I purchased this to vacuums the remaining water after emptying my hot tub. I have had it for about a year. The filter was getting yucky and I couldn’t get it off. I’ve tried to unscrew the bolt at the top to slide off the filter and it won’t budge. It is made of hard rubber and the pliers are just gouging the end cap terrible. Ultimately I cut the old filter off hoping I could expose the screw and nut and put some WD40 on the screw thinking that would help. Now I have no filter and still can’t get the screw off to put the new filter on.
When it was working, for the purpose I needed it, it worked great. Good value for the money. I agree with other reviews that it’s a bit awkward. My model is not cordless.
I would love assistance in resolving. Is there something that allows you to quick release that I’m just not seeing?
by
Response from Customer ServiceMar 22, 2021
Hello Che41sissy,
Thanks for your feedback and we’re sorry to learn your difficulty with the filter. This vac has a Qwik lock filter and does not have a screw that you can turn. To remove the filter, take the lid off the drum and turn it upside down. Hold the rubber tabs on top of the filter with both hands and put your thumb on the ball stud in the center. Lift up on the rubber tabs while pushing down on the stud and the filter will snap out. Slide the filter off the cage. Carefully slide the new filter over the cage and press down on the outside edge of the filter until the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter seats securely around the base of the filter cage and against the power head assembly. This instruction can be found in the supplied user’s manual.
If you have further questions or concerns, you may call Customer Service at 1-800-474-3443 from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time or email us at info@ridgidvacs.com
Thank you,
RIDGID Customer Support
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Aug 7, 2018
Easy assembly right from box. I used this on a small demo job, and worked like a charm picking up...
Easy assembly right from box. I used this on a small demo job, and worked like a charm picking up insulation, and other bits and pieces. Worked even better on my jeep picking up dirt and other nuggets from adventures.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Nov 7, 2017
great little vac...
great little vac
by
Verified Purchase
Sep 13, 2016
Great Purchase!
We refinished our hardwood floors with Home Depot's Tool Rentals and this was the perfect time to purchase the Rigid Shop Vac. It has super strong suction for all the sawdust and more. We're very happy to have this and use it for all kinds of clean up in the future.
We were, also, told about Rigid's Lifetime Warranty by an awesome Home Depot Employee. Great Product and Brand.
by
DIY
Recommended
15 found this review helpful
Jun 1, 2016
Perfect for my use
I own a 1400 sq foot home, two car garage with several pets like a guneia pig cage that initially sparked my interest in this purchase to clean up their cage without having to lift it. It works perfect and then some. I've already cleaned my chicken coop and garage. It's perfect for my basic uses...has plenty of power, just make sure you get the size gallon tub that suits your needs. The design of this vacuum is the same as its been for a while which I wish there was a better way to empty this without having to take off lid. About the only complaint.
by
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Feb 25, 2013
Good low priced unit done in by fatal flaw
I got this vac to supplement my primary - one to leave in the barn to keep tack and utility rooms clean. At the lower price point, I wasn't expecting something comparable to my old vac, but I was expecting a lot more than this one delivered.
The cord storage isn't great (loosely looped around the motor), but I can live with that. The static suction is strong, but the air flow rate is anemic. Still, I could live with that on a cheaper vac. (I'm spoiled by the higher power and 2" hose on my primary vac.)
There is one fatal flaw that I can't live with, however... There is no seal between the top/motor and the canister. When the vac is on, the vacuum pulls the top tight, so it's fine. When you turn the motor off, though, the top has a little up and down play that results in puffs of dirt/dust being pumped out of the machine when moving it around. It's a shame that they saved a buck or two by omitting a compession type seal that would have made this an acceptable machine. As a tinkerer, my first thought was to make or find a seal, but I shouldn't have to do that to a new machine, so it's going back. (Attached photo shows the dust on the cord - a result of moving the vacuum a couple of feet after finishing my first chore.)
As is, this vacuum might be acceptable to someone who is using it as a dust collector or cleaning large quantities of sawdust, etc. Be aware that low airflow means you need to keep the utility nozzle flat on the floor to get much other than light dust. I certainly would advise against spending money on the suggested fine dust or allergen filters.
I do like the innovative pop-off filter and the accessory holders on the feet. Unlike some other reviewers, I don't find this machine excessively noisy. (FWIW, I do have a 25+ year old higher power machine to compare it with.)
by
DIY
46 found this review helpful
Dec 2, 2022
Best for homeowners
I purchased this to replace my underpowered shop vac. This is the best all around wet/dry vac ever. Handles demo waste like a champ.
by
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Dec 1, 2022
Outstanding vacuum
Bought it a few months ago and have been using it on both wet and dry modes. Saves me a lot of cleanup time when connected to my RIDGID table saw.
by
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Nov 2, 2022
Perfect
I have had this for a few years now, has never given me any troubles.
by
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jul 27, 2022
I didn't know how much I needed this
Vacuum is powerful and preferable to using my home vacuum for "work" dust. We are going through a kitchen remodel and this wet dry vac was used numerous times for clean up.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
May 28, 2022
Wonderful Vaccum
I bought this to help me clean out my pool and it is great
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
May 11, 2022
Love it!
