Dewalt DC500 Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

Pros: It runs on a battery. Compact. Portable. Easy to carry. Completely filters dust.
Cons: Cord is a bit short. Price.

When I first saw the Dewalt DC500 Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum, I knew that it was a special tool. My biggest problem was parting with almost $100 to buy one. How could this size and type of shop vacuum cost so much? And why should a guy that has no ...

Pros: portability, use with DeWalt batteries, wet & dry at once
Cons: no batteries included is a con for some

After my second spilt cup of coffee in a couple weeks, and the embarrassment of driving clients around upon sawdust-covered truck seats, I determined it was time to find a sensible tool (ah, yes, a tool) to remedy this problem. Sure, I could stop ...

Pros: Decent design and build quality, performs a very useful function
Cons: A little more ergonomic thought would be nice, as would included batteries

This is a well-built tool that works fine for limited uses. It is not cheap, but is designed and built relatively well. It performs better than any similar tool that I'm aware of. By "limited uses," I mean that it will not replace a regular shop ...

Pros: Size, versatility, power, battery life
Cons: Tip over possibility, battery compartment, no charger feature

I've had the DC500 for over a year now. It's good for a variety of uses. Since it is cordless, it will go anywhere, which is handy for cleaning the car after my child eats crackers.

There are a couple of considerations you should heed with this unit. First, operation time on battery power depends greatly on the voltage of your DeWalt rechargeable battery pack. Second, it fits the XRB (eXtended Run Battery) in the battery housing better than other battery packs. You might have to bend the spring clip slightly to have the battery seat more securely. Finally, it has a limited collection bin and tipping is all too easy. Other than these points, this is a handy workhorse.

The filter is a wash-and-reuse style that is very sturdy. Replacements can be purchased if the filter gets damaged.

The DC500 also functions as a blower, but it isn't very powerful. It will blow excess dust from the work site, but the vacuum function doesn't leave much behind.

I would have liked to see the DC500 be a charger/vacuum, even if it tacked on an additional $50.

Pros: Size and sound level while on battery power !
Cons: UNDER POWER and a battery HOG that needs 18volt minimum !

Both good and bad !
Price was $99.00 Cdn, Good
Lack of battery and charging option, BAD
Seemed under powered, BAD
Nice Design, GOOD
Battery Life, REALLY BAD.

I put my 18V XRP battery in and started to clean out the back of my SUV, about 16 minutes later, the suction was so minimal due to the battery drain that it wouldn't pick up a gum wrapper !
Put, the battery on the Charger and did a tune up. No real difference in run time to speak of.

Finally moved the SUV within cord range to finish up the cleaning, On AC power, the unit seems to have better suction and performance, but considerably louder !

No sure I would recommend this unit for someone that didn't already have batteries and charger to power the unit.

I personally felt the unit was under powered and the small sized hose didn't allow enough CFM through to make it a practical or useful item !

I returned the Vac, to the store less than a week after buying it. I just couldn't justify the purchase of this less than stellar Vac, that really doesn't work well on DC (battery) power !