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A wet/dry vac is a type of a vacuum cleaner
and a specialized form of the canister vacuum. Basically, a vacuum
cleaner is a device that is used for cleaning carpeted floors or smooth
tiled floors and other surfaces. Dust and dirt from the area is sucked
up by a partial vacuum created by an air pump built in the device. The
filtering system or a cyclone collects dirt and dust that is later
disposed. The pump creates an atmospheric pressure by reducing the
pressure inside the tube and later pushing the air through the surface
to be cleaned and into the tube. This causes suction due to difference
in air pressure, thus, the dust is actually sucked into the bag. A
wet/dry vacuum can even clean liquid spills and often can accommodate
both wet and dry dirt. Some of these dry/wet vacuum cleaners also have
a switch or exhaust port that reverses the airflow and helps in
multiple tasks from clearing a clogged hose to blowing dust into a
corner for easy collection.
Features and working of a Wet/Dry Vacs
Most of the wet/dry vacs are either corded or
they run on Rechargeable batteries. This tool is equipped with a
by-pass motor that is designed in such a way that it will not be
damaged even when liquid is picked-up. For the safety of the user the
adaptor stops vacuum action of the motor head when the tank to hold the
liquid is full.. Generally, the hose and the swivel connectors are
pre-assembled at the factory. The built-in gore wet/dry filters
collects drywall dust. The filter of the vacuum can be easily washed
and cleaned. Some of the wet/dry vacs have dual filtering system, which
includes high quality cartridge filter and a fine dust collecting bag.
The capacity of the vacuum cleaner is a vital feature. The hose length
and other accessories provided help in cleaning difficult places. Some
of the vacuum cleaners have a hose that is automatically cleaned up
when the tool is turned off. The wheels attached to the tool are large
enough for easy maneuvering. The tool kit that is usually package with
the tool has one or two pieces of wands, and other tool accessories.
There are different types of tanks available; tanks without drain
valves, tanks with drain valves, and tanks with gate valves. The tanks
of the cleaner can be dried by just switching on the vacuum cleaner for
5 minutes without picking up anything. Many power tools such as sanders
can be used with vacuum cleaners. Whenever the tool is switched on the
cleaner automatically starts and collects all the dust that is created
by the tool in application. The handle of the device is positioned in a
right angle to the cleaner for better maneuvering and has a storage bag
attached. This is a flexible handle whose position can be changed. Some
of the cleaners even have a flat top surface to keep tools while they
are in use.
What to look for in wet/dry vacs
It is very important to compare all the
wet/dry vacs on the basis of mobility, power, filter system, wet and
dry performance, and noise. It is important to consider the ratio of
the weight and the dimensions of the cleaner to the tank capacity.
Additionally, one should also keep in mind the storage of the hose and
the accessories. For example, in some of the vacuum cleaners the hose
can be easily tied around the body and the accessories can be placed in
the storage provided. They can even have a deep channel around the
motor housing to hold the cord. The handle of the cleaner should be
positioned in such a way that the gadget can be quickly picked up and
placed anywhere without disturbing the settings. There are larger vacs
where the wheels have broader base, thus they stick out of the tool
making it difficult to fit in a vehicle for transport.
The next point to be considered is the
performance and the ease with which the tool can be used. The gadget
should be ideal to maneuver even in confide space. Some of the cleaners
have 5 plastic casters mounted beneath the body that gives more control
on the tool, making it more stable. The vac with a wide wheelbase rolls
easily and faster. The rubber bumper at the bottom of the cleaner hides
the wheels and protects other hardware from getting damaged.
It is better to select a vac with blunt
plastic nozzle and a good vac head. The hose should be flexible and
should be able to clean corners, inside cabinet carcasses, or
windowsills with ease. The length and the diameter of the hose should
be considered while taking the decision. The hose should not pop-out
while working with the cleaner; therefore there should be a proper lock
for the hose. The broader the diameter of the hose the more bulk the
vac can pick-up. Some of the vacs have interchangeable hose that makes
them more versatile and can suck up bulk items when they are attached
to the other power tool.
The 3 stage filter system is good for
cleaning the drywalls. The primary and the secondary filters in this
filter system ensure that both coarse and fine dust particles are
efficiently collected. However, cleaning of these multiple filters post
use, is complicated and is time consuming too. Some of the cleaners
have brass toggle that keeps shaking the filter, giving a longer
runtime. Even the vac with a disposable vacuum bag is another option.
These disposable bags are either made of paper or from fabric. The
filter system that has pleated-paper filter is easy to remove and clean.
It is also important to consider the noise
Level that is produced by the device and select a quieter motor. It is
advisable to pick up cleaner with a good range of quality accessories.
This is very essential especially while considering a wet pick-up.
Moreover, test the suction power of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
Some
reputed manufacturers of wet/dry vacs include Milwaukee, Porter Cable,
DeWalt, Coleman Powermate, and Shop Vac.
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