Ridgid 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac

Having spent a few weeks putting the Ridgid 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac (model WD0670) through its paces, I feel well-equipped to share my insights on this versatile and compact tool. This wet/dry vac promises a balance of portability, capacity, and power, and I was eager to see if it lived up to these claims.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this vacuum was its solid build. Despite its relatively lightweight construction at just 12.6 lbs, the Ridgid vac feels robust and durable. The 6-gallon drum is a good middle ground, offering ample capacity for most home and workshop tasks without becoming unwieldy. The lower center of gravity is a thoughtful design element that helps prevent tipping, a common issue with other vacuums I've used.

Assembly and Setup

Setting up the Ridgid vac was mostly straightforward, though I did encounter some minor hiccups. The instructions for attaching the wheels were not as clear as I would have liked, and it took some trial and error (and a rubber mallet) to get them properly fitted. Once assembled, the on-board storage for accessories was a welcome feature, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

Performance

The 3.5 Peak HP motor delivers impressive suction power. Whether I was cleaning up sawdust in the garage, vacuuming the car interior, or tackling a small water spill, the Ridgid vac handled each task with ease. The standard pleated paper filter did an admirable job of trapping fine dust, though I did switch to a finer filter for particularly dusty jobs.

One of the standout features for me was the 7-foot locking hose. It provides a good reach and locks securely into place, preventing the frustrating disconnects I've experienced with other vacuums. However, the hose is somewhat rigid, which can make maneuvering a bit cumbersome in tight spaces.

Usability

In terms of usability, the Ridgid vac is a mixed bag. On one hand, the top carry handle and four swivel casters make it easy to move around. The vacuum's relatively quiet operation was a pleasant surprise, allowing me to use it without needing ear protection. On the other hand, the power cord is only 10 feet long, which sometimes necessitated the use of an extension cord.

Another minor annoyance was the fit of the lid. While it snaps into place and stays secure during operation, there's a slight looseness that makes it feel less than perfectly sealed. This didn't seem to affect performance, but it's something to be aware of.

Versatility

One of the key selling points of this vacuum is its versatility. I used it for a variety of tasks, from cleaning up after a home renovation project to dealing with pet hair. The ability to switch from vacuuming dry debris to handling wet messes without missing a beat is invaluable. I even used the vacuum's blower function to clear leaves from the driveway, which it did quite effectively.

However, I did find that the vacuum struggled with very fine dust, such as the residue left from sanding drywall. It picked up the bulk of the material, but some fine particles escaped through the exhaust. Using a higher-grade filter helped mitigate this issue to some extent.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance has been relatively straightforward. The drum is easy to empty, and the filter is simple to replace. I appreciate that the vacuum accepts a range of filter types, allowing you to customize it for different tasks. After several weeks of use, the vacuum shows no signs of wear and tear, which speaks to its durability.

Issues and Concerns

While my overall experience with the Ridgid vac has been positive, there are a few areas where it falls short. The most significant issue I encountered was with the power cord. It tended to come loose from the wall socket, which was both inconvenient and worrisome. I ended up using tape to secure it, but this is not an ideal solution.

Additionally, the lack of included detailing nozzles was a bit disappointing. I had to purchase these separately, which added to the overall cost. Given the vacuum's price point, including a basic set of detailing tools would have been a nice touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ridgid 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is a solid performer that offers a good balance of power, capacity, and portability. It's well-suited for a variety of tasks around the home and workshop, and its durability suggests it will stand the test of time. The issues I encountered, such as the loose power cord and the need for additional attachments, are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from its overall utility.

Would I recommend the Ridgid 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac? Yes, especially for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a versatile and reliable vacuum for general cleanup tasks. Its performance, build quality, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. However, if you require a vacuum for more specialized tasks or professional use, you might want to consider other options with higher suction power and more robust features.