What is the best hose for a shop vac? One of the most crucial parts of any shop vac is the hose. Without a good hose, you can be sure to waste a lot of time and energy that could be spent elsewhere. In this article, we list the best replacement hoses for your wet/dry cleaning companion.
Most people buy hoses as replacements. However, you may just need to extend the reach of your shop vac. The hoses that we’ll list here solve both problems.
A Comparison of the Top 5 Best Shop Vac Hoses 2024
Before we get into more details, here is a summary of our top picks:
| Name | Hose Diameter | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. WORKSHOP WS25021A | 2.5 inches | 13 ft. |
| 2. Cen-Tec Systems 94192 | 1.75 inches | 16 ft. |
| 3. Shop-Vac 9051200 | 1.25 inches | 8 ft. |
| 4. Craftsman CMXZVBE38759 | 2.5 inches | 20 ft. |
| 5. Mr. Nozzle M-100-DB | 2.125 inches | 12 ft. |
What to Check When Shopping For the Best Replacement Hose
If you’re not careful, you may end up something that will disappoint you. If you buy a hose that doesn’t improve the situation, you may have to return it – which means wasted time. Also, you may have to leave the dirt untouched until you receive the replacement.
So, what factors do you need to consider before purchasing a hose for your wet dry shop vac? Here are five questions you need to ask yourself before settling on a particular hose:
Does it fit?
This is the most important aspect to check. Ensure that you know how wide the inlet port is (diameter). Therefore, if the port measures 2 1/2 inches in diameter, you can only buy a hose with a 2 1/2 inch diameter.
While this may seem pretty straightforward, it may escape your mind – till it’s too late. It is good to note that a hose may be larger than the inlet port, but it may have adapters that match the inlet diameter of your shop vac.
So, always check the size and/or presence of the right adapters. Adapters are also a must-have if the intention was to extend your shop vac’s reach.
What’s the size of the opening?
While this may not be specified by the manufacturer, it is an important aspect of shop vac hoses. A large opening means that you can pick up bigger debris. On the contrary, if the opening is too wide, it can negatively affect the suction.
However, based on the kind of dirt that shop vacs are meant to tackle, it is not advisable to buy a very narrow hose. Also, a hose with a uniform diameter throughout its length is more ideal.
Is it sturdy enough?
The build quality of any good hose must be top-notch. This prevents it from getting warped when cleaning or getting torn easily. If you intend to buy from your local store, this will be easy to check first hand.
However, if you’re shopping online, it’s a lot harder to tell the quality by simply looking at the picture. But how will you be able to know how strong the hose is? Well, by reading reviews from previous buyers or going through this review article, you will be pointed in the right direction.
What is the length?
Most hoses are long enough for regular tasks. However, if you need a long hose, this is one specification that you must check. Some hoses are just 7 feet long. This may be enough for some, but short for most people.
On the other hand, a 20-foot hose may be too cumbersome to use and store.
Does the brand matter?
The answer to this is Yes and No. No, because so long as the hose fits, it will work just fine. However, most people feel that it is a must to have accessories from the same manufacturer as that of the vacuum.
So, if you’re not so much into aesthetics, you can buy any brand, so long as the build quality is great and it fits well. If you own a Shop-Vac, RIDGID, Craftsman, etc., you don’t have to buy a hose from the respective brand.
Reviews of the Best Replacement Hoses for Shop Vacs 2024
Identifying the best accessories can be quite challenging in a market flooded with options. However, we have taken our time to find out which ones are worth your time and money. These are the best replacement hoses for shop vacs in 2024:
1. WORKSHOP Wet Dry Vacuum Accessories WS25021A 13-Foot Wet Dry Vacuum Hose
First of all, WORKSHOP is one of the best shop vac brands in the market right now. So, it is not surprising that the company sells one of the best replacement hoses for shop vacs or wet/dry vacuums. As mentioned above, a good replacement hose must be sturdy, fitting and long enough.
You could be buying it solely as a replacement, or for increasing your reach. With its sturdy build, sufficient length, and compatibility with most shop vacs, it surely serves both purposes. It measures 13 feet in length and can fit any shop vac with a 2.5-inch inlet port diameter.
