DeWalt 35MM Rubber Adapter

A small part that makes a big difference

Dust collection lives or dies on small interfaces. Hoses and extractors get all the attention, but the connection at the tool is where performance is won or lost. This 35 mm rubber adapter has become one of those unglamorous pieces I now keep within reach because it simply fixes one of the most common problems: getting a reliable, airtight, repeatable connection between a tool’s dust port and my extractor setup with the DWV9000 quick connector.

What it is and how it fits into a system

This is a rubber sleeve designed to marry 35–38 mm outer-diameter tool ports to DeWalt’s DWV9000 universal connector. In practice, that means two things:

• If your tool or shroud has a “36 mm” style port (common on many grinder shrouds, miter saws, and Euro-style dust outlets), this adapter gives you a snug, compliant fit.
• It plugs into the DWV9000 at the hose end, so you get a quick-release connection without duct tape, zip ties, or juggling improvised reducers.

The result is a cleaner, faster workflow: click the DWV9000 onto the hose, press the adapter on the tool port, and you’re running. No fiddling between cuts or passes.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the package, the adapter is light and pliable without feeling flimsy. The rubber compound has just enough give to accommodate slightly out-of-round or tapered ports, which is exactly what you want with molded tool plastics. I paired it with my DWV9000 connector on a DeWalt extractor hose and went tool to tool in the shop to see where it shines and where it doesn’t.

On a 10-inch miter saw with a nominal 1-1/2 inch dust port (within that 35–38 mm OD window), the fit was immediate and positive. On a concrete grinder shroud marketed as 36 mm, it seated with a reassuring “bite” and stayed put despite vibration. With a drywall sanding head that measures right at 35 mm, I needed a firm twist to get it fully seated due to the fresh, tacky rubber edges, but once on, it held well.

Tools with much smaller ports (common on palm sanders in the 27–30 mm range) and bigger ports (2 inches and up) are outside this adapter’s remit. For those, you’ll still need different reducers.

In use: sealing, hold, and airflow

The advantage of rubber shows up immediately. I get better sealing than with hard-plastic step-down cones, particularly on slightly tapered or imperfect ports. That translates to stronger capture at the source and fewer annoying “whistles” from a leaky fit. Because this is a sleeve rather than a narrow reducer, I didn’t notice any meaningful restriction—airflow felt consistent with direct connections.

Retention is good for most tasks. On the miter saw, the adapter stayed in place through repetitive bevel and miter changes without nudging loose. On the grinder shroud, I did a few extended passes on concrete and only once felt the connection walk a millimeter or two after snagging the hose on a form edge. Cleaning the mating surfaces and reseating fixed it. If you work in high-vibration environments or are chasing OSHA Table 1 compliance on concrete, consider a light band clamp or a reusable zip tie as insurance for all-day grinding.

Dust control performance is the sum of extractor, hose, tool design, and that final interface. With this rubber interface in place, capture efficiency improved on tools where my previous plastic reducer never quite sealed. On the miter saw, the difference was obvious: fewer chips escaping at the rear port and less debris ricocheting around the base. It won’t turn a poorly designed dust port into a miracle, but it removes “leaky connection” from the list of excuses.

Compatibility notes

• Tool port range: If your port measures 35–38 mm on the outside, you’re in the sweet spot. Grab a caliper or even a tape measure before you buy; a few millimeters matter here.
• DWV9000 required: This adapter is meant to work with DeWalt’s universal quick connector. If you’re not using that system, you’ll need to confirm how you plan to interface at the hose end.
• Cross-brand use: Many “36 mm” ports from other brands seat nicely. I had no trouble with a third-party grinder shroud and a generic drywall sander, both labeled 36 mm.

Build quality and durability

The rubber compound strikes a good balance between flexibility and firmness. After multiple on/off cycles in dusty environments, the lip edges haven’t split or glazed over. Rubber will pick up fine dust and can become slick; a quick wipe with a dry cloth restores grip. I avoid petroleum-based cleaners that can swell or soften rubber—mild soap and water or isopropyl alcohol works if you need more than a dry wipe.

Because it’s rubber, cold weather can stiffen it. Warming it in your hand for a minute or two before seating helps on chilly mornings. Conversely, in hot conditions it gets a touch more pliable, which can be a blessing for stubborn, slightly oversize ports.

One practical downside: there’s no limited warranty on this accessory. Mine has held up without issue, but it’s worth knowing you’re on your own if it tears or degrades prematurely.

Limitations and trade-offs

• Size window only: At 35–38 mm OD, it solves a specific problem very well but won’t replace a drawer full of reducers. Keep other adapters for 27–30 mm sander ports and 50+ mm planers/jointer hoods.
• Not anti-static: The rubber isn’t conductive, so in very dry conditions with fine dust you may experience some static build-up. If you need anti-static throughout, spec your hose and accessories accordingly.
• Reliance on the DWV9000: This is a strength if you’re in the DeWalt ecosystem, but it adds an extra piece for those with a single-hose, direct-fit setup.

Tips for a better fit

• Clean both surfaces: Dust on the port or inside the adapter can compromise grip. A quick wipe is often all it takes.
• Twist, don’t shove: A twisting motion seats the adapter more securely and is easier on the rubber lip.
• Warm it slightly: If it feels stubborn, pocket it for a minute or set it in a warm space; pliability improves installation.
• Avoid petroleum lubricants: A drop of water or a breath of isopropyl makes stubborn fits easier without damaging the rubber. Let it dry for full grip.
• Consider a keeper: For tools used daily, leaving the adapter on the port and using the DWV9000 for quick connect/disconnect speeds changeovers.

Who benefits most

• Carpenters and trim installers using miter saws with ports around 1-1/2 inches who want a leak-free connection that survives repeated angle changes.
• Concrete and masonry crews running 36 mm grinder shrouds who need a compliant, non-rattling connection to a DWV hose/connector.
• Drywall finishers with 35–36 mm sanding heads who struggle with rigid plastic reducers that never quite seal.

If your workflow centers on small sanders with 27–30 mm ports, this isn’t the right size. If you primarily use large stationary machines, you’ll want larger-diameter adapters.

The bottom line

This 35 mm rubber adapter does exactly what I ask of it: create a secure, airtight, fuss-free connection between common 36 mm tool ports and my DWV9000-equipped hose. The rubber construction is the star—it accommodates imperfect plastics without chewing them up, it seals better than hard plastic cones, and it holds well through real-world vibration and hose snags. The size window is intentionally narrow, and there’s no warranty to cushion misuse, but within its lane it’s a reliable, time-saving part of a dust collection kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this adapter if you run the DWV9000 connector and have tools or shrouds with 35–38 mm ports. It improves sealing, speeds up changeovers, and reduces the “why is this leaking again?” frustration that saps productivity. If your tools fall outside that diameter range or you need anti-static accessories, look elsewhere, but for 36 mm ports in a DeWalt-centric setup, this little rubber sleeve earns its keep.