Craftsman Electric 6-1/2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum With Detachable Blower (16 gal)

When I first laid my hands on the Craftsman Electric 6-1/2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum with Detachable Blower, I was filled with anticipation. This tool, with its impressive specs and dual functionality, seemed like a versatile addition to my workshop. After giving it a thorough test drive, though, my feelings are mixed, to say the least.

First Impressions and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the vacuum emanates a sense of ruggedness with its polypropylene tank. The assembly was straightforward, requiring minimal effort to get it up and running. The included accessories—7 ft. hose, two extension wands, utility nozzle, crevice tool, floor nozzle, cartridge filter, and foam wet filter—were a welcome sight and suggested a tool ready for diverse applications.

Performance in Action

The vacuum boasts a 6.5 peak HP motor, and I was eager to see this power in action. My first task was to clean up a mix of sawdust and small debris in my workshop. Initially, the suction seemed adequate, but it quickly became apparent that it struggled with larger pieces. While it did okay with fine dust, it fell short on more substantial debris, which was disappointing for a tool with such high horsepower.

Switching to the blower function was seamless, and I was impressed by the 265 MPH blowing speed. It made quick work of clearing leaves and dust from my driveway. The detachable blower is a fantastic feature, offering flexibility that could save space and money compared to owning separate tools for vacuuming and blowing.

Durability and Build Quality

However, the build quality left much to be desired. The wheels, made from plastic, felt flimsy, and I had a nagging worry that they wouldn't hold up over time. This concern was validated when one of the wheels fell off after rolling over some uneven surfaces. For a tool designed to be rugged, this was a significant letdown.

Ease of Use and Storage

One of the vacuum's strong points is its on-board accessory storage. Having all the attachments within arm's reach is convenient and helps keep my workspace organized. The 27 ft. reach, combining the hose and power cord, offers good mobility around the shop.

The extra-large drain port is another thoughtful feature, making liquid disposal straightforward. This is particularly useful for those messy jobs involving water or other liquids that need to be cleaned up quickly.

Issues Encountered

Despite these positives, the Craftsman vacuum has some glaring issues. After just a few uses, I noticed a burning smell emanating from the motor. This is a concerning sign for any tool, especially one with a reputation for reliability. Upon further inspection, the motor seemed to be struggling, and the vacuum’s suction power had noticeably diminished.

This isn't an isolated issue. The motor's tendency to overheat and fail prematurely seems to be a recurring problem. Even with light household use, the motor bogs down and emits an electrical burning smell, indicating a severe design flaw.

Additionally, the filters provided are not up to the task for more demanding jobs. The foam wet filter tends to get clogged easily, and the paper filter falls apart when wet. This makes the vacuum less versatile than it initially appears, particularly for those who need a robust solution for both wet and dry vacuuming.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Craftsman Electric 6-1/2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum has some commendable features, such as the detachable blower and the on-board accessory storage. However, these positives are overshadowed by its significant drawbacks. The build quality is questionable, the motor is prone to early failure, and the filters are inadequate for professional or heavy-duty use.

For occasional, light-duty tasks around the house, this vacuum might suffice, given its dual functionality and ease of use. However, for those who need a reliable, heavy-duty vac for regular or professional use, this model falls short. The risk of motor failure and the flimsy construction make it a less-than-ideal choice for demanding environments.

In conclusion, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the Craftsman Electric 6-1/2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum with Detachable Blower. While it has its merits, the cons outweigh the pros, and there are more reliable options available in the market. If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance wet/dry vacuum, you might want to explore other brands and models that offer better reliability and build quality.