So, it can comfortably pick up large debris as you clean your home or workshop.
If you need a longer version of the same, you can check out the WORKSHOP WS25022A Extra Long Wet Dry Vacuum Hose. It measures a whopping 20 feet. However, the diameter remains the same.
Also, this workshop replacement hose has a locking tab that serves two purposes. First, it helps to tightly lock the hose to the vacuum for stress-free cleaning. Secondly, it makes it easy to detach the hose for convenient storage once you finish the task.
Lastly, the hose comes with 3 adapters to help you fit it onto any shop vac with a standard 2 1/2 inch opening port. These include a black locking tab hose adapter, a red locking tab hose adapter, and a friction fit hose adapter.
Features summary
- Diameter: 2 1/2 inches (end to end)
- Length: 13 feet
- Locking tab
- 3 adapters
Click here to see its current price.
2. Cen-Tec Systems 94192 16 Ft. Hose for Home and Shop Vacuums
Cen-Tec Systems has become a renowned brand when it comes to vacuum cleaner accessories. For this reason, Cen-Tec also makes an appearance in our central vacuum powerheads buying guide. Therefore, you can expect quality and value with this replacement hose.
Whatever wet-dry vacuum or shop vac brand you own, you can be assured that the Cen-Tec Systems 94192 hose will do well. While the hose measures 1.75 inches in diameter, it measures 2.5 inches at the tank-end to ensure that it fits into most shop vac brands such as Shop-Vac, Vacmaster, WORKSHOP, RIDGID, Craftsman, DEWALT, etc.
So, this hose will give you powerful suction given that it is not very wide in diameter.
Also, the sturdy yet highly flexible hose is compatible with most cleaning tools such as dust brushes. This is made possible by the presence of a collar clip ring and two bayonet fittings. One bayonet fitting comes with a 1.5-inch soft TPE fitting while the other one has a 1-inch soft TPE fitting.
Lastly, the hose is available in other lengths such as 10 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet.
Features summary
- Hose diameter: 1.75 inches
- Tank-end diameter: 2.5 inches
- Length: 16 feet
- Quick click system
- Collar with clip ring
- Bayonet fitting with 1-inch soft TPE fitting with 4 concentric rings
- Bayonet fitting with 1.5-inch soft TPE fitting with 3 concentric rings
- 360-degree swivel to prevent kinking
Click here to see its current price.
3. Shop-Vac 9051200 1.25-Inch by 8-Foot Hose
This is another one of the top wet/dry vacuum brands. It goes without saying that the hose is perfect for Shop-Vac units. However, the hose is compatible with most other shop vac brands in the market. This replacement hose is not only sturdy, but it is also very easy to fix, flexible and maintains powerful suction.
The hose works with all the brands with a 2.5-inch inlet port. Then, the hose itself measures 1.25 inches. So, you are guaranteed strong suction from start to finish. Also, it is very easy to connect and use tools that measure 1.25 inches in diameter.
Well, the 8 feet may be too short for most people. Therefore, Shop-Vac has another option that measures 10 feet – the Shop-Vac 9013400 Replacement Hose.
Features summary
- Diameter: 1.25 inches
- Fits into 2.5-inch inlet ports
- Length: 8 feet
- 4 adapters
Click here to see its current price.
4. Craftsman CMXZVBE38759 POS-I-LOCK Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Hose Kit
Another good replacement hose from a household shop vac brand is the Craftsman CMXZVBE38759. Measuring 2.5 inches in diameter, the hose can fit into most wet/dry vacuum brands. Also, it is quite long for extended reach (20 feet).
Therefore, it can be used to replace a worn-out craftsman hose while at the same time tremendously increasing the reach. This hose is almost three times longer than the standard craftsman hose. Also, it is longer than most standard hoses that come with other brands such as Shop-Vac.
The hose has dual flex technology that ensures that it’s easy to maneuver with 180-degree flexibility. This also prevents the hose from kinking, thereby marinating consistent suction. Also, it comes with 3 POS-I-LOCK adapters that make attachment to the vacuum a walk in the park.
