I hate job-site vacuums. Sure, I use them but wrestling them through customers' homes, storing them and wrangling hoses like recalcitrant boa constrictors is, well, infuriating. When I see a vacuum that may cure some of that Keystone-Cops chaos, I let the dust know.
Ridgid's 3-gallon WD2450 looks like a huge advance for dust eating. First, forget cords. Power for this dust and water devil comes from Ridgid cordless-tool batteries. And because it's part of Ridigd's MaxSelect line, it takes two power flavors:18-volt Nicad and 24-volt Lithium Ion. In other words, you can use your old batteries or switch up to the new ones — no fuss, no muss. The WD2450 is sold "console only," so you don't get stiffed buying yet another battery and charger combo. Sweet.
In action, the unit is optimized to run on either battery platform; the hose is expandable from two to seven feet; the switch is mounted under the handle to prevent accidental turn-ons; and filter access looks mercifully simple. The WD2450 looks rockin' for smaller clean-ups and punch-out. At three gallons, you're not going to vac an entire site. I love the WD2450's slim profile; I can move it around easily and store it efficiently. In fact, I can use it to clean the truck I store it in. Now you're talkin'!
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