I have a smaller Rigid, been using it for intermittent house projects and garage cleanup for 8 years and there's been no issues with power or reliability.  The wet capacity is way smaller than the dry capacity.  I like the easy availability of flex hoses and attachments and also filters and disposables are easy to come by. Answer from Complete_Bike_7493 on reddit.com
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Canadian Tire
canadiantire.ca › home › tools & hardware › shop vacuums › wet/dry vacuums
Shop-Vac® 5811648 6.5 SVX2 Peak HP Eagle Eye Poly Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Hose and Accessories, 60-L | Canadian Tire
Shop-Vac® 5811648 6.5 SVX2 Peak HP Eagle Eye Poly Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Hose and Accessories, 60-L
Shop-Vac's 60.5L 16-Gallon Eagle Eye Wet/Dry Vacuum is designed from the ground up for professionals and built to perform like no other wet/dry vac in the market,Exclusive highly innovative cartridge filter cleaner found only at Canadian Tire let's you clean while in use to always get maximum performance from your vac,New oval tank design and secure latch system makes tipping vacuums a thing of the past,Foldable upright handle makes Storage easier than ever,Features a 6.5 SVX2 peak HP motor,60.5 L (16 US gal) capacity in a polypropylene body,145 CFM and 70" water lift at end of the hose,Utiliz
Price   CA$370.99
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/vacuumcleaners › best 6.5 hp wet/dry vacuum?
r/VacuumCleaners on Reddit: Best 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum?
December 12, 2024 -

Been trying to find a good wet/dry vacuum. Mostly just interested in best performance rather than noise, filtration, and reliability (aside from not being completely terrible).

I think I mostly narrowed it down to these three choices, although there might be better options out there.

Can't decide if air flow, suction, or the product of the two is best for this type of vacuum. For something like cleaning a car, it seems like suction would be most important, but if using it as a blower or for fume/dust/chip extraction, air flow would matter most.

They all have very similar prices, included accessories, and bag/filter options. The Ridgid has a lifetime warranty, Vacmaster 5 year, and Craftsman 3 year. Although if it doesn't die within 3 years I expect it will last quite a while.

Top answer
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I have a smaller Rigid, been using it for intermittent house projects and garage cleanup for 8 years and there's been no issues with power or reliability.  The wet capacity is way smaller than the dry capacity.  I like the easy availability of flex hoses and attachments and also filters and disposables are easy to come by.
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Post Type: Purchase Advice (U.S.) If you haven't already, please edit your post to include: Budget - Give a price range! Flooring types & other cleaning needs Thank you for visiting r/VacuumCleaners . To get the most out of your post, be sure it follows the post guidelines on the sidebar. This comment will include information on some frequently discussed topics just in case your post pertains to them. Otherwise, feel free to ignore the below links. Helpful Links: Recommended Budget Vacuum Cleaners (U.S. Market, November 2022) Recommended Buy-It-For-Life Vacuum Cleaners (U.S. Market, November 2022) Recommended Secondary Vacuum Cleaners - Stick Vacs, Cordless Models, etc. (U.S. Market, November 2022) Find the Right Type of Vacuum (Flow Chart) - IF YOU'RE NEW, START HERE Miele Canister Guide (U.S. Market, May 2020) Differences between SEBO Felix, SEBO Dart, and Karcher CV300 Guide to Canister Tools: Suction-Only, Combo, Turbine/Turbo and Electric/Power/Motorized Nozzles Reviews by /r/VacuumCleaners Users I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
Discussions

