DeWalt 2 Gal. MAX Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum (Tool Only)

Why I reached for a 2‑gallon cordless vac

There are jobs where dragging out a full shop vac is overkill: drywall touch‑ups, a couple of holes with a rotary hammer, a small spill in the back of the SUV, pet kibble under the cabinets. That’s where the DeWalt 2‑gallon cordless vac has lived with me—on stairs, in the car, and bouncing between punch‑list cleanup and quick wet pickups. It’s built around DeWalt’s 20V battery platform, and it trades raw airflow for portability and simplicity. After months of use, I’ve got a clear picture of where it shines and where it comes up short.

Design and build

This is a compact, boxy unit that weighs just under 10 lb bare. Add a 5Ah pack and it’s still easy to carry by the top handle. The 2‑gallon tank is a genuine step up from the tiny one‑gallon cube vacs—big enough to finish a typical post‑project sweep without stopping to dump. The crush‑resistant 5‑ft, 1‑1/4 in hose is more durable than it looks; it stands up well to being stepped on and doesn’t kink badly.

On‑board storage is a strength. The hose wraps securely and the crevice tool and wide nozzle both clip on, so you can grab the vac with one hand and walk. I do wish it shipped with a small brush nozzle or an extension wand; those are staple attachments for baseboards, dashboards, and window sills. Thankfully, the 1‑1/4 in size is standard, so third‑party accessories drop right in. The included crevice tool plays nicely with DeWalt’s AirLock system, but the hose itself isn’t an AirLock connection.

With pack placement at one end, balance depends on the battery. A compact 2–5Ah battery keeps it neutral. A big FlexVolt brick tips the weight to that end—not a deal‑breaker, but you feel it when you set the vac down on uneven surfaces.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt in this class: sturdy housing, positive‑feeling latches, and a tank seal that doesn’t weep when you’re doing wet pickups.

Setup and filtration

Out of the box, the HEPA‑rated cartridge filter installs with a twist. It’s a washable, reusable filter (rinse from the clean side out and let it dry completely), and it does a credible job catching fine dust. For a compact cordless, that’s important; the last thing you want is a cloud of drywall dust after you’ve finished sanding.

This is a wet/dry filter, so you can leave it in for both. Expect it to get damp and collect fine silt during wet work—wash it and let it dry thoroughly to prevent odors and restore airflow.

Suction and airflow

On paper, the vac is rated at 31 CFM, and that matches my experience. It’s fine for sawdust, drywall dust, metal shavings, screws, crumbs, and typical home/shop debris. It will pull water steadily from small spills and tackle the aftermath of a minor plumbing drip. Where it struggles is with heavy, embedded debris: matted pet hair in carpet, damp leaves wedged into car mats, or larger quantities of shavings from planers and routers. You can get through those tasks, but it takes patience and multiple passes.

As a dust extractor for power tools that produce continuous dust, it’s not the right pick. Sanders, track saws, and miter saws demand higher airflow and static pressure for effective capture; this vac is better as the cleanup tool after you’re done cutting.

One quirk to note: the exhaust vents are on the same side as the hose connection. If the vac is parked close to your work, the exhaust can stir up light dust before the nozzle gets to it. Giving yourself a little distance—or adding a short hose extension—solves the issue.

Runtime and noise

Runtime depends on the battery, the filter’s cleanliness, and how you use the nozzle. With a 5Ah pack, I typically see right around 20 minutes of continuous vacuuming. Move to an 8–9Ah pack and you’re approaching a half hour. Short bursts, which is how I usually use it (a few minutes here, a few minutes there), stretch those numbers a lot.

Like many high‑draw cordless tools, the vac is sensitive to voltage sag at the end of the battery’s charge. Under a heavy load or with a dirty filter, it may cut out when the battery indicator shows one bar. Keep the filter clean and you’ll notice fewer early shutoffs.

Noise is moderate and not shrill. I can carry on a conversation near it without shouting—handy for indoor cleanup.

Ergonomics and attachments

The 5‑ft hose is the right length for a quick walk‑around and stair work, but it feels short when you’re cleaning a car or reaching across a bench. A 1‑1/4 in extension hose or wand makes a big difference, and the vac’s onboard storage still swallows the original hose for transport. The wide nozzle is my go‑to on floors and benches. The crevice tool fits tight spots and also mates with AirLock dust shrouds, but it isn’t a substitute for a tool‑rated dust extractor.

I’d like to see a brush nozzle included and a couple of molded strap points for hands‑free carry. As is, the top handle is comfortable and the vacuum’s footprint is compact enough to ride on a shelf in a van without eating space.

Wet pickup and cleanout

For wet jobs, the vac does what it promises: it pulls up puddles and small spills without drama. Where it could be better is the internal tank geometry. The bottom and sidewalls have ribs and ledges that trap lint and slurry, and there’s a lip around the tank edge that catches debris when you dump. That means cleanout takes a bit more effort than it should. If you pick up a mix of water and fibrous debris, expect to spend time rinsing and then waiting for everything to dry. If you put the vac away even slightly damp, the next time you open it you’ll smell it.

My routine: dump promptly, rinse the tank, shake dry, then run the vac for a minute with the tank open to move air through the system. A quick wipe with a disinfecting cloth in the tank helps keep odors down. It’s not difficult, but it’s more maintenance than a tank with smoother interior walls.

Maintenance and durability

The washable HEPA cartridge keeps recurring costs low. Keep a second filter on hand so you can keep working while the first one dries after a rinse. The hose has held up well, and the latches still snap shut with authority. Expect the usual scuffs from jobsite use; nothing in my unit’s construction suggests fragility.

DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee, which is appropriate for a tool that many will use hard and often.

Where it fits

• Ideal for: quick jobsite cleanup, vehicle detailing, stairs, small wet pickups, and any place where dragging a corded vac would slow you down.
• Acceptable for: intermittent tool cleanup (drill holes, small sanding jobs) where you’re not relying on it for active dust extraction.
• Not ideal for: high‑volume dust capture at the tool, heavy embedded debris, or frequent wet pickups where fast, easy tank cleanout is critical.

What I’d change

• Simplify the tank interior and reduce the dump lip so debris empties cleanly.
• Include a brush nozzle and offer an extension wand in the box.
• Add strap points and consider a slightly longer stock hose.
• Move or baffle the exhaust so it doesn’t blow across the work area.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 2‑gallon cordless vac to anyone already on the 20V platform who needs a portable, go‑anywhere cleanup tool. It’s genuinely convenient, the washable HEPA filter keeps dust in check, and the 2‑gallon capacity hits a sweet spot between size and usefulness. The trade‑offs are real—modest suction compared to larger cordless vacs, a short hose, and a tank that takes extra effort to clean after wet work—but for everyday maintenance, small jobs, and quick response to spills, it earns its keep. If you’re looking for a compact dust extractor or you do frequent wet pickups and demand effortless cleanout, look elsewhere. For everyone else, this is a practical, easy‑to‑live‑with vac that rewards you every time you skip rolling out the big shop rig.