Operator's Manual
8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Model No. 125.17608
• Safety
CAUTION: Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all its Safety Rules
and Operating Instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www. crafts man.corn
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
• Espa_ol - p_gina 16
Warranty
CRAFTSMAN ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
FORONE YEAR from the date of purchase, this product iswarranted against any
defects in material orworkmanship. A defective productwill be replaced free of
charge.
Forwarranty coverage details to obtain free replacement, visit the web site:
www.craftsman.com
This warranty does not cover filters, hose or attachments, which are expendable
parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period.
This warranty isvoid if this product isever used while providing commercial
services or if rented to another person.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
iMPORTANTSAFETYiNSTRUCTiONS
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE USING THiS
VACUUM
Read and understand this owner's manual and
all labelson the Wet!Dry Vacuum cleaner before
operating. Safetyisa combination of common
sense,staying alert andknowing how your
vacuum works. Use this Wet/Dry Vac only as
described inthis manual. To reducethe risk of
personal injuryor damage to your Wet/DryVac,
use only Craftsman recommended accessories.
For household use only
SAVETHII NANLIAL
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
When using an electrical appliance, basic
precautions should always be followed
including the following:
RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR iNJURY:
• Do not run vac unattended.
• Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry Vac
near flammable liquids, gases, or
explosive vapors like gasoline or other
fuels, lighter fluids, cleaners, oil-based
paints, natural gas, hydrogen, or explosive
dusts like coal dust, magnesium dust,
grain dust, or gun power. Sparks inside
the motor can ignite flammable vapors or
dust.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or
hot ashes.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not use with damaged cord, plug or
other parts.
• If vac is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or
dropped into water, take it to a service
dealer for inspection and repair before
using it again.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as
handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners.
• Do not run Wet/Dry Vac over cord.
Do not handle plug or the Wet/Dry Vac
with wet hands.
To reduce the risk of health hazards from
vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic
materials.
Do not store near hazardous materials.
Do not use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn
filter or without the filter installed except
when vacuuming liquids as described in
the operation section of this manual.
2
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or
near children.
• To reduce the risk d injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.
Do not leave Wet/Dry Vac unattended
when plugged in. Unplug from outlet
when not in use and before servicing.
• Turn off Wet/Dry Vac before unplugging.
• Do not put any object into ventilation
openings. Do not vacuum with any
ventilation openings blocked; keep free of
dust, lint, hair or anything that may reduce
air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all
parts of body away from openings and
moving parts.
• To reduce the risk d falls, use extra care
when cleaning on stairs.
When using as blower:
• Direct air discharge only at work area.
• Do not use Wet/Dry Vac as a sprayer.
• Do not direct air at bystanders.
• Keep children away when blowing.
• Wear safety goggles.
Polarized Plug
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this
appliance has a polarized plug (one with
the blade wider than the other). This plug
will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If
the plug does not fit fully inthe outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in
any way. Double insulation E]eliminates
the need for the three wire grounded power
cord and grounded power supply system.
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
r_ OUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED,
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICALREPLACEMENTPARTS,
Cf _k WARNING
• For your own safety, read and
understand owner's manual.
• Do not allow unit to be in operation if
unattended.
• Do not pick up hot ashes, coals,
toxic, flammable or other hazardous
materials.
• Do not use around explosive liquids
_or vapors, j
A WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock - do not expose to rain -
store indoors.
,_ WARNING: When using blower:
Wear safety goggles labeled "ANSI
Z87.1" on the package. Turn unit off
before setting on ground or releasing
grasp of handle. Electric shock could
occur if used on wet surfaces. Direct
tool discharge only at work area.
Do not direct discharge at bystanders.
Keep children away.
Extension Cords
When using an extension cord with your Wet/Dry Vac refer to the following table to
determine the required A.W.G. (American Wire Gauge) wire size. Before using Wet/Dry Vac,
make sure it is in good working condition, including power cord. Also, make sure extension
cord is in good working condition prior to use. Make repairs or replacements before using
the vacuum cleaner. Only use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
Length of Extension Cord
110V-120V 7.5 Meters 15.25 Meters 30.5 Meters 45.7 Meters
Amps A.W.G Wire Size
0-6 18 16 16 14
7-10 18 16 14 12
11-12 16 16 14 12
13-16 14 12 Not recommended
25 Feet 50 Feet 100 Feet 150 Feet
3
introduction
This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for house-
hold use. It may be used for vacuuming of
wet or dry media and may be used as a
blower.
