Hand Vacuum Recommendations

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Don’t know if this is the right forum, but I am looking for recommendations for a hand held vacuum. The one I have now, a Dirt Devil Scorpion, is just about useless. I do have a Ridgid 12 Gallon shop vac, but when it comes to lighter weight dusting and sweeping up loose ballast etc I prefer a hand held vacuum with a smaller suction tube. Anyone got any suggestions?

2

This is what LION bought.

3

We use the same one that LION mentioned at our club. We purchased it through Staples.

4

Let’s see now. The Lion is a frugal monk not prone to wasting money. Cacole seconds The Lion’s recomendation. I’m almost sold. That is the DataVac MEVMDV1BA? I assume it is not difficult to purchase extra bags?

5

There is always this atachment to your shop vac: http://www.micromark.com/miniature-vacuum-kit,7651.html

6

Hi B,
We’ve a Dirt Devil the boss occasionally condescends to letting me use, but it’s no good at material retention (everything goes in the bag) so I got a small second-hand bag-less model that works great around the layout and bench, all I do is empty it to sift and keep what I want.
Be in touch.

pick

7

Yes, we have one of those, too. But the Shop Vac is a little too big and heavy for hand held use, which is what the OP asked about.

8

I got a litle canister vac at Home Depot a few years ago, not expensive, that i small enough to hold in one hand while using the wand in another. Don’t recall the price. The bag is simple and cleanable, but don’t know if I could get a replacement if damaged.

9

I have one of these: http://www.micromark.com/fast-vac-500-portable-vacuum,7880.html

Whcih apparently now comes with the mini-vac attachments referenced above.

10

Take a look at a Black & Decker Pivot-Vac: wireless with rechrgeable battery and hand-held.

Dante

11

Also take a look at a Craftsman mini shop-vac 2 gal 1.5 peak horse with small hose and attachments, which can be carried in one hand. by handle on the top, no bag, just filter inside, container can be dumped and filter cleaned. Weighs roughly 1 and 1/2 pounds. I think I paid around 50.00 or less for it.

Frank

12

Mine is older and a little smaller, than this one:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-1-2-gallon-1.75-peak-hp-wet-dry/p-00917611000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Frank

13

If you’re looking for a battery powered, rechargeable vacuum, do NOT get a Black and Decker Flex. While it is light weight and relatively powerful for its size, they still use a NiCad battery that runs less than 10 minutes on a charge. Look for one with a Lithium battery for longer run time.

14

I have not purchased a Black & Decker product in years. At one time, I would never have hesitated, now forget it. I am going to Sears to check on the Craftsman product.

15

I’ve had very good success with one of these… so much so that I bought another one to use in the garage!

http://www.amazon.com/Vacmaster-VP205-Portable-Wet-Vacuum/dp/B002I7J7LQ/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1388649513&sr=1-9&keywords=shop+vacuum

Then I got the micro-mini attachment kit, which in my case, was marketed by DELCO the GM branch AND made in USA. Pretty good quality at a cheep price!

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Vacuum-Attachment-Kit-Piece/dp/B000BSJCLY/ref=pd_sim_hi_9

It seems that the sellers of these micro attachment sets are hit-and-miss but I have had good results with mine and the total cost was under $50. I had a ShopVac brand Wall Hanging vacuum and it would not produce enough suction to pick up a ping-pong ball. Been through a dozen kinds of “dustbusters” and knock-offs. They work for a while but eventually have some sort of problem. Bought a Sears one and the charger went kaput! $30 for a new charger and $35 for a whole new outfit! Stick with the 120v. plug in.

Just my experience… Ed

16

ED,

I have the same micro attachment kit, but I use it on the Craftsman Vac, very versatile use’s.[Y]

Frank

17

I have an electric Metrovac that is similar to Lions’ that I have been using since 1975. I bought the small crevice/brush attachments around 15 years ago that is very useful since you can control the amount of suction with your thumb. the bags and various filters are still available for it too. I order dirctly from them and have had great service with no problems. Their vacuums are deliberately still made in the USA. https://www.metrovacworld.com/ On an additional note, I a few years back I bought a ahnd held vac from one of the local home improvement stores for my travel trailer and it lasted about a year and a half. I t still turns on but runs for a couple of minutes and stops. Wait around 20 minutes and it runs again. So, be careful what you buy.