How We Test

Our Testing Philosophy

Real jobs, repeatable methods. We test vacuums and accessories against the messes that break lesser setups—sawdust, drywall dust, and water—using instruments and procedures you can replicate. We publish our methods so our results are transparent, comparable, and defensible on a jobsite.

Test Bench and Instruments

Airflow and pressure: anemometer for CFM, sealed and working static pressure via manometer; test at multiple hose diameters and lengths to reflect real use.
Filtration and leakage: particle counter (0.3–10 μm) to gauge capture and bypass; differential tests with/without bags, HEPA, and cyclones.
Noise: sound level meter (A‑weighted dBA) at 3.3 ft and 10 ft; tone analysis to judge perceived harshness.
Fit and compatibility: calipers (ID/OD), barb depth, locking tabs, O‑rings; tug and twist force to assess connection security and air‑tightness.
Wet performance: timed water pickup over set distances; drain and decon checks; foam sleeve and float reliability under surge.

Real‑Mess Protocols

Sawdust Sweep: fixed mass spread across standard floor area; measure pickup rate, residual dust, and filter loading after timed passes.
Drywall Dust Plume: controlled application of fine dust; measure particle counts at source, mid‑room, and exhaust; evaluate bag vs HEPA vs cyclone pre‑stage.
Water Run: timed pickup and dump with inspection for leaks, float lockouts, and odor risk; note cleanup effort.

Usability, Mobility, and Durability

Stability: tip angle tests and obstacle roll; caster tracking on cords/debris.
Hose behavior: anti‑static performance, kink resistance, memory, and practical reach.
Maintenance: filter change time, mess exposure during swaps, bag sealing, drain design, and gasket access.
Power options: tool‑trigger auto‑start checks, cordless runtime at set loads, and surge current behavior.

Compatibility and the Fit Finder

We maintain a measured database of ports, cuffs, and adapters across RIDGID, Shop‑Vac, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Festool, Fein, Karcher, Craftsman, and more. Each entry includes diameter(s), locking style, and verified pairings. We favor minimal adapter chains to preserve suction and reduce failures. Where an adapter is unavoidable, we quantify the added pressure drop.

Scoring and Job Profiles

We weight results by job type so recommendations match outcomes:

Fine Dust Control (drywall/silica): filtration, leakage, and tool‑port capture carry the most weight.
Woodshop Cleanup: airflow, debris passage, and stability weigh higher.
Water/Decon: wet reliability, drain, odor mitigation, and cleanout time dominate.
Occupied Spaces/Detailing: noise, hose handling, and anti‑static performance take priority. Weights and raw data are published with each review.

Compliance Notes

For silica and HEPA scenarios, we reference OSHA and industry best practices. Our tests are informative, not legal determinations. Always follow regulations, use appropriate filters/bags, and employ proper engineering controls and PPE.

Repeatability and Updates

We run multiple passes per test and re‑test after design changes or when accessories materially alter performance. If we update protocols, we document the change log so older scores remain interpretable.

Data Access

Each review includes downloadable or viewable data snapshots (airflow curves, noise plots, particle counts) and exact setups used (hose length/diameter, adapters, filter/bag model). Ask us if you need additional detail for a bid or compliance file.