CRAFTSMAN 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac - Portable Shop Vacuum

In this review of the CRAFTSMAN 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac, the bottom line is simple: it is a practical, portable shop vacuum for homeowners and hobbyists who need a compact unit for garage, automotive, and small renovation cleanup. The 4.25 peak HP motor and 9 gallon tank give it enough power and capacity for medium-sized jobs, and the Qwik Lock Filter system plus onboard storage make it easy to maintain and store. For anyone facing occasional wet pickup, dust collection, or workshop debris, this model balances performance and convenience without taking up much space.

Key Features

• 4.25 Peak HP Motor: Provides sufficient suction for routine garage cleaning and small renovation debris.
• 9 Gallon Tank: Holds a useful volume of wet or dry waste so you empty less often on medium jobs.
• Blower Port: Lets you convert the exhaust to a blower to move leaves or debris from a driveway or workspace.
• Qwik Lock Filter: Enables quick filter changes, reducing downtime when switching between wet and dry tasks.
• Oversized Drain: Built-in drain simplifies emptying liquids without tipping the tank.
• Accessories Included: Comes with a 1-7/8 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK hose, extension wands, nozzles and a dusting brush for common cleanup tasks.

Who It's For

The vacuum is aimed at homeowners, DIYers and automotive enthusiasts who need a compact, portable unit for workshops, basements, garages and vehicle interiors. If you often deal with small floods, sink clogs, dusty renovation debris or routine car cleaning, the combination of a 9 gallon tank and a 4.25 peak HP motor covers most occasional to moderate tasks.

If you need commercial-scale suction, continuous heavy-duty use on construction sites, or the most durable heavy-trade attachments, look elsewhere - this model targets lighter shop and home jobs where portability and storage are more important than industrial endurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable and lightweight design makes it easy to move around the garage or car.
• On-board hose and accessory storage keep all components organized and reduce clutter.
• Versatile blower port and included nozzles expand usefulness beyond simple vacuuming.
• Qwik Lock Filter system and oversized drain simplify maintenance and wet-emptying.

Cons

• Some users report mixed impressions of suction strength and attachment durability, so heavy contractors may find it less robust for constant, demanding use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CRAFTSMAN 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is a sensible choice for homeowners and hobbyists who want a compact, easy-to-store vacuum that handles wet pickups and everyday shop debris. It offers useful features like the blower port, oversized drain and quick filter changes at a reasonable value, though those needing heavy-duty, continuous trade performance should consider larger commercial units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this vacuum pick up liquids?
Yes. The unit is a wet/dry vac with an oversized drain to make emptying liquids convenient.

Are replacement filters and dust bags available?
Yes. The vac is compatible with several genuine CRAFTSMAN filters and a compatible dust bag model for dry use.

Does it include attachments for car cleaning?
Yes. It ships with a car nozzle, utility and wet nozzles, a dusting brush, extension wands and a 7 ft. hose for vehicle and detail cleaning.