Ridgid is launching a new line of NXT Max locking accessories for use with wet/dry vacuums.
The initial wave of new Ridgid NXT Max vacuum attachments feature a 2-1/2″ accessory size.
The premise is simple – the new line features nozzle attachments and then snap-connection brushes that allow for a customized cleaning experience.
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Do you need hard bristles? A soft rubber shoe? Ridgid NXT Max accessories allow for nozzle customization without having to swap to a completely different attachment. You only have to swap out the working tip.
To start, there are 5 attachment types, each with several compatible accessories to fit different application needs.
From left to right:
- Rotating dusting brush (round pivoting nozzle)
- Crevice tool
- Car nozzle
- Utility nozzle
- Floor tool
Ridgid sent over a set of test samples, and I think that this type of nozzle and accessory system holds a lot of promise.
Often, I grab a nozzle and then just use it for most cleaning tasks; I’ll use a medium-bristle brush where stiffer or softer bristles might make more sense.
Here, you get more capabilities without having to buy separate nozzles. To me, that translates to space saving.
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Here’s a rundown of which types of brush and tip accessories fit the 5 nozzle attachments, as not all brush or shoe styles are available for all nozzle types.
Ridgid very clearly says:
NXT shoes only fit NXT Max accessories. They do not fit standard RIDGID accessories.
The attachment snap onto the nozzles and can be easily removed, even with your foot in the case of floor nozzles.
Ridgid is also launching a new LED cuff tool, features 360° illumination.
The LED cuff nozzle works with 3x AAA batteries for 10+ hours of runtime. It will be available in 2 sizes, 1-7/8″ and 2-1/2″.
Ridgid says:
RIDGID NXT Accessories puts the user in control of how best to approach their cleaning project for the best, easiest and fastest clean.
Ridgid is upgrading select NXT wet/dry shop vacuums with the new NXT Max nozzles and accessories.
There are a couple of more things to know.
The new Ridgid NXT Max accessories lock onto the brand’s 2-1/2″ extension wands and hoses. You might see non-locking compatibility with other brands’ non-locking hoses and wands.
Many of the new NXT Max nozzles have been improved compared to Ridgid’s standard nozzles.
The NXT Max utility nozzle, for example, features improved debris pickup, and the car nozzle has a larger opening and a more ergonomic handle shape.
You also don’t have to use them with interchangeable brushes – the nozzles can be used bare, just like you would other shop vacuum nozzles and attachments.
Pricing Examples (via Home Depot):
- Rotating dust brush with hard bristle shoe – $14.97
- Floor nozzle with soft and hard bristles – $24.97
- Utility nozzle – $14.97
- Car nozzle – $14.97
- Car nozzle 3 brush attachments – $19.97
The new wet/dry shop vacuum accessories will be available at Home Depot.
What Other Brands are Doing
Milwaukee launched a line of AirTip vacuum accessories in 2022, with multi-fitment compatibility.
Dewalt recently launched a new line of shop vacuum nozzles at Lowe’s.
Ridgid’s approach is different. Instead of separate nozzles with different brush or tip profiles, there are a couple of nozzle shapes, each with a couple of available brush tip attachments.
Most of Milwaukee and Dewalt’s attachments are designed to fit more than one vacuum hose or wand size. Ridgid’s NXT Max nozzles are specifically designed to lock onto their 2-1/2″ locking hoses and wands.
Aside from size compatibility, this could lead to differences in performance or clog avoidance, as the Ridgid nozzles will have a wider airflow path.
Bonnie
” locking accessories for usen with wet/dry vacuums.”
Looks like a typo for “uses”.
Bonnie
And my own typo in pointing out the type. “use”
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed* Not sure what happened there.
Shane
At least they seem reasonably priced as opposed to big red.
fred
Emerson (rather than TTI-Milwaukee) seems to be manufacturing (or sourcing from an OEM) these. The UPC codes starting with 648846 denotes the Emerson Special Products Division – the same source for the Ridgid-Brande vacuums.
Andy
I really like this idea. The space saving potential is cool, but so is the ability to replace worn-out brushes!
Chris S
Having bought a few of the Milwaukee accessories as they go on clearance, their biggest failure is going for every size (master of none…etc, etc.).
I’m happy to see Ridgid is not following suite (unlike Dewalt).
David Brock
Same here, been buying the red stuff at local auction houses that get trailer loads of HD rejects every week for pennies on the dollar. Like the offerings but would never pay close to $30 for a nozzle even though it might have a magnet built in.
Jared
Ridgid must be one of the most ubiquitous shop-vac brands right? It’s nice they’re coming out with a line of accessories to fit their vacuums specifically.
The idea seems like a good one too, and thoughtfully designed.
David Brock
I was just looking this week for my old style ridgid crevis tool for cleaning under some car seats but will probably quit looking and just get one of these new ones.
John
Now make a vacuum as quiet as Fein does 😉
fred
I still have an old Craftsman 32gal. workshop vacuum that was made for Sears by Emerson. I thought serious noise was part and parcel of the genre – but then I bought my first Fein (looks like a Dalek). My newer Feins are even quieter. I also suppose that Fein doesn’t have a lock on making quiet vacuums – and that Festool and others make ones to compete.
Shane
My new Dewalt Stealthsonic is amazingly quiet. I did not expect such a difference compared to the vac it replaced
Saulac
I was expecting something else when I read “rotating” brush. I thought the brush would spin. The inner brush is something that I have been think all vacuum brushes would be, in the center so that stuff can get in from all directions.
Randy
The LED ring is a great idea, but I’ll be taping a flashlight to my vacuum. Not because it’s 1/3 the price, but because I refuse to stock AAA batteries for it.
Now if it activated automatically when the vacuum starts there would be some real competition.
Frank D
I have multiple Ridgid shop vacs, and think these miss the mark for DIY / utility use. This looks to copy some of the light attachments for battery operated household vacuums. They’re moderately useful for such a vacuum. But I don’t use my shop vac in and around the house. For utility you’d a) need some seriously stiff bristles for them not to collapse or wear out really fast on a clean shop vac with loads of suction. And, b) not wrap around. I can see a set of stiff bristles on the rear or middle of a tool work. As much as I do vacuum a shop floor or work area, clean the garage with a shop vac, … ( dust allergies means I vacuum rather than sweep with a wide broom ) … having a square wraparound edge with bristles in the front and rear, would just push stuff around that I want sucked into the vacuum, as you sweep forward and backward. The number one issue with floor nozzles is tightness to the floor, not a lack of brushes.
blocky
You could add spacers to the nozzle head to keep it from creating a complete seal with the floor – a couple zipties for example might do the trick – or you could file a couple small notches in the lip of the nozzle.
When sweeping with a wide brush, I’ve altered my technique — at the end of each stroke, I maintain contact with the floor and then pull back just a bit – enough to straighten the bristles before lifting for the next stroke — it removes the spring action that flings most of the dust.
MichaelT
Pricing seems excellent – for example the MAX2501 rotating brush is only one dollar more than the LA2501 fixed position brush that HD compares it to. That’s amazing in today’s pricing world.
Hans
Ooh! More options—I mean parts I don’t need that my guys will immediately lose. I can imagine these will soon replace the stock fittings at home depot—they know they’ll inevitably sell more because the average buyer won’t keep track of all the parts and eventually they’ll have no bristles at all. Then they’ll be back for more!