Features summary
- Hose diameter: 2.5 inches
- Length: 20 feet
- Dual flex technology
- 3 POS-I-LOCK adapters
Click here to see its current price.
5. Mr. Nozzle M-100-DB Wet/Dry Vac Tool Kit
If you are looking for a replacement hose that is not necessarily bearing the popular shop vac brand names, this is it. It is among the best replacement hoses and is compatible with most wet/dry vacuums in the market.
It measures 12 feet – long enough for most people. Also, it fits well with vacuums that have a 2.25-inch inlet port (inside diameter). The hose is quite sturdy, while at the same time very flexible. It is also easy to use thanks to a molded swivel cuff for easy maneuvering.
Further, the kit comes with additional tools to aid in your cleaning task. These include a non-clogging bench claw tool and a rugged crevice tool.
Features summary
- Internal diameter: 2 1/8 inches
- External diameter: 2.25 inches
- Length: 12 feet
- Molded swivel cuff
- Material: crushproof polyurethane
- Claw tool
- Crevice tool
Click here to see its current price.
6. RIDGID VT2534 6-Piece Auto Detailing Vacuum Hose Accessory Kit
This hose is made specifically for RIDGID vacuums. So, if you have any other shop vac, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you own a RIDGID vacuum this 1.25-inch hose will be a perfect fit. It is not only flexible but also sturdy. Therefore, it will last longer and give you value for money.
An adapter is available on one end to help you connect easily to the vacuum.
Also, this kit comes with an array of accessories that will make cleaning of tight spots such as car interiors a piece of cake. Some of the tools that come with the package include a crevice tool, a stiff bristle scrubbing brush, a soft bristle dusting brush, a hose-to-hose adaptor, and a claw nozzle.
Features summary
- Diameter: 1.25 inches
- Length: 10 feet
- 2 brushes
- Claw tool
- Crevice tool
- Hose-to-hose adaptor
- For RIDGID shop vacs
Click here to see its current price.
7. Dustless Technologies Universal Crush-Proof Wet Dry Vacuum Hose
This is the best replacement hose for Dustless wet/dry vacuums. However, it also fits most shop vacs with the standard 2.25-inch inlet ports. At 25 feet, the hose is quite long. However, you can also find a shorter 12-foot version.
Unlike most standard hoses, this one is crush-proof because it’s made of tough material. At the same time, it is flexible while remaining kink-free. So, it will take very long before the hose cracks or breaks.
Features summary
- Hose inside diameter: 1.5 inches
- Cuff diameter: 2.25 inches
- Length: 25 feet
- Material: co-molded polyethylene
Click here to see its current price.
Conclusion
After buying and using your shop vac, you may need to extend your reach. Also, you may need to replace a broken or cracked hose. But getting the perfect replacement of addition may prove to be a very challenging affair.
However, we have made the job easier for you by narrowing down to the seven best hoses for your shop vac. So, if you’re looking for the best replacement hose for your wet dry vacuum, look no further. While doing our research, we were careful to consider only the options that are sturdy, flexible, easy to fix and user-friendly.
Also, most of the options, apart from one, can be used with any shop vac. Therefore, all the top models such as Shop-Vac, Craftsman, Vacmaster, DEWALT, and so on, are catered for.
In summary, these are the best replacement hoses for wet dry shop vacs in 2024:
- WORKSHOP Wet Dry Vacuum Accessories WS25021A 13-Foot Wet Dry Vacuum Hose
- Cen-Tec Systems 94192 16 Ft. Hose for Home and Shop Vacuums
- Shop-Vac 9051200 1.25-Inch by 8-Foot Hose
- Craftsman CMXZVBE38759 POS-I-LOCK Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Hose Kit
- Nozzle M-100-DB Wet/Dry Vac Tool Kit
- RIDGID VT2534 6-Piece Auto Detailing Vacuum Hose Accessory Kit
- Dustless Technologies Universal Crush-Proof Wet Dry Vacuum Hose