DeWalt 6.5 HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum (16 gal)

Having had the opportunity to use the DeWalt 6.5 HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum (DXV16S), I’ve formed a comprehensive opinion about its performance and overall utility. DeWalt is a brand synonymous with robust, reliable tools, and I was eager to see if this vacuum lives up to the brand’s reputation.

Build Quality and Design

First impressions matter, and this vacuum's sturdiness is evident right out of the box. The stainless steel canister promises durability, particularly useful in jobsite conditions where tools can take quite a beating. The vacuum is equipped with rubberized casters on the front and large rear wheels, making it relatively easy to maneuver despite its size. However, the handle design could use some improvement. The handle is attached using four small screws, which tend to loosen over time and can break under stress. This is a significant concern for a tool meant to be dragged around, especially when full.

Performance

The vacuum's 6.5 peak horsepower motor delivers impressive suction power. It can handle both wet and dry debris effectively. My test involved cleaning up a flooded basement and sawdust from a woodworking project, both of which were managed effortlessly by this machine. The vacuum’s capacity to hold 16 gallons of material means fewer trips to empty the canister, which is a boon for large-scale cleaning tasks.

For liquid cleanup, the vacuum excels. The large tank drain makes disposing of collected water straightforward and hassle-free. The wet suction capability is phenomenal; in one instance, it dried a 45-gallon overflow in less than a minute. However, for dry materials, the performance can be hit or miss. While it handles sawdust and fine debris well, it struggles with heavier and more substantial objects like small rocks.

Usability

Assembling the vacuum is relatively straightforward, although the instruction manual leaves much to be desired. The illustrations are vague, and the text isn’t particularly user-friendly. Despite this, common sense and a bit of patience can get the job done without significant issues.

One of my favorite aspects of this vacuum is its quiet operation. It’s notably quieter than many other shop vacuums I’ve used, allowing for conversations to be had without shouting while the vacuum is running. This is particularly beneficial in indoor settings where noise levels can be a concern.

The 20-foot power cord provides ample reach for most tasks, and the cord wrap feature is a nice touch for storage. The hose, measuring 7 feet long with a 2-1/2 inch diameter, is robust but not particularly flexible, making it somewhat challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the swivel feature at the drum end of the hose doesn’t function as well as it should, often leading to annoying twists and tangles.

Accessories and Attachments

The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments stored in an accessory bag that attaches to the drum. This bag, however, isn’t of the highest quality and tends to shred over time. The attachments themselves are quite useful, but I found the storage solutions could be improved to prevent them from constantly falling out.

Issues and Concerns

One of the most significant drawbacks I encountered was the static shock from the metal canister. The vacuum lacks a grounding prong on its electrical cord, leading to frequent zaps when touching the canister. This is not only annoying but can also be potentially hazardous.

Another issue is the weight and bulkiness of the vacuum. While the large capacity is advantageous for holding more debris, it also makes the vacuum heavy and cumbersome. Lifting it, especially when full, can be strenuous and highlights the need for additional side handles for better ergonomics.

The hose length and flexibility are also points of contention. It often feels too short, causing the canister to tip or run into your heels as you move around. A longer, more flexible hose with an additional swivel feature at the tool end would significantly improve usability.

Conclusion

The DeWalt 6.5 HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum (DXV16S) is a powerful and reliable tool with some room for improvement. Its strengths lie in its solid build quality, exceptional wet suction capability, and quiet operation. However, issues like the flawed handle design, hose flexibility, and static shocks detract from its overall usability.

Would I recommend this vacuum? Yes, but with reservations. If your primary need is for a wet vacuum or you’re dealing with large-scale cleanup tasks that require substantial capacity and power, this vacuum is an excellent choice. However, for those needing a more versatile tool for smaller, everyday tasks, the bulkiness and handling issues might be a dealbreaker. The vacuum's performance in handling fine debris and water is admirable, but its design shortcomings need addressing to make it a truly outstanding product.

In summary, the DeWalt Wet/Dry Vacuum is a robust tool with significant power and utility, best suited for heavy-duty tasks. If DeWalt can address some of the ergonomic and design flaws, it could easily become the go-to choice for professionals and homeowners alike.