This new Ridgid wet/dry shop vacuum comes with a “bonus” LED-lighted car nozzle. Yep, that’s right – LEDs have now made their way into vacuum nozzles. The bonus nozzle is specifically sized for cleaning your car’s interior, where there are plenty of dark nooks and crannies.
Honestly, I can’t decide whether to mock the LED nozzle or wish it were available as a separate accessory that could be added to any standard 2-1/2″ vacuum hose or vacuum accessory. Putting LEDs into hand tools has become a silly practice, but a vacuum nozzle with an LED seems like it could be handy.
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I suppose one could always use a Velcro strap or rubber band to secure a keychain-sized flashlight to any vacuum hose, nozzle, or wand. Even so, a built-in flashlight is going to be less clunky and harder to lose in the tight spaces inside your car, as well as under furniture or equipment.
I can also see why Ridgid describes the LED nozzle specifically as a “car nozzle,” but it looks like it could be an okay for cleaning small areas of a workshop or equipment that are covered in shadows.
The new vacuum, model WD1276, actually has some okay-looking specs, and it’s not too pricey either.
Specs and Features
- 12-gallon capacity
- 5.0 HP power rating
- 7 ft dual-flex locking hose (2.5″ diameter)
- 15 ft power cord
- Swivel casters (4)
- On-board hose and accessory storage
- Large top carrying handle
- 2 extension wands, utility nozzle, LED car nozzle, wet nozzle, VF4000 pleated paper filter, 2 filter dust bags
Price: $80
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
If you decide to buy the vacuum, consider spending a little extra for an optional Cleanstream HEPA-rated filter. These filters have non-stick surfaces that don’t clog easily, and when they do get dirty you can rinse ’em clean for reuse. It looks like you would want model 09093 ($33 via Home Depot) to replace the VF4000 filter that comes with this vac.
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But it's me!
I think it is a great idea. Seems like a good place for an LED light, unlike some gimmicky applications out there (LED shower heads?). I have a 15-year old Craftsman (non-LED) lighted 1/4-inch bit handle that comes in handy every so often when trying to screw something in a tight and dark area. Wish it had a rare earth magnet to hold the bits, unlike the crappy magnet in it, but it works in pinch. It was a gift, so I am glad I learned to make use of it, rather than toss aside as junk (which I admit was my first thought). I look forward to the inevitable copies and hope Ridgid sees fit to sell it separately.
David
This is available separately. I bought one a few weeks ago. They are in the same section as all the other nozzles. I think it came in two sized. Not too expensive, either (9$?).
David
Benjamen
Now I have to replace the batteries in my shop vac?
Did you catch what type of batteries they use? I hope it’s something common and cheap like AAA’s
Josh B.
Links to two LED nozzles.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1-7-8-in-LED-Lighted-Car-Nozzle-VT1739/204960486
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-2-1-2-in-LED-Lighted-Car-Nozzle-VT2539/204960485
Josh B.
Uses 2-CR2016 batteries.
mike aka Fazzman
They are not AAA batteries,they are the small disc like ones. I have one of these nozzles for my Rigid vac and it is great inside the car for under seats and such wher eits harder to see. Yeah the lighted nozzle is cheap to buy seperate thats what I did. Got my 16 gallon Rigid vac on Black Friday sale for $39.88
Robin
Surprised they beat Sears to it..
ajw1978
Yup. Needed a new shop vac. Read this. Bought it. It’s awesome. The damn light is the only thing that helped me find my missing mailbox key.
mike aka Fazzman
Nice!!
DJ gunderstruck
Finally someone who knows the benefits of the cleanstrwam filter. So wonderful.