Purchased because we are renovating our home and obviously a vac is a must-have. So far this product is working great! Strong suction and does the job great.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
May 11, 2022
Excellent Product
I bought this and have been using it for my Home remodel! It works Great for everything in my remodel process.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Mar 28, 2022
Nice Small Vac
For a smaller size this vac is very powerful. It is easy to move and store. My only knock is I wish the utility head was wider.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Mar 24, 2022
it does just what it is supposed to do ... vacuum
By golly, who would have thunk it? This device works just like you would hope a vacuum would, sucking up stuff. My only complaint is that the hose system is a different size than my last vacuums, so my collection of hoses and tools are for naught. Some of those extensions that I already have would be very handy.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Mar 23, 2022
Awesome
We bought to clean trash in attic and have came to be an even better item
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Feb 2, 2022
Standard accessories are lackinig
The Rigid dry/wet vac works well. I wish that it had a foam "wet" filter that was included and I wish that it had a crevice tool that was included. I had to buy both as additional accessories. That is pretty lame.
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Response from Customer Support Feb 2, 2022
Dear Beel23,
Thanks for your review and we’re sorry to learn you disappointment. It is true that the wet filter is not included in this model. Please note that when picking up small amounts of liquid the paper filter may be left in place. When picking up large amounts of liquid we recommend that the filter be removed. If the filter is not removed it will become saturated and misting may appear in the exhaust. The VF7000 wet filter is recommended for high volume liquid pick-up. This filter adds protection for your vacuum during wet pick-up by keeping water-borne debris out of the motor. Also, This model only comes with basic tool accessories but additional 1 7/8” accessories can be purchased at Home Depot stores or online at https://store.ridgid.com/us/en/vac-accessories. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service at 1-800-474-3443 from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time or email us at info@ridgidvacs.com and we'll be glad to assist you. Regards, RIDGID® Customer Support
Thanks,
RIDGID
Verified Purchase
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jan 15, 2022
Great size vacuum, plenty of attachments.
Got it fir Christmas, great for the garage and around the house.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Nov 15, 2021
As expected.
I run a self storage property. This vac is a good value.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Aug 30, 2021
Handy shop vac
I love the shop vac, its been really handy for random projects, most importantly cleaning my blinds. The wide floor brush attachment proved to be the victor against the mighty dust mites and bunnies. Never had to take them down to clean all 12 windows. The only drawback for the 9 gallon Shop-Vac that I purchased is that there are more accessories for the hose attachment for the 12 gallon size. (For example there isnt a circle shaped brush attachment or a 2-in slotted crevice tool for car cleaning available for purchase, the hose diameters change with the different vacs)
by
Verified Purchase
Customer review from ridgid.com
Aug 16, 2021
Powerful Wet Vac!
I bought this vacuum for wet pick-up only because I have other shop vacuums for dry pick-up. It works well for removing water from concrete floors. But it even picked-up water-soaked Vermiculite (was being used for attic insulation) from a shag carpet. Wow, was I impressed!
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jul 20, 2021
Great features
i PURCHASED THIS A MONTH AGO IT WORKS GREAT.AND DOES EVERY THING.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jul 1, 2021
great product
i bought this 2 weeks ago after my older model died..works as expected and the fact that it has a lifetime warranty made it a no brainier to purchse!!!
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jun 29, 2021
Good, But Not As Powerful As Expected
It's suction power is a little disappointing, probably due to its oversized diameter hose and extension tubes. Bigger isn't always better. The power cord is quite short for a shop device and that becomes annoying. For sawdust, you must use a bag (not included!) or the filter will quickly load up and suction power will decrease quickly. It does have adequate room for generic bags purchased for my old ShopVac, but they do require a little modification to fit. Conclusion: if you can't find a genuine ShopVac, this will do with addition of an extension cord and an internal dust bag.
by
Verified Purchase
Customer review from ridgid.com
Jun 18, 2021
So far so good.
Love not having a cord. Very lightweight container
by
Verified Purchase
Customer review from ridgid.com
May 21, 2021
Great product
I bought this about a month ago works great just wish it had a deck brush
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
May 17, 2021
Everything I need in a shop vac
Great investment saves money on car wash vacuums. Thanks
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Apr 18, 2021
Happy customer
I replaced this with a craftsman shop vac that died on me. I like how compact it is considering it’s a 9 gal. Hoses from my old one also fit this brand. Excited to Use my car attachments.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Apr 5, 2021
Great products.
Purchase my Ridgid last month and use to clean my car, around the Garage, work as expected.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Customer review from ridgid.com
Mar 26, 2021
great investment
This vaccume is awesome glad i bought this.AWESOME VAC