Every Serious Home Improvement Kit Needs A Shop Vac: Here's Why

Tackling a home improvement project can be challenging, and there are some common mistakes that DIYers make. But the mess left behind after you're done can make things even worse. However, if you have a shop vac on hand, things get much easier. This is especially true for sawdust, drywall dust, or even small pieces of metal. A good shop vac can take care of all this, and more.

A key benefit to using a shop vac is that when you do clean up dust, you're keeping it from spreading into other parts of your house. After all, airborne particles can spread from one room to another. Plus, if you have an issue getting stubborn dust or dirt out of hard-to-reach places, you can just add a hose attachment and take care of it with no problem. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, this can make a huge difference. Also, some shop vacs can even operate like a leaf blower, allowing for easier cleanup in your garage or even your driveway.

But solid objects aren't the only things that you can remove with a shop vac. Some models can be used for water, which comes in handy if you're replacing a sink or even a toilet. You're really only restricted by the size of the tank, and of course, the capability of your shop vac. Before you tackle any cleanup, dry or wet, consult the owner's manual to understand what your model can handle.

You might be tempted to use an everyday vacuum cleaner for your home improvement project. But beware that you're taking a chance, as there are some things you should always avoid vacuuming. Plus, many vacuum cleaners simply aren't designed to do the heavy-duty work that a shop vac can. If you do use a regular vacuum, you could be emptying the bag or canister more often because you don't have enough capacity. A shop vac, depending on its size, typically won't have that problem.

But for those DIYers concerned about cost, shop vacs range in price, much like vacuum cleaners. Getting a good one means getting what's best for the job you have in front of you, and you don't necessarily need to spend that much money. For smaller projects, you could spend around $60 or more for a smaller vac with low capacity at Home Depot and get just what you need. If you're looking for more capacity, power, or HEPA filtration, you could spend a couple of hundred bucks or more.

However, going bigger might mean going professional. In that case, you're getting into serious high-end models that can cost upwards of $2,000. But keep in mind that with professional models, you may end up with a unit that's either perfect or way too much vacuum, depending on your project. The right move is to consider the size of your job, read user reviews, and shop around for the best prices.