Table of Contents
Section Page
Warranty ............................................. 2
Important Safety Instructions .......... 2
Polarized Plug ................................ 3
Extension Cords .................................. 3
Introduction ........................................ 4
Table of Contents .............................. 4
Assembly ............................................. 5
Carton Contents List ...................... 5
Unpacking Your Wet!dry
Vacuum & General Assembly ......... 6
Operation ............................................ 7
Vacuuming Dry Materials ................ 7
Vacuuming Liquids .......................... 8
Blowing Feature .............................. 9
Read this operator's manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your new
Wet/Dry Vac.
Section Page
Maintenance ........................................ 10
Emptying the CollectionTank ........... 10
Installing & Cleaning the Supplied
Cartridge Filter .................................. 10
Installing A Replacement Cartridge
Filter .................................................. 11
Installing & Cleaning Foam Sleeve
Filter .................................................. 12
Cleaning and Disinfecting the
Wet/Dry Vac ...................................... 12
Storage ............................................. 12
Troubleshooting ................................... 13
Repair Parts ......................................... 14
Assembly
Remove entire contents of carton. Check
each item against the carton contents list.
If any parts are missing or damaged,
return the unit to the retailer of purchase,
or call 1-800-469-4663 for part replacement.
Carton contents lists
Key
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
Description .................... Qty.
Vac Assembly ................... 1
Hose .................................. 1
Extension Wands ................ 2
Utility Nozzle ................... 1
Crevice Tool
Floor Squeegee Nozzle ..... 1
Foam Sleeve Filter ............. 1
Cartridge Filter ................. 1
Handle Screws .................. 2
Casters ............................ 2
Rear Wheels .................... 2
Cotter Pins ......................... 2
Washers ............................. 4
Wheel Shaft ....................... 1
Hub Caps .......................... 2
Handle ............................... 1
Hose Storage Rack ........... 2
Operator's Manual ............. 1
On/Off Switch
Power Head
..................... 1
E F
I J K
O
C
( )
( )
D
G H
©
L M
o
P Q R
Handle
Blower Port
Hose Storage Rack
Vacuum Port
Collection Tank
Drain
Base --
Caster
Latch
Wheel
Assembly (continued)
A Philips head screw driver and pliers are required. _
o_
WARNING: Do not plug in power
cord to power outlet, make sure plug
is disconnected before assembling
the Wet/Dry Vac.
UNPACKING YOUR WET/DRY
VACUUM & GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1. Verify that the power cord is
disconnected from the outlet. (Fig. 1)
2. Undo the latches. (Fig. 2)
3. Lift the power head off the collection
tank. (Fig. 3)
4. Remove the contents from inside the
collection tank; make sure you have all
contents as listed on page 5. (Fig. 4)
5. With the power head removed, turn the
collection tank upside down. Insert the
two casters into each socket. Apply
pressure until casters snap into place.
(Fig. 5)
6. Insert one washer (M) on the shaft,
then insert rear wheel, then insert the
other washer (M). Insert the cotter pin
(L) into the hole on the end of the shaft
and bend the ends up with the pliers to
lock the wheel. Snap the hub cap (O)
on to the wheel. Repeat the same steps
at the other end of the shaft. (Fig. 6)
7. Insert the handle into the slots located
on top of the power head. Secure it
with the screws provided. Do not over
tighten the screws. (Fig. 7)
8. Position the hose storage rack as
illustrated. Insert one side of the rack into
the channel making sure it is secured in
place. Squeeze in the other end and
insert it into the corresponding channel
making sure it is secured. (Fig. 8a & Fig
8b)
9. Place the power head back on the
collection tank, and secure into place
using the 2 side latches. (Fig. 9 & Fig.10)
10. Insert the locking end of the hose into
the port on the collection tank and turn
to lock in to place. (Fig. 11)
11. Choose the desired accessory and
insert onto the end of the hose. (Fig.12)
Operation
Vacuuming Dry Materials
_:kWARNING: Be sure to read, understand and apply all the information in the
Important Safety Instructions section at the beginning of this operator's
manual. Do not vacuum in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or explosive
dusts in the air. Flammable gases or vapors include but are not limited to;
lighter fluid, solvent type cleaners, oil-base paints, gasoline, alcohol or
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include but are not limited to; coal,
magnesium, grain or gun powder. To reduce the risk of health hazards from
vapors or dust, do not vacuum toxic materials.
