Ridgid WD1246

*Est. $70

The 5-hp Ridgid WD1246 has ample suction for wet and dry pickup, and its lifetime warranty is a big plus. The tank has a large drain, and the shop vac turns itself off when vacuuming liquids once the maximum level is reached. The medium size makes it more portable and easier to store than larger models, and it runs fairly quietly.

Although experts say most Ridgid-brand shop vacs emit fairly clean exhaust, emissions seem to be a problem with this model's predecessor, the Ridgid WD12145, and the newer model hasn't been run through similar tests. Although it's inexpensive, other budget shop vacs are recommended more often in reviews.

Our Analysis

Experts and owners agree that the 12-gallon Ridgid WD1246 shop vac is powerful for its size, but testing says emissions seem to be a problem, which makes the 14-gallon Ridgid WD1450 (*est. $120) a better buy.

Consumer Reports compares the predecessor of the Ridgid WD1246 with 22 other consumer-brand shop vacs in its most recent review, running the vacs through objective tests and ranking their performance. We found no user-reviews of this particular model on the Home Depot website, but it does receive some feedback in the Ridgid Tool Forum.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports includes the Ridgid WD1245 in its review of 23 consumer-brand shop vacs, ranking it in comparison with models of similar size. Each shop vac is put through objective tests, then assigned a total score, as well as separate ratings for wet and dry pickup, emissions and ease of use.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuums, Editors of Consumer Reports, Mar. 2007

2. ConsumerGuide.com

This review gives the Ridgid WD1246 a perfect rating, noting no drawbacks, but no actual testing or usage is documented. Instead, the review selects this shop vac as a Best Buy, apparently just based on features and price.

Review: Ridgid WD1246 Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, 7-Jun

3. Ridgid Power Tools Forum

In this forum discussion comparing Ridgid and Craftsman shop vacs, Ridgid models get the most praise for power and quiet, especially when equipped with a muffler. However, we found several complaints about the 12-gallon Ridgid shop vacs. One owner says his doesn't seal tightly to the tank when the motor is off, so it leaks dust.

Review: Ridgid or Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac?, Contributors to RidgidForum.com

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