Shop Vac Vacuums\015 HiI purchased a second hand Craftsman 60 liter (16 gallon) shop vac. It came with no bag, so I purchased a couple of 16 gallon bags at my local hardware store. The problem is, I can’t attach the bags to where the intake hose comes in, because there isn’t a way to attach the bag to the intake port. Am I missing something ??My smaller shop vac, has a piece of pipe, with a sheath on one side, which is permanently installed, but the Craftsman doesn’t have that sheath or any kind of connection to attach a clean bag.The Craftsman is extremely powerful, and I’d like to connect it to my table saw to collect most of the saw-dust that comes from cutting wood. However, I don’t want the saw-dust to go directly into the container of the shop-vac, but rather into a clean bag.Any help would on this matter would be much appreciated.\015

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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Vac with a cartridge filter or reusable dry filter: If you are picking up large to medium size debris, you do not need to use a collection bag. If you are picking up fine debris, you need to add a high efficiency filter bag or HEPA collection bag to trap the fine dust.
The bottom line is that Shop-Vac units shouldn`t be utilized without a filter. The vacuum will work without one, but it might not work better. Numerous other consequences might occur. You may create an even bigger mess than the one you needed to clean.
But a shop vac has two holes. One hole near the top permits replacement air to enter the container. When a hose is attached to this hole, dirt and debris can be sucked into the container. Air circulates out another hole to equalize the constant airflow in the shop vac and keep the motor cooled as it`s being used.
I used drawstring kitchen bags, but large black garbage bags would work very well, as they are less prone to tearing.
To avoid a mess when emptying your shop vacuum, line the vacuum tank with a large plastic trash bag. Fold the bag over the tank rim so the top holds the bag in place. If you vacuum mostly dry debris, a pleated paper cartridge provides more surface area for dust, reducing the number of filter cleanings.
Put your linen, blankets or clothing into the extra strong garbage bag. Pull the open end of the bag together and form a small circle shape. Place the vacuum cleaner pole into the circle shape and hold it firmly around the pole. Suck out the air by turning on the vacuum cleaner.
As a rule, most of the smaller canister or shop-type vacs use high-speed vacuum producers. These tend to run at a very high rpm, which can reduce the vacuum`s lifespan to as little as 800 hours — or about 18 months, assuming you use your vacuum for about three hours each day.
Your Filter Needs to Be Upgraded

Some of the best options include HEPA filters and reusable dry filters. If you don`t use a container or dust bag already, consider adding it to your vacuum to keep things neat and prolong your filter`s life.

Shop vacs come with a more powerful motor than home vacuums because they need to suck up big and heavy objects. They have powerful lifting and suction capabilities. They can remove both liquid and dust particles with ease. Home vacs are less powerful as they only suck small particles.
Regular plastic or poly bags will not work for vacuum sealing. Even a thick six mil plastic bag will have a high oxygen transmittal rate and allow oxygen to enter the package after a completed seal. Home use vacuum sealers come with channeled or textured co-extruded bags.
The filtering capability of even the best shop vac is not nearly as strong as even a small dust collector. Dust collectors are simply able to pull air and dust at a much greater CFM (cubic feet per minute). A shop vac is strong enough to get the majority of dust, though.
The question is simple, but the answer is not. Obviously, there are different sizes of vacuum storage bags, but the real problem is that there isn`t a standard acceptance of what constitutes a particular size, so a Neusu Large might have the same dimensions as another manufacturer`s `Extra Large`.
Unfortunately, you can`t use any random plastic bag in your vacuum sealing appliance. Far from it. On the contrary, each brand of vacuum sealer comes with its recommended supply of bags – often produced by the same manufacturer and coming with patented technology.
You can vacuum seal a Ziploc bag by dipping it in water,” he explained. He demonstrated by placing a bunch of berries in a Ziplock bag and then submerging it into a bowl of water. This technique works because the water pressure pushes all of the excess air out of the bag.
Fold the materials and put them inside the bag carefully. You can stack items on top of each other, but do not overfill any bag. Make sure that there`s a couple of centimetres spare from the edges of the clothes etc and the zip closure.
Yes! Vacuum sealed storage bags are not only convenient when storing items in storage, but they are perfect for packing clothes for your luggage, too! Here`s how to pack your items and a few reminders to consider when carrying vacuum sealed bags.
You`ll need it—the filter prevents dust from blowing out of the top while you`re cleaning. For wet surfaces, however, you`ll need to remove the filter entirely. Liquids will damage filters, and you could even potentially ruin your vacuum if you suck up water before removing the filter.
If you don`t vacuum your carpet, the dirt will break down carpet fibers and create a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. In addition, your home will begin to smell musty from the dirt, mites, and other organisms settling into the fibers.
Small garage workshops gather dust and dirt quickly, but many dust collection systems are too costly or large to install in smaller shops. A secondary option is to build your own dust collection system using a shop vac, which can be picked up for less than $100.
Tank Material