Shop Vac: 5.5hp or 6.5?
Strongly recommended over the smaller (6-10 gallon) Shop Vac branded units I've had in the past. ... I agree about the horsepower being peak not continuous running HP. If you can build a 5 continuous running HP motor that will plug into a standard wall outlet you can get a Nobel Prize. More on garagejournal.com
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20
July 25, 2013
Best 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum?
Inrush current (lasting a millisecond or so) can be 5X the full load current. If they measured it, computed electrical HP used and used that number it would be somewhat defensible... ... Much less when you look at inrush current at startup. Click to expand... When I designed my electric pressure washer I wanted the biggest motor that could run off a 120V regular outlet, turns out a 1HP Baldor draws 12.4 amps, perfect. A real 1 horse not the BS they put on shop vacs... More on garagejournal.com
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37
December 1, 2024
Best 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum?
Post Type: Purchase Advice (U.S.) If you haven't already, please edit your post to include: Budget - Give a price range! Flooring types & other cleaning needs Thank you for visiting r/VacuumCleaners . To get the most out of your post, be sure it follows the post guidelines on the sidebar. This comment will include information on some frequently discussed topics just in case your post pertains to them. Otherwise, feel free to ignore the below links. Helpful Links: Recommended Budget Vacuum Cleaners (U.S. Market, November 2022) Recommended Buy-It-For-Life Vacuum Cleaners (U.S. Market, November 2022) Recommended Secondary Vacuum Cleaners - Stick Vacs, Cordless Models, etc. (U.S. Market, November 2022) Find the Right Type of Vacuum (Flow Chart) - IF YOU'RE NEW, START HERE Miele Canister Guide (U.S. Market, May 2020) Differences between SEBO Felix, SEBO Dart, and Karcher CV300 Guide to Canister Tools: Suction-Only, Combo, Turbine/Turbo and Electric/Power/Motorized Nozzles Reviews by /r/VacuumCleaners Users I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
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December 12, 2024
Rigid 6.5hp Shop Vac Differences
Get the dewalt stealthsonic 12 gallon. My ridgid now lives at the dump More on reddit.com
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14
3
September 12, 2023
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com › products › shop-vac®-16-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-stainless-steel-contractor-series-wet-dry-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology
Shop-Vac® 16 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology | Shop-Vac Store
or Shop Your Favorite Retailer View Retailers The Shop-Vac® 16 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Stainless Steel Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology works great for job site cleanup, workshops, garages, basements anywhere you need ...
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The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the garage › general garage discussion
Shop Vac: 5.5hp or 6.5? | The Garage Journal
July 25, 2013 - I have a 6.5 horse / 20 gal. Shop-Vac and I don't think it's overly huge. It's worked for everything I need it to do.
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com › products › shop-vac®-16-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-wet-dry-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology
The Shop-Vac® 16 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Vacuum features the SVX2 Motor Technology
The Shop-Vac® 16 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Vacuum features the SVX2 Motor Technology. This motor has more power and longer motor life when compared to the Shop-Vac® standard 6.5 peak HP** motor.
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Walmart
walmart.com › home improvement
Shop Vac 6 5 Hp
Shop for Shop Vac 6 5 Hp at Walmart.com. Save money. Live better
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com › products › shop-vac®-10-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-contractor-series-stainless-steel-wet-dry-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology
Shop-Vac® 10 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP Contractor Series Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor | Shop-Vac Store
The Shop-Vac® 12 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Stainless Steel Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology works great for job site cleanup, workshops, garages, basements anywhere you need a wet/dry vacuum.
Find elsewhere
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com › products › shop-vac-16-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-wet-dry-utility-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology
Shop-Vac 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum with SVX2 Motor | Shop-Vac Store
or Shop Your Favorite Retailer View Retailers The Shop-Vac® 16 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum features the SVX2 Motor Technology. This new motor has more power and longer motor life when compared to the Shop-Vac® standard 6.5 ...
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The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the tools › general tool discussion
Best 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum? | The Garage Journal
December 1, 2024 - Wow they are up to 6.5HP now, mines a measly 5HP. It's amazing how much power you can ram charge through a 15 amp outlet these days. Must be the same people that sell those "ceramic" electric heaters with the better efficiency. ... Dewalt has really been punching back lately and offering some nice, thoughtful, takes on products. Personally I would have been sniffing up this tree, all the power and typical features of you basic shop vac + much quieter!
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › vacuums & blowers › wet/dry vacuums › wet/dry vacuums
6 Gallon, 4 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
6 Gallon, 4 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
The BAUER™ 6 Gallon* Wet/Dry Vacuum delivers 4 peak horsepower** of powerful suction for cleaning up liquids and spills. This wet/dry vac is designed with an ergonomic top carrying handle for maximum comfort; a convenient cord wrap for storing the 10 ft. power cord; an ultraflexible, kink-resistant 7 ft. hose for uninterrupted use; and a portable, lightweight design ideal for shop and home use. Includes convenient onboard storage for keeping accessories organized and easy access all in a compact design that's easy to store.
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Price   $54.99
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Global Industrial
globalindustrial.com › p › shop-wet-and-dry-vacuum-6-5-hp-16-gallon
