Ryobi Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum Kit

The Ryobi Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum Kit, model PCL702K, is an intriguing addition to the One+ line of tools. As someone who already owns several Ryobi products, I was eager to see how this cordless vacuum would perform in both wet and dry scenarios. Unfortunately, my experience with this tool has been a bit of a mixed bag.

First and foremost, the vacuum is undeniably lightweight and easy to handle. Weighing in at just 3 pounds with a 1.5 Amp-hr battery installed, it feels comfortable to use for extended periods. The handheld design is ergonomic, and the unit is simple to empty and clean. The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments, including a rubbery, squeegee-like tool for liquid spills, which I found particularly useful for small wet messes.

However, the design of the internal filter system leaves much to be desired. The vacuum features a dual filter system: a blue pleated filter and a silver flat screen filter. Both filters need to be cleaned frequently to maintain suction power. The silver flat filter, in particular, clogs up quickly and cannot be removed for cleaning, requiring it to be brushed off instead. This is a tedious process that significantly hampers the vacuum's usability. The pleated filter also requires frequent cleaning, and dirt tends to get stuck in the folds, making it difficult to blow out.

The suction power of the vacuum is decent but not exceptional. It performs adequately for small pick-ups and quick clean-ups, but it struggles with larger or more persistent messes. For instance, while vacuuming sawdust or fine debris, the perforated metal pre-filter inside the canister quickly becomes clogged, reducing suction power almost immediately. This necessitates frequent emptying and cleaning, which can be frustrating during extended use.

On the positive side, the vacuum excels in wet vacuuming scenarios. The rubbery squeegee attachment works well for sucking up small spills, and the vacuum can hold up to 1 cup of liquid before needing to be emptied. The ability to use the same 18V batteries as other Ryobi One+ tools is a significant advantage, allowing for easy battery swaps and extended use without downtime.

One aspect that stood out to me was the vacuum's noise level. While not excessively loud, the pitch and tone of the motor are somewhat grating. It's a high-pitched screech rather than a low rumble, which can be annoying during prolonged use. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it's worth noting for those who are sensitive to noise.

The vacuum's build quality is generally solid, with durable plastics and polycarbonate materials. The on/off button and container release mechanism are straightforward and easy to use. However, the lack of a wall mount or charging dock is a downside, especially considering that other Ryobi handheld vacuums come with such features. A simple wall mount would have been a welcome addition for convenient storage.

In terms of portability, the vacuum is highly convenient. Its cordless nature allows for easy maneuverability around the house, garage, or car. I found it particularly useful for quick clean-ups in the car, although the crevice tool's odd shape made it challenging to reach certain areas. The vacuum also sits well on a pegboard with hooks spaced 3 inches apart, thanks to strategically placed vents.

Despite its shortcomings, the vacuum does have its merits. It is a handy tool for small, quick clean-ups and is particularly useful for those who already own other Ryobi One+ tools and batteries. The ability to handle both wet and dry messes adds versatility, although it is clear that the design prioritizes wet vacuuming over dry.

Overall, my experience with the Ryobi Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum Kit has been mixed. While it offers convenience and portability, the frequent need to clean the filters and the mediocre suction power for dry debris are significant drawbacks. If you are looking for a versatile, cordless vacuum for occasional use and already have Ryobi One+ batteries, this tool could be a useful addition to your collection. However, for more demanding cleaning tasks or frequent use, you might want to consider other options.

In conclusion, I would cautiously recommend the Ryobi Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum Kit. It has its strengths, particularly in wet vacuuming and portability, but its design flaws and limited suction power for dry debris make it less suitable for more intensive cleaning tasks. If you can tolerate the frequent maintenance and are primarily interested in a lightweight, cordless vacuum for small, quick clean-ups, this tool might be worth considering. However, if you need a more robust and low-maintenance vacuum, you may want to explore other alternatives.