Plastic tanks are lighter, making the shop vac easier to carry from room to room. However, stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting.

The Ridgid RT1400 has a 6.0-peak horsepower motor, making it a clear choice for the Most Powerful shop vac on the market. A two-stage motor creates high-lift suction as well as more efficient airflow.
Power. Most people should only require a 3.5 to 5 peak horsepower motor for their wet/dry vac. If it can suction up water and sawdust, you`re probably good to go.
Most manufacturers recommend you change your filter on average every 3-6 months. However, it is recommended to change your filter even earlier depending on usage and allergy care. Most newer vacuum models use more than one filter. Please refer to your manufacturer manual for further assistance on locating your filter.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Can’t install a bag for my Craftsman 16 gallon shop-vac
ANSWER : Well, good news, you don’t need a bag! The trash just settles to the bottom of the bucket and you just dump it out.
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.I own one of these — it has many little operational anoyances — like wheels falling off, lid popping off, etc. If you run into these scenarios and want help on fixes, drop me a line.
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.Would you please rate my response. I think you’ll see some icons at the bottom of the post to enter a rating.
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.thanks…
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.Charlie

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Electrolux Epic 6500SR Full Bag sensor working, Does not Reset properly
ANSWER : The problem was a sticking switch that was not being reset. The vacuum on/off switch mechanism is comprised of two switches. One is the main switch that turns the vacuum on and off. The second is a shut off switch that gets tripped when the full bag sensor is engaged. This second switch is supposed to get reset when you push the on/off switch on the outside of the machine. The full bag shutoff switch was stiff and it, therefore, was taking a couple of presses of the on/off switch to move the shutoff switch back into the running position.

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I have an electrolux epic 6500 sr. The change bag light came on, I changed the bag, now it won’t run properly. If the bag is out and the hose attached it will run or if the bag is in and the hose is off it will run, but not if the bag is in and the hose is attached. Any suggestions?
ANSWER : First, if it runs without a bag, there’s a problem with the bag lock-out switch or wiring. This needs to be replaced/repaired by an authorized Aerus Electrolux technician.
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.First, turn dial on top of vacuum counter-clockwise so the smallest dot lines up with the arrow. See if it stays on. If not, detach hose and turn vacuum on. Place palm of hand over intake. If it turns off, it’s possible that the tubes connecting to the CVA are clogged and simply need cleaned. This is most often caused by using “made to fit” Electrolux bags. Dust is sucked through the bags and into the motor compartment of the machine. All interior parts get covered in dust and need to be cleaned. If this is the cause, the vacuum is best cleaned and repaired at an authorized Aerus Electrolux store. If the vacuum shuts off, or won’t turn on before placing hand over the intake, it’s probable the control valve assembly is bad and needs replaced.

Another cause is an overheated motor due to clogged screen at back of bag well, full or clogged bag, dirty afterfilter, bad wiring/connections, clogged hose, clogged power head, or bad motor. It depends largely on the type and model of cleaner. Clogged wands are also a possibility, but unlikely.

Check and clean screen at back of bag well.

Replace bag. Make sure it’s a genuine Electrolux bag made by Home Solutions.

Check and replace afterfilter if necessary. These should be replaced after every six bags.

Broken and worn wiring connections are often found in the hose ends due to abuse and normal wear and tear. You can check the continuity of the hose using a continuity tester or multi-tester. If a multi-tester, turn dial to one of the Ohm settings. Place one probe into one of the terminals on the end of the hose. This will be referred to as T1. Touch the other probe to each of the terminals/connections on the other end of the hose. These will be T3 and T4. One of them should read zero, the other should read infinity. Repeat this with the other terminal, which will be T2.

