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Reddit Reviews
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.





