DeWalt - DCV581H

I’ve got the 581 also. They really dropped the ball on that. Just today I was thinking if I could reuse the guts somehow

Would you mind sharing how you modified it for a bag? I like my 581, but the filter clogs so quickly.

In my experience if you’re going corded, Rigid are probably the best shop vacs I’ve seen. I have a couple of the corded/cordless combo Dewalt vacs that are really handy for small stuff on the move but if you want a bit more power go Rigid

I have the DeWalt, it works well. The straight tube extensions like to slide out of their storage clips on the side though.

After having owned the DCV581H, I would not recommend it. Great runtime on batteries and a corded option(hardly used it) but it’s pretty weak, not a great form factor for storage/organization, top heavy and likes to fall over which causes the water float ball to get sucked up and block suction. I got the M12 vacuum and vastly prefer it.

I use the 581 for simple things ie clean up after haircuts, vacuuming up kid detritus in cars, small project mess etc. It's not near as powerful as a full shop vac but great for what it does

I have the 581H. It’s handy. I modified it to take a vacuum bag. Totally worth the trouble (or lack of). I wish it was more powerful. I’d totally shell out the extra for a brushless model. But the only dewalt brushless vac I know of is the little hand held. Haven’t used the 517. But I like having the hose.

581h all day, I've got the cord/cordless version and it's great.

I think this is optimal if you have the space. I use a DeWalt battery/AC shop vac and I love it. You never know when you might need to vacuum a liquid spill, especially if you have a pet.

The first one is FAR better than the second one. The 2 gallon is useful, but they're both pretty weak compared to a regular vacuum or shop vac. I have the first one and their stick vac, I use both regularly, but only for tiny messes and the filters clog way too fast.

I have the 581 and it works perfect for what it’s used for. It’s definitely not a 5hp shop vac but it is small, portable, capable and cordless if you want. Lasts way longer than expected on battery. The size is super nice and suction adequate.

Do you really want to have to keep an extra battery around for 1 single tool? The DeWalt works well

I've got the Dewalt 2 gallon one (if you pay attention, they have two versions of it - one runs on the 20v batteries, and the other can use the 20v batteries OR plug into a 120v outlet. I bought the 120v capable one). It's not as powerful as my full-size shop vac, but for general work cleaning up the car, it does a pretty good job and the portability is nice.

I’m now looking for my third 2 gallon one. I absolutely love mine.

The 2nd can technically suck up wet stuff, but not very much. Before you realize it you’ll have sucked up too much of whatever liquid it is, then it starts spewing out the vents everywhere…. Not that I did that or anything. I’m going to buy the 2 gallon one next time I see it on sale

I use the Dewalt wet/dry vac because spills happen in weird places in the van. The small version, there’s 2

i have their corded little wet/dry. only dewalt thing i own and love it.