Drop a marble in one end of hose and let it roll through. If it doesn’t roll through, the hose is clogged and needs to be cleared. Plug hose into the exhaust port of the vacuum, place other end in the in port. Turn vacuum on. This provides a blowing and sucking action which should clear the hose.
Detach hose from power nozzle (PN). Drop a marble into the wand end of PN. If it rolls through, it’s clear. If not, there’s probably a clog behind the brush where the intake opening is. You may be able to reach this through wand end with needle nose pliers, or either end with a knitting/crochet needle or a bent coat hanger.

If none of these “fixes” provide the answer to the problem, it should be taken to the nearest Aerus Electrolux store for diagnosis. Repairs or checks involving disassembly of the vacuum should always be done by an authorized Aerus Electrolux service technician.

The store nearest you can be found by following the instructions at the below listed link:
http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

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I had a real heck of a time with the bag installation, because after the pop i zipped it up and started to use it and then the bag of the vac, not the replaceable bag fell off and i kept putting it back on but it kept falling off and when i looked inside the bag to reattach it to the vac cleaner i noticed that the dust was all inside. i haven’t even used it that much as i keep it to do the upstairs bedroom only. i love that it is so lightweight and easy to use and i hope that someone can co
ANSWER : Mary, I have some wonderful news for you and your Oreck XL2600 Vacuum, I called 1 800 989 3535 customer service and inquired about your bag attach problem, it seems to be a docking station problem that “may” be warranteed, however if it is missing then it is assumed not a manufacturers defect and therefore must be purchased, however they assured me the price is reasonable and inexpensive.
.Please call the 1 800 # above with the model XL2600 upright and they will assist you in locating a repair store nearest yoou or you may go online to www.oreck.com and visit there store locator using your zip code, please dont try to glue…. I hope this works for you Mary, and please have a wonderful day!!!!

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While vacuuming the red light for the bag of the vacuum came on and the vacuum stopped. The bag was no where near full so I replaced it with a new bag – same problem. It vaccumes for a minute or then stops with bag light on. It is the correct bag for the machine – so what’s the problem?
ANSWER : I’m assuming this is the Epic 6500 or similar model.
.Detach the hose, turn vacuum on. If it runs, place palm of hand against inport hole. If it shuts off the problem is with either the control valve setting or the control valve assembly itself.
.For cvs, turn dial on top of vacuum all the way to the largest dot, and try above test again. If that doesn’t work, then it’s the CVA. It needs to be cleaned or replaced, which is an in shop job. Fro repair, take it to the nearest Aerus Electrolux store. I recommend a full clean and service to remove any dust/dirt from the motor, fan assembly, and other internal parts.
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.Another problem, which relates to the dial setting, is that fine dust will quickly clog the pores of the bag, resulting in the machine “thinking” the bag is full. Turning the dial to the proper setting helps get the bag fuller. The middle setting is the normal setting, and is for areas without fine dust and sand.

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How do I clean the bag? I loaned it to someone that had 4 dogs! Needless to say the bag was very dirty, full of dog hair and smells really bad. I emptied the bag out but still cannot get all the hair out and wondered about how to clean the bag. Can I wash it?
Thanks so much, Cindy
ANSWER : Yes you can wash it if it is from textile material, hand wash it i recomand, but not to sure if u can get all the hair out, but at least it will smell nice..
.A new bag isnt’t to expensive either, depends on the model....

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I have a craftsman 16 gallon 5.5 horsepower shopvac, and I am having trouble locating the model number
ANSWER : Look for a / which starts with 116 or similar. It is simply a catalogue number near the motor ratings

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I would really like to wash the outer bag of my vacuum, but I have a problem. I can remove the outer bag from the vacuum, but the plastic ‘frame’ that is inside the outer bag is sewn to the bag. So what am I supposed to do about that if I want to put it in the washing machine? I have the Oreck XL Silver.
ANSWER : Hi,

you can wash the bag. However you cannot wash the bag in the wash machine. What you will want to do is look for the screw or depending on the model, untwist the cap down on the rod next to the machine. that entire pole section will come off of the unit below with the bag there.

I recommend if it is warm outside to use the garden hose to spray it and scrub inside the bag with a scrub brush and some dish soap.

I usually throw them into the laundry sink and let soak, scrubbing with soap and water.

To dry the bag, a hairdryer or hang to dry before putting the piece back onto the machine.

Good luck.
Mark

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