DeWalt 60V MAX FLEXVOLT Cordless Dust Extractor Kit

A cordless vac that finally keeps up—mostly

Cordless dust collection has finally reached the point where I can leave the extension cord in the truck—at least some of the time. After several weeks with the DeWalt FlexVolt dust extractor, I’ve used it on everything from tuckpointing and small concrete grinding to drywall patches and punch-list cleanups. It’s a compact, HEPA-rated, 125 CFM extractor that runs on DeWalt’s 20V/60V FlexVolt batteries and brings some smart touches—automatic filter cleaning, anti-static hose, and a wireless remote—into a very jobsite-ready package. It’s also not a one-vacuum-solves-all solution. Capacity and runtime set the boundaries for what this unit does best.

Setup, build, and storage

The form factor is compact and squat, with a built-in hose wrap and T‑Stak compatibility for stacking with DeWalt’s storage system. The 8-foot anti-static hose is excellent: it resists clogging and dust cling, threads through doorways without grabbing everything, and the AIRLOCK connection locks solidly to compatible DeWalt tools and shrouds. If you’re using non-DeWalt tools, expect to add an adapter—AIRLOCK’s secure fit is a plus, but it’s a proprietary interface.

The tank is 2 gallons. That keeps the weight manageable and helps the unit stay planted during use, but it also means frequent emptying on dusty tasks. If your workflow relies on ToughSystem boxes, note that this extractor is designed to stack with T‑Stak, not ToughSystem.

Filtration and automatic filter cleaning

Out of the box, you get a HEPA filter and dual-filter automatic cleaning. The auto-clean pulses periodically and does a good job maintaining airflow as fine dust accumulates. On concrete grinding and drywall patch work, I could run longer before noticing any drop in suction versus similar vacs without auto-clean. The pulse is audible, but not jarring, and the extractor maintains a steady draw between cycles.

For EPA RRP work, the extractor meets HEPA requirements when used with the included HEPA filter and the appropriate bag. In practice, using fleece bags makes a noticeable difference in keeping the filters cleaner and stabilizing airflow, especially on fine dust. The tradeoff is ongoing consumable cost and the need to keep bags on hand. Availability can be inconsistent at brick-and-mortar stores; I’d plan to stock up rather than assume you’ll find them the morning of a job.

For wet cleanup, remove the dust bag and use the appropriate wet setup. Don’t saturate the HEPA element—treat wet and dry as distinct configurations.

Wireless control and day-to-day usability

The wireless remote is one of those small features that immediately changes how you work. I clipped it to the hose near the cuff and left the extractor parked out of the way. Being able to start and stop the vac without walking back to the unit saves time and battery life. If you pair the extractor with a cordless grinder or rotary hammer and an appropriate shroud, the remote turns the system into a practical mobile dust solution. I also appreciated the anti-static hose on cold, dry days; fewer zaps and less dust cling make a real difference indoors.

Noise is what I’d call “jobsite-normal”—roughly on par with a compact corded extractor. The tone is less shrill than some high-lift vacs and the auto-clean pulses don’t spike the sound in an unpleasant way.

Suction, airflow, and the right use cases

At 125 CFM, the extractor favors airflow, which is exactly what you want for on-tool dust shrouds. When paired with a 5-inch surface grinder and a tight-fitting shroud, capture is very good; the cloud around the tool drops to a thin haze and cleanup afterward is minimal. On a rotary hammer with a dust attachment, capture is similarly effective, and the filter cleaning keeps performance steady throughout a session.

General cleanup is more nuanced. The 8-foot hose provides reach but also introduces losses, and the small tank encourages smaller nozzles. With wide floor tools or longer hoses/extensions, the extractor can feel underpowered compared to larger corded units. It will get there, but it takes more passes. For post-demo cleanup, I’d still reach for a bigger extractor—or at least add a small cyclone pre-separator to keep airflow high and reduce emptying.

Runtime and batteries

Runtime depends heavily on how you use it. Continuous high-demand tasks draw the battery down faster; intermittent tool-triggered use stretches things out. With a 60V FlexVolt 9.0Ah pack, I saw roughly 15–25 minutes of continuous heavy use at full draw, and noticeably longer when the remote let me run in bursts. For punch-list work, drilling anchors, or short grinding sessions, that’s manageable—especially with a second battery on the charger. For sweeping an entire floor or chasing dust for an hour straight, you’ll be swapping packs.

It’s worth remembering that the kit’s price reflects the inclusion of batteries and a fast charger. If you’re already on FlexVolt and have a few packs, the extractor becomes easier to justify and easier to keep running.

Capacity and maintenance

The 2-gallon tank is the biggest limitation. Concrete fines and drywall dust fill it quickly, and the bag fills even quicker. Plan on frequent changes if you’re grinding or sanding. There’s a silver lining: smaller dumps mean less weight to carry and less mess if you’re working inside finished spaces. Still, if your day regularly includes collecting big volumes of dust, a larger extractor—or a cyclone—will save time and consumables.

Maintenance is straightforward. The auto-clean reduces the need to bang out filters, and the HEPA element seals well. Keep a soft brush on hand to knock off caked dust on the filter face when you change bags, and check the hose and fittings for fines buildup to maintain airflow.

Portability and ergonomics

As a cordless unit, the portability is excellent. The form factor sits nicely on stairs and in hallways, and the handle makes one-hand carrying viable with the hose wrapped. The hose wrap is secure and keeps the setup tidy in the van. I do wish the tank were just a bit larger, but that would add bulk and weight; DeWalt clearly optimized for mobility.

Value

As a kit, this is not cheap. What you’re paying for is a properly HEPA-rated, auto-cleaning, cordless extractor with real airflow that integrates cleanly with DeWalt dust shrouds and batteries. If you need compliant, portable dust control at the tool, it earns its keep. If your primary need is end-of-day sweeping and heavy cleanup, you’ll find better value in a larger corded vac.

Who it’s for

• Trades who regularly need on-tool dust capture—masonry, concrete, remodeling, punch-list crews—especially where power is limited or cords are a hassle.
• Pros already on the FlexVolt platform who can share batteries and appreciate the wireless remote for intermittent use.
• RRP contractors needing a compact HEPA solution for small to medium tasks.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Crews who vacuum large areas or big debris piles every day.
- Users who want to avoid consumables—running HEPA with fleece bags is the best experience, but bags add cost and you’ll go through them on dusty work.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt FlexVolt dust extractor for pros who prioritize cordless, compliant dust control at the tool and understand the tradeoffs of a compact, 2-gallon platform. It excels at mobile, intermittent extraction with shrouded grinders, rotary hammers, and drywall tools, and the wireless remote, anti-static hose, and auto filter cleaning make it genuinely efficient in that role. If your work leans toward high-volume cleanup or you expect long, continuous runtimes, a larger corded extractor—or a cordless unit with more capacity—will serve you better.