Build Your Perfect Shop Vac Setup.

Learn how to spec, retrofit, and maintain a non-sparking vacuum for metal shavings to reduce fire risk, clogs, and downtime while addressing OSHA requirements. Get cost comparisons, safety checklists, and clear decision points to choose between a HEPA retrofit and a dedicated extractor for your workload.

Prevent frozen hoses and costly downtime with cold-resistant hose choices, moisture control, and containment best practices. Follow clear, actionable steps to keep shop vacs running all winter while maintaining safety compliance.

Map every connection - ports, adapters, and anti-static paths - before buying to build a cyclone setup that preserves suction and protects HEPA filters. Done right, it diverts 99.9% of debris >10μm and extends runtime from 8 to 47 minutes while cutting filter costs.

Prioritize containment over “will it fit” using a risk-based checklist and quick field tests to decide when OEM parts are mandatory and when vetted generics will pass. Verify seals, documentation, and CFM to keep your vacuum setup HEPA-compliant and inspection-ready while avoiding costly fines.