Shop-Vac® Wet & Dry Vacuum, 6.5 HP, 16 Gallon
Shop-Vac® Wet & Dry Vacuum, 6.5 HP, 16 Gallon. Usually ships in2 days. Buy it and Save at Globalindustrial.com
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Industrial Safety
industrialsafety.com › shop-vacr-9627806-contractor-series-wet-dry-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology-stainless-steel-16-gal-capacity-6-5-peak-hp.html
Shop-Vac® 9627806 Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology, Stainless Steel, 16 gal Capacity, 6.5 Peak hp
Shop-Vac® 9627806 Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology, Stainless Steel, 16 gal Capacity, 6.5 Peak hp
Shop-Vac® 9627806 Contractor Series Wet/Dry Vacuum with SVX2 Motor Technology, Stainless Steel, 16 gal Capacity, 6.5 Peak hp
Price   $492.99
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com › products › shop-vac-14-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-wet-dry-utility-vacuum-with-svx2-motor-technology
Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum with SVX2 Motor | Shop-Vac Store
or Shop Your Favorite Retailer View Retailers The Shop-Vac® 14 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Utility Vacuum features the SVX2 Motor Technology. This new motor has more power and longer motor life when compared to the Shop-Vac® standard 5.5 ...
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Menards
menards.com › main › tools › wet-dry-vacuums-accessories › masterforce-reg-16-gallon-6-5-peak-hp-wet-dry-vacuum › vjh1612pf-3901 › p-5999193517311244-c-10092.htm
Masterforce® 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum at Menards®
Masterforce® 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
The high-capacity Masterforce® 16-gallon wet/dry vacuum is designed to tackle the toughest projects that the home, shop, or jobsite can throw at you. The 16-gallon tank offers plenty of room for big messes and the high performance 6.5 peak HP motor makes sure the tank gets filled, whether it's with sawdust from the shop, drywall from the jobsite, or water from a flooded basement. With its unique flat power head design, you have a place to conveniently store tools so they are easily accessible when needed. The on-board hose, power cord, and accessory storage allows you to keep all of your attac
Price   $159.99
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › p › RIDGID-12-Gal-6-5-Peak-HP-Motor-On-Bottom-Shop-Vacuum-Wet-Dry-Vac-with-Fine-Dust-Filter-Locking-Hose-and-Attachments-MOB1200-MOB1200 › 301291553
RIDGID 12 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP Motor-On-Bottom Shop Vacuum Wet Dry Vac with Fine Dust Filter, Locking Hose and Attachments MOB1200 MOB1200 - The Home Depot
RIDGID 12 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP Motor-On-Bottom Shop Vacuum Wet Dry Vac with Fine Dust Filter, Locking Hose and Attachments MOB1200 MOB1200
The RIDGID 12 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP Motor-On-Bottom Wet Dry Vacuum delivers incredible performance, improved stability, noise reduction, and excellent mobility for pro, contractor, and industrial use. The innovative RIDGID Motor-on-Bottom shop vac design has a lower center of gravity delivering improved performance, stability, easier filter access and emptying, and is much quieter when compared to traditional wet dry vacuums. Vac accessories include a 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. Tug-A-Long Locking Hose with DUAL-FLEX technology for 180 degrees of cleaning mobility at both ends of the hose. It also comes with
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Price   $166.00
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Walmart
walmart.com › ip › Shop-Vac-18-Gal-6-5-Peak-HP-Contractor-Series-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-SVX2-Motor-Model-9627306 › 626512881
Shop-Vac 18 Gal 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vacuum, Contractor Series with SVX2 Motor, Model 9627306 - Walmart.com
Shop-Vac 18 Gal 6.5 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum, SVX2 Motor, Model 9627306
The Shop-Vac 18 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum works great for job site cleanup, workshops, garages, basements anywhere you need a wet dry vac with high strength. This vacuum features a drain plug that allows you to easily drain the tank when it is loaded down with liquid. Also included is a rear blower port that can easily be used by attaching the included hose to the rear port to clear dirt, debris, leaves and more from your shop floor or hard to reach places. Equipped with a 20-foot cord and 12-foot hose for a total of 32-feet of cleaning reach. Backed by a 1-Year Indus
Price   $261.99
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Vacuum Direct
vacuumdirect.com › products › shop-vac-6-gallon-stainless-steel-industrial-super-quiet-general-purpose-wet-dry-vacuum-65-peak-hp
Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Industrial "Super Quiet" General Purpose Wet/Dry Vacuum - 6.5 Peak HP 9252410 – Vacuum Direct
The Shop-Vac 6 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet \/ Dry Vac Model 9252410 quietly provides substantial power for wet and dry cleanup while keeping the noise to a minimum. Developed for use on job sites by contractors and other professionals, ...
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Shop-Vac
shopvac.com
Shop-Vac Store - Genuine Shop-Vac Products
Shop-Vac® 6 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum · $116.99 · View Collection · Cartridge Filters · Foam Sleeve · Collection Bags · Shop All Filters · Warmer weather is here, and with it comes the yearly tradition of spring cleaning.
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › p › RIDGID-16-Gal-6-5-Peak-HP-NXT-Shop-Vacuum-Wet-Dry-Vac-with-Detachable-Blower-Filter-Locking-Hose-and-Accessories-HD1600-HD1600 › 304795082
RIDGID 16 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP NXT Shop Vacuum Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Blower, Filter, Locking Hose and Accessories HD1600 HD1600 - The Home Depot
RIDGID 16 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP NXT Shop Vacuum Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Blower, Filter, Locking Hose and Accessories HD1600 HD1600
The RIDGID 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak Horsepower NXT Wet Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower is a 2-in-1 tool that combines pickup performance and blower power in one product. This vac comes with a 7 ft. hose, general debris filter, NXT Max floor tool with wet shoe, NXT Max car nozzle, blower wand, and two extension wands. With more power, enhanced durability and a design engineered for the pro user, this high-performance vacuum is part of the most powerful line of wet dry vacs RIDGID has ever made. This 16 Gal. NXT vac includes 2-1/2 in. accessories that lock onto a wand or hose for uninterrupted
(4.6)
Price   $145.00