Changed my mind about using shop vacs on flue cleanings

I used to swear by using a shop vac for every job because it's quick and easy. But after dumping a load of fine ash into a customer's living room last Tuesday in Arlington, I switched back to using a drop cloth and hand scoop. Has anyone else found that the vac kicks up more mess than it saves?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_rose6d ago

Have you ever tried using a small hand vac with a decent filter instead of a full size shop vac? That's what I started doing after a similar mess with fine ash in Spokane last winter. The hand vac is way lighter and easier to control, so I don't kick up clouds of dust everywhere like with the big one. Plus you can keep a drop cloth under it anyway and still scoop up the heavy stuff by hand. It's not as fast but man, the peace of mind from not blowing ash all over is worth it.

jennybailey6d ago

A full size shop vac just sucks harder though, and that matters when you're dealing with wet ash or thick debris. @the_rose, you're swapping speed for a little less dust but adding more time hunched over with a tiny vac.

gracej996d ago

I read in Fine Homebuilding that a hepa filter on the vac makes all the difference for fine ash.