Ryobi 18V One+ Link 3 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

A recent addition to my tool collection was the Ryobi 18V One+ Link 3 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (model PCL734B), and it has quickly become one of my most valuable assets for a variety of cleaning tasks. This compact, battery-powered vacuum offers a seamless blend of power, portability, and smart design, making it a highly versatile tool suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about this vacuum is its thoughtful design. Unlike traditional round shop vacs, this model boasts a rectangular shape akin to a toolbox, making it easy to store and transport. The vacuum's weight is a manageable 10 lbs, which is light enough for most users to carry around without strain. The carrying handle is comfortable, featuring a rubber grip that adds to its ease of use.

The integrated storage for the hose and accessories is a game-changer. The vacuum comes with a crevice tool and a wider mouth utility nozzle, both of which have dedicated storage spots on the unit. This means no more digging through the dirty bin to find attachments, and there's less risk of losing them. The hose itself is flexible and stores conveniently on the lid, although it can be a bit of a challenge to stretch it to its full 6-foot length during use.

Performance

Performance-wise, the vacuum does not disappoint. It features a dual-speed setting, allowing you to adjust the power and runtime according to your needs. The low setting provides sufficient suction for most light tasks and significantly conserves battery life. On the high setting, the vacuum ramps up its power to tackle tougher jobs, including picking up heavier debris and even small amounts of water.

In terms of suction, the vacuum delivers up to 50 CFM of airflow, which is quite impressive for a battery-powered unit. During my tests, it handled everything from sawdust and small wood chips to car interior cleaning with ease. It’s not as powerful as a large, corded shop vac, but it gets the job done for most small to medium-sized tasks. For those who need to clean up fine dust or want to use the vacuum for extended periods, the sealed suction of up to 46 IOW ensures that the vacuum maintains its performance without clogging easily.

Noise Level

Another pleasant surprise was the vacuum’s noise level. Operating at as low as 69.6 dB(A), it’s quieter than most corded shop vacs I’ve used. This makes it more comfortable to use in enclosed spaces or for longer cleaning sessions without needing ear protection.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend on the size of the battery you use. With a 4Ah battery, I managed to get around 30 minutes of continuous use on the low setting. This is more than sufficient for most quick cleanups. For extended tasks, having an extra battery on hand would be advisable. The vacuum is part of the Ryobi One+ system, meaning it’s compatible with the same 18V batteries used by a wide range of other Ryobi tools. This interchangeability is a huge plus for anyone already invested in the Ryobi ecosystem.

Additional Features

One feature I found particularly useful is the blower port. By simply switching the hose from the intake to the outtake, you can use the vacuum as a blower. This is excellent for tasks like clearing sawdust off a workbench or removing leaves from hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum also integrates seamlessly with the Ryobi LINK Modular Storage System, which helps keep everything organized and prevents the unit from tipping over during transport.

Drawbacks

While this vacuum has a lot going for it, it’s not without its flaws. The hose, despite being flexible, is somewhat short and requires a good deal of effort to stretch to its full length. This can be cumbersome when trying to reach into deeper areas like car footwells or under furniture. Additionally, the power switch is a bit finicky. It’s a rocker switch with three positions (off, low, high), and I found myself accidentally changing speeds instead of turning the unit off on several occasions.

Another minor drawback is the lack of a brush attachment, which would be helpful for cleaning delicate surfaces. The hard plastic attachments can be a bit harsh on certain materials. Lastly, though the vacuum does a good job with larger debris, it struggles a bit with fine dust, which tends to clog the filter quickly.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ryobi 18V One+ Link 3 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a well-rounded tool that excels in portability, convenience, and versatility. Its compatibility with the Ryobi One+ battery system and LINK Modular Storage System further enhances its utility. The vacuum is perfect for those who need a reliable, cordless option for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks.

I would recommend this tool to anyone looking for a compact, efficient, and portable vacuum solution. Its design is user-friendly, the performance is solid, and the added features like the blower port and integrated storage make it a valuable addition to any tool collection. If you already own other Ryobi tools and batteries, this vacuum is a no-brainer. However, if you frequently deal with fine dust or require extended hose reach, you might need to consider these limitations before making a purchase.