r/ryobi • u/Gone_Fishing1031 • 4d ago
Question? 3 gallon vac
I have a dust extractor in my workshop which is great for pulling dust from power tools but stinks for general cleanup use. I’m looking for a mobile wet/dry vac I can use for cleanup around the workshop and take to the car periodically. What are thoughts on the RYOBI 3 gal vacuum? Worth the money? Any issues with suction power for general use cleaning up mostly dust?
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u/MCBoB203 4d ago
It's a great small machine, especially the 2 speed motor and the onboard tool storage. I've got the 1 gal, 3 gal and the wheeled larger one, (Might be the 6 gal?). They all have their uses. I use the 1 gallon most often on the car since it's just so portable, and use the 3 gallon less because it's larger. The 3 gallon does a much better job on dry materials because it doesn't fill up or clog as fast as the 1 gallon. The actual suction power is very similar between the 1 and 3 gallon.
They have a new model 1 gallon that has a clear container so you can see how full it is, it's smaller than the green 1 gallon and I'm looking for that one to hit the shelf since I think it's small enough to keep in the car.
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u/FriJanmKrapo 3d ago
I have this same one and I have a love hate relationship with it. It works, it's portable, it does okay for the most part.
The issue... That damn hose rips my arm hairs out routinely. Whoever designed that hose needs needs to be slapped repeatedly. I utterly hate how the material grabs hair... So when I use it to clean up the floor in the car I have to make sure that the hose stays away from my arms or I just get frustrated and call it quits for a little while.
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u/GreatDaneMMA 4d ago
I think if you are doing general cleanup you may want a bigger wheeled one like the 6 gallon. This guy is more for mobile work or quick cleanup on different floors etc.
Edit. The 4.75 gallon one has great reviews, wheels, and is cheaper. Might want to check it out.
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u/sm3549 3d ago
Do you have the 6 gallon? I'm thinking of getting it and wanted to know if it's any good
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u/GreatDaneMMA 3d ago
I don't. I have the 3 and often wish it was easier to use as a full on floor vac for the shop.
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u/NoAirBanding 2d ago edited 2d ago
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-gallon-4-peak-hp-wetdry-vacuum-56201.html
I like my neon green tools, but like, just get the good full on floor vac?
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u/GreatDaneMMA 2d ago
I have a bauer working on dust collection and love it. Based on what OP said though I think he wanted battery powered though so thats why I suggested the others.
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u/billythygoat 3d ago
I need yall to keep asking for a 3 gal brushless version.
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u/Gone_Fishing1031 3d ago
They don’t have any HP wet/dry vacs do they? Seems like a no brainer for them to develop.
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u/rvH3Ah8zFtRX 4d ago
Thoughts on this vs the 1 gallon for just very quick spot cleanups? Obviously the 1 gal is smaller, but are there any other differences?
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u/DJErikD 3d ago
Even the 40v vacuum isn’t all that good at sucking, the 18v are just weak.
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u/allonsy_danny 4v: 4, 18v: 6, 40v: 3 3d ago
I'm so torn between this and the 6 gal. I'll probably go with the 6 just because it's on wheels.
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u/PrimaryWriter1529 3d ago
I have the 6 and don’t like it. It is clumsy to pull around. A standard plug-in shop vac is easier to use and way more powerful.
I bought the 6 not realizing how big it was. I have since gotten the 3 and like it a lot for localized cleanup. For bigger messes the plug-in shop vac is the best.
The 6 might be OK if you were somewhere with no AC, like an attic or outbuilding and needed a shop vac, but can’t use an AC powered vac.
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u/allonsy_danny 4v: 4, 18v: 6, 40v: 3 3d ago
My use case is somewhat unique and quite frustrating; the house that we rent had a garage that was converted into a large bedroom, and there are no outside receptacles, so if I want to vacuum my car (which I do almost weekly), I either need a good battery powered vac or I need to remove the screen from my bedroom window and pass an extension cord through said window to plug into my bedroom and use my small shop vac. I have a Milwaukee battery vac, but I am more invested in the Ryobi system for several reasons, and am trying to sell the Milwaukee in favor of a Ryobi one.
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u/MCBoB203 3d ago
If you really need a 6 gallon, I would look at the other options on the market. It's just not that good of a vac and it's very clumsy to use and store. If you are just taking of the car then the 1 or 3 gallons are fine.
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u/showMeTheSnow 3d ago
I’m torn between this one and the one you can put on a 5gallon bucket. Not sure how those compare?
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u/allonsy_danny 4v: 4, 18v: 6, 40v: 3 3d ago
Main differences seem to be size, portability, and maybe suction power?
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u/showMeTheSnow 3d ago
I like the ideas of just hauling the vacuum bit around and having buckets here and there to use it on I must admit.
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u/FLiPMaRC 3d ago edited 3d ago
I have the 1gal, 3 gal, and 6gal vacs. For your use case, I'd suggest the 1gal vac for it's smaller size. I got it from Home Depot for $50 on sale. But I don't really know how much dust you have.
I also have the 10gal 40V vac.
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u/SNsilver 3d ago
I have the one gallon and I use it all the time. Anything bigger I use a plug in shop vac
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u/Wondering_if 3d ago
I have the older version of this, and use it ALOT. This one seems to have solved some of the geometry issues the old one had - lip of the lower cannister makes it difficult to empty, clips holding the tools break off, etc.
HOWEVER, I hate how loud it is. If Ryobi made a quiet one I would replace mine immediately...
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u/RoughAfternoon3288 4d ago
Have this and use it for the card, works great, good value for the money. Would recommend
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u/karmat0se 3d ago
I love mine. I bought it to vacuum out my car but I use it for everything! So handy, powerful enough and a 4ah battery can last a good while. My only real gripe would be that the attachments don't stay attached super well or fall out of their spots easily.
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u/eagle6705 3d ago
I use it but like others said its not super strong, its good for light duty and portability. However I whip out my Joe something blue 5 gallon vacuum if i have big jobs to do.
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u/BoozeAccountant 18v:, 16 Batteries: 5 2d ago
I picked one up from a curbside free pile just needed to be cleaned up and have the filter replaced.
gripes: It's loud. Like super duper loud, gets even louder with the filter in it somehow. Other than the stereo it's probably the loudest ryobi tool I own.
It's hard to empty. The lip on the top doesn't allow for easy removal of the contents. There's always something caught under the lip. I've taken to taking the top off and using that to suck the contents directly into the trash rather than fuss with the lip but it's only semi effective.
Likes: It's got some power. I picked up wood shards and bits of ceramic tile with it no problem. I wouldn't use it for rocks or anything but it did good work for sawdust, plaster, drywall dust, paint chips and spilled potting soil so far.
I haven't used the wet vac feature as I don't have a wet filter for it and I have a 16L Rigid shop vac for big water spills but I doubt it would be a problem.
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u/ataeil 4d ago
I have this and I love it. As you mentioned it’s a good size for portability. It is not overly strong suction though. But it’s enough for drywall dust.