1. Verify that the power cord is
disconnected from the outlet. (Fig. 1)
2. For dry vacuuming, the cartridge filter
must be installed correctly. To verify,
please refer to Installing Cartridge Filter
on page 10.
3. Place the power head back on the
collection tank, and secure it in place
using the latches. (Fig. 2)
4. Insert the locking end of the hose into
the vacuum port and lock in place.
Choose the desired accessory and
insert onto the end of the hose. (Fig. 3)
5. Plug the power cord into the outlet.
(Fig. 4)
6. Turn the motor on by pressing the
power switch to the 'l' (ON) position
and begin vacuuming. (Fig. 5)
7. Once you have completed vacuuming,
press the power switch to the 'O' (OFF)
position and unplug the power cord
from the outlet.
O = OFF I = ON
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER
FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
CAUTION: Do not vacuum drywall dust,
fireplace soot or ash with standard Wet/Dry
filter. This is very fine dust which will not
be captured by the filter and may cause
damage to motor. To purchase the fine
dust filter for this model number 125.17608
Wet/Dry Vacuum, call 1-800-469-4663.
Operation (continued)
Vacuuming Liquids
_k WARNING: Be sure to read, understand and apply all the information in the
Important Safety Instructions section at the beginning of this operator's manual.
Do not vacuum in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or explosive dusts in the
air. Flammable gases or vapors include but are not limited to; lighter fluid,
solvent type cleaners, oil-base paints, gasoline, alcohol or aerosol sprays.
Explosive dusts include but are not limited to; Coal, magnesium, grain or gun
powder. To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors or dust, do not
vacuum toxic materials.
WARNING: Do not plug in power cord to power outlet, make sure plug is
disconnected before assembling the Wet!Dry Vac.
Fro4
I. Verifythatthe power cordis
disconnectedfromthe outlet,(Fig,I)
2. Remove cartridgefilteras shown in
Removing and CleaningCartridgeFilter
on page I0. Then installthefoam
sleevefilteras shown inInstallingFoam
SleeveFilteron page 12 and secure
power head back on thecollectiontank,
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER
FILTER FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
3. Fit the desired nozzle to the vacuum
hose. (Fig. 2)
4. Verify that the power switch is in the 'O'
OFF position before plugging the power
cord into the outlet. (Fig. 3)
5. Turn the motor on by pressing the
switch to the 'l' ON position. (Fig. 4)
6. Once you have completed vacuuming,
press the power switch to the 'O' (OFF)
position and unplug the power cord
from the outlet.
7. After use, empty the collection tank by
unscrewing the drain cap and drain
liquids into suitable receptacle or drain.
(Fig. 5) Remember to refit the drain
cap to the tank after draining.
IMPORTANT! When vacuuming large
quantities of liquids, do not immerse the
nozzle completely in the liquid; leave a
gap at the tip of the nozzle opening to
allow air inflow. The machine is fitted with
a float valve that stops the suction action
when the collection tank reaches its
maximum capacity. You will notice an
increase in motor speed. When this
happens, turn off the machine, disconnect
from power supply, and drain the liquid into
a suitable receptacle or drain. To continue
vacuuming, refit the collection tank with the
drain cap. After wet vacuuming, turn the
machine off and remove plug from power
supply. Empty the collection tank, clean
and dry the inside and outside before
storage.
REMEMBER! The foam filter must be
removed after wet vacuuming, and a
cartridge filter must be installed before
dry vacuuming again.
Operation (continued)
Blowing Feature
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in
Canada, CSAZ94.3) before using blower.
,_ WARNING: Keep bystanders clear from blowing debris.
A WARNING: Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust that might be inhaled.
This Wet!Dry Vac has blowing capabilities.
To use the blower feature follow the
instructions listed.
1. Verify that the power cord is
disconnected from the outlet. (Fig.l)
2. Make sure the collection tank is empty
before using as a blower.
3. Remove hose from the vacuum port.
4. Insert the larger end of the hose into the
blowing port on the back side of the
power head. (Fig. 2)
5. Fit the desired attachment to the hose.
(Fig. 3)
6. Verify that the power switch is in the 'O'
OFF position before plugging the power
cord into the outlet. (Fig. 4, Fig. 5)
7. Before turning ON the vac, firmly hold
the loose end of the hose. Turn the
motor on by pressing the switch to the '1'
ON position. (Fig. 6)
8. Once you have completed vacuuming,
press the power switch to the 'O' (OFF)
position and unplug the power cord
from the outlet. (Fig. 7)