak on the effectiveness of a smaller battery (as far as life). This shop vac is light weight, everything stores on it nicely and cleaning it out is a breeze. Cool part is that you can use extension items from other shop vacs and they work just fine. You will get a slightly stronger sucking power if you use a cord but a battery holds its own. This item is great for cleaning out your vehicle. It gets the job done fast and I have yet to really find anything this thing won't pick up... Mind you I haven't tried to suck up big rocks or a bowling ball. It's not bad on noise. My advice is to remove the filter and dump out whatever is in there before you suck up any liquids. If you don't... it will gunk it up and be a pain in the butt. I've seen it happen. Thankfully not with my stuff. I've had mine about 6 months or so and I use it very often. Thus far I haven't found any issues with it. I just wish the end of the hose wasn't slanted so a few more attachments would play nice on it. Other than that... I love this piece of equipment. I love the option of both cord and battery (for places where there is no outlet OR I just need it really quick. IT DOES NOT CHARGE YOUR BATTERY. If you are looking for something small and powerful... you've found it! Hope my review helps answer what you are looking for and please note that I was not compensated in anyway for my review, I bought this product on my own.

I bought this to clean my car primarily, and selected this because of the multiple power options. I have old 18 volt batteries that I wanted to get more use out of, and they last just long enough to comfortable clean my car (they are old and don't last long). So I can purchase either 18 or 20 volt batteries or use the power cord. The hose reach's all areas of my car while being placed on the ground outside each door. The unit is light and compact considering it is industrial. The included tools store nicely. The only issue so far is that the wide vacuum attachment detaches easily so I have to hold it and the hose while vacuuming (will check with Dewalt to see if any solution). And the only other downside is the cost of the filter, hopefully it is really a long lasting washable filter as stated. But so far very happy with this product!

Let's be clear this vacuum was designed for convenience not performance. It is a small well designed vacuum that is perfect for bringing to the "one day" job site. If I have to cut a hole in the wall for a electrical box or drill a hole through a cabinet it is going to make a mess in my clients house. This vacuum is perfect for picking up after those small messes. Being that it is cordless or corded it makes it that much easier. It's compact design and well thought out ergonomics that incorporates the hose/tools are integrated into the vacuum body without protruding outwardly. It easily fits in the truck in the morning without dragging hoses or cords...and the accessories stay put unlike my shop vac. It helps me be a better carpenter for my customers. That said it is not about performance. It has about half the suction power of my standard shop vac. And as you can see from the pictures, I attached a vacuum gauge to both to prove it. And compared to the "king of the shop" Festool extractor it's not even in the ballpark. But if you are picking up dust or wood shavings this guy is up to the job. Quick and easy.

This DeWalt compact, dual: cordless or corded, with washable HEPA filter is exactly what we needed for our Data Center. Our previous ShopVac was old enough that i was difficult to find replacement filters for and it was blowing out almost as much as it was collecting. Now I can collect dust and debris in a smaller, more portable platform without the fear of pumping more dust into the air to breathe and be sucked in to the computers and servers I work around. I already had a 20V Drill and Reciprocating Saw set with a charger and two batteries, so being able to use the batteries on this vacuum saved my department over a hundred bucks. The hose can be swapped to exhaust so it can blow as well as vacuum. It has a crevice wand and floor/wide mouth attachment. The power cord can be wrapped around the carry handle when stored or when on battery power. The only thing that would make it better is if it would change the battery while plugged in, but it doesn't so you'll have to remove your self-supplied battery and drop it on your self-supplied charger.

I had the original 18v Dewalt cordless vac since it came out new for many, many years, after years of very hard work it finally just recently died. It was one of the best tools in my clean-up arsenal. This new version is well thought out and very handy, you no longer have to open a door to place the battery in. The on-board tool attachment storage is much smarter, utilizing every space. Its easier to open and close for cleaning the waste compartment and filter. The cord wrap is in a better location and no longer blocks access to a battery door. The suction strength is great, from picking up very thin finish nails to heavy nuts and bolts. My only cons are; the on/off switch is under the carry handle and can be difficult to access easily with large hands and fingers from the side, and, when the battery is installed in the end it is very unbalanced when carrying with the top handle, the old unit had the battery in the center of the side and was better balanced, I find these to be minor issues at best. Overall a wonderful addition to any contractors tool set.

Excellent portable handyman’s vacuum, the suction is strong and easy to handle.

Great little vacuum. We also have a Ryobi and the Dewalt is a lot nicer and with the plug in option it is really a step above the Ryobi

I use this for my wife’s car and it does a good job cleaning black carpet that needs vacuumed almost every day.

Priced right and great for small interior work projects.lightweight and very portable, Like the battery or 120volt.Met my needs.

Used once Worked good on light drill dust

Love that it has the option of corded or battery. Has good suction power. Easy and lightweight to carry around in our work van.

Did the job, difficult to use in hard to get @ spaces, I guess have to buy more implements

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have had this vacuum for a few years now I wanted something compact it really.never picked up that well the hose is always hard to detach from the body amd now after a few years the vacuum only blows and the hose is all ducttape as it has become britle and when stretched out it has torn

Bought this vacuum. It does not come with a dust bag nor does it say what number bag to get! This should come with one and definitely should say what bag in the instructions!

Perfect compact vacuum, has great suction and power. Love that you have the option for either battery powered or plugged in. Perfect for small shops/spaces, also use it to clean my car. The hose is a bit short, but I'm sure you can get a longer one if needed, its a simple accordion hose.

Doesn’t suck up dust

Meets my needs at reasonable price. Added value is the choice of using corded or battery options.

Easy to transport. Lightweight. really stromg vacuum