Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuum

I recently had the opportunity to put the Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 Wet/Dry Vacuum through its paces, and I must admit, it left me with mixed feelings. This 9-gallon vacuum, with its 4.25 peak horsepower motor, promises versatility for various cleaning tasks, from general garage tidying to dealing with basement floods. Here's a closer look at my experience with this tool.

Unboxing and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the Craftsman wet/dry vacuum looked robust and well-designed. The package includes a variety of accessories: a 1-7/8 inch x 7-foot locking hose, extension wands, utility nozzle, car nozzle, wet nozzle, general-purpose filter, and a dust collection bag. However, the assembly process wasn't as seamless as I had hoped. Despite the vacuum's promise of easy assembly, I found attaching the wheels to be a rather frustrating task. The pre-drilled holes seemed too small, requiring considerable force to snap the wheels into place. This could be a potential headache for those without the right tools or enough physical strength.

Build Quality and Design

Once assembled, the vacuum felt sturdy and well-constructed. The design is compact compared to older, bulkier models, yet it doesn’t compromise on capacity. The 9-gallon drum is ample for medium-sized jobs. Additionally, the oversized drain is a thoughtful feature, making liquid disposal straightforward. One gripe, however, is the absence of a hose clip assembly, which means the hose tends to dangle awkwardly when not in use.

Performance

When it comes to suction power, the Craftsman wet/dry vacuum truly shines. The 4.25 peak horsepower motor provides impressive suction, capable of tackling heavy-duty tasks. I used it to clean my garage, which had accumulated sawdust and dirt over months. The vacuum handled it with ease, pulling up debris from hard-to-reach corners. It also performed admirably while cleaning the interior of my car, sucking out embedded dirt and pet hair from the carpets and seats.

However, it's worth noting that some users may find the suction power underwhelming, especially if they're accustomed to more powerful shop vacuums. Additionally, the vacuum tends to be quite noisy during operation, which could be a downside for those sensitive to loud machines.

Versatility and Attachments

The Craftsman wet/dry vacuum scores high on versatility. It comes with a range of attachments that cater to different cleaning needs. The car nozzle is particularly effective for detailing vehicles, while the wet nozzle is handy for mopping up spills. The vacuum also features a blower port, which can be used to expel debris from various surfaces. This added functionality is a nice bonus, expanding the tool's utility beyond just vacuuming.

One of the standout features is the filter fastening system, which allows quick and easy filter changes. This is a significant improvement over older models, where changing the filter could be a cumbersome process.

Handling Wet and Dry Messes

I put the wet functionality to the test when my basement experienced a minor flood. The vacuum performed admirably, sucking up water quickly and efficiently. The oversized drain made emptying the drum a breeze, which is a crucial feature when dealing with large volumes of liquid. However, I did notice that some users have reported issues with the vacuum's ability to suck up water, suggesting potential inconsistencies in performance.

Portability and Maneuverability

Despite its 15.5-pound weight, the vacuum is relatively easy to move around, thanks to its sturdy wheels. However, the initial difficulty in attaching these wheels might pose a challenge for some users. The 10-foot power cord offers decent reach, although an extension cord might still be necessary for larger spaces.

Bag and Filter System

One aspect that caught me off guard was the requirement for a vacuum bag in addition to the usual filter. This wasn't clearly highlighted in the specifications and could be an unwelcome surprise for those who assume it operates like a typical shop vacuum. On the upside, the inclusion of a bag helps contain dust and debris, making disposal cleaner and more convenient, especially for users with allergies.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 Wet/Dry Vacuum is a competent and versatile tool that excels in many areas but has a few notable drawbacks. Its powerful suction, range of attachments, and thoughtful features like the oversized drain and filter fastening system are significant advantages. However, the assembly process, particularly attaching the wheels, can be frustrating, and the noise level during operation is quite high. Additionally, the requirement for a vacuum bag may not appeal to everyone.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, with reservations. If you're looking for a medium-capacity wet/dry vacuum that offers powerful suction and versatility for various cleaning tasks, the Craftsman wet/dry vacuum is a solid choice. However, be prepared for a potentially challenging assembly process and make sure to consider the noise factor if you're sensitive to loud machines. Overall, it’s a dependable addition to any toolkit, capable of handling most medium-sized cleaning jobs effectively.