RIDGID WD06701, WD0671EX0, WD09700, WD09701, WD0970M0 Owner's Manual

Part No. SP6737 Printed in Mexico

WD06700
WD06701
WD0671EX0

WD09700
WD09701
WD0970M0
WD0970EX0

6 U.S. GALLON/22.5 LITER
9 U.S. GALLON/34.0 LITER
WET/DRY VAC

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT

1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the US and Canada

01-800-701-9811 from Mexico

www.ridgidvacs.com

OWNER’S MANUAL

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual
before using this product.

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Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

• Español - página 15

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 1

2

Table of Contents

Section Page

Section Page

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Safety is a combination of using common
sense, staying alert, and knowing how
your wet/dry vacuum cleaner (“Vac”)
works.

Safety Signal Words

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

When using your Vac, always follow basic
safety precautions including the following:

WARNING

- To reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, or injury:

• Read and understand this manual and
all labels on the Vac before operating.

• Use only as described in this manual.

• Do not leave Vac running while
unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal
operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting exhaust, or
abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using Vac if you notice these
signs.

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not use
near combustible liquids, gases, or
dusts, such as gasoline or other fuels,
lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints,

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natural gas, coal dust, magnesium
dust, grain dust, aluminum dust, or gun
powder.

• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.

• Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold
fireplace ash, or other fine dusts with
standard filter. These may pass
through the filter and be exhausted
back into the air. Use a fine dust filter
instead.

• To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic
vapors, do not vacuum or use near
toxic or hazardous materials.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not expose to rain or allow liquid to
enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.

• This Wet/Dry Vac is not intended for
use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory, or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a
person responsible for their safety.

• Do not allow to be used as a toy.
Close attention is necessary when
used by or near children.

• Do not use with a torn filter or without
filter installed except when vacuuming
liquids as described in this manual.
Dry debris ingested by the impeller
may damage the motor or be
exhausted into the air.

• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Unpacking and Checking

Carton Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly . . . . . . . . 5

Filter Removal & Installation . . . . . . . . . 5

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

To Store Your Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Emptying the Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Repair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 2

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• To reduce the risk of personal injury or

damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
recommended accessories.

• When using as a blower:

- Direct air discharge only at work
area.

- Do not direct air at bystanders.

- Keep children away when blowing.

- Do not use blower for any job except
blowing dirt and debris.

- Do not use as a sprayer.

- Wear safety eyewear.

• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear
safety eyewear. The operation of any
utility Vac or blower can result in foreign
objects being blown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage.

• To reduce the risk of injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.

• 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 your Vac is not working
as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, call customer
service.

• 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 Vac over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac
with wet hands.

• Use only extension cords that are rated
for outdoor use. Extension cords in
poor condition or too small in wire size
can pose fire and shock hazards. To
reduce the risk of these hazards, be
sure the cord is in good condition and
that liquid does not contact the
connection. Do not use an extension
cord with conductors smaller than
16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce
power loss, use a 14 gauge extension
cord if 25 to 50 ft. long and
12 gauge for 50 ft. or longer.

• This Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
replacement parts. Read the
instructions for Servicing Double­Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs.

• 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 of falls, use extra
care when cleaning on stairs.

• To reduce the risk of back injury or
falls, do not lift a Vac that is heavy with
liquid or debris. Partially empty by
scooping debris or draining liquid.

Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:

WARNING: For your own safety,
read and understand owner’s
manual. Do not run unattended.
Do not pick up hot ashes, coals,
toxic, flammable or other hazardous
materials. Do not use around
explosive liquids or vapors.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
electric shock - do not expose to
rain - store indoors.

DOUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

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SAVE THIS MANUAL

CAUTION:

• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended time or in a noisy area.

• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.

• Static shocks are common when the
relative humidity of the air is low.
Vacuuming fine debris with your Vac can
deposit static charge on the hose or
Vac. To reduce the frequency of static
shocks in your home or when using this
Vac, add moisture to the air with a
humidifier.

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SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 3

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

4

Introduction

This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for house­hold use. It may be used for vacuuming
wet or dry media and may be used as a
blower.

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

A Wet/Dry Vac ................................1

B Tug-A-Long Hose.........................1

C Caster ..........................................4

D Caster Foot w/Storage.................4

E* Qwik Lock™ Filter........................1

F Extension Wands .........................2

G Utility Nozzle ................................1

H Owner’s Manual...........................1

* The filter comes preassembled to the power
head.

B

A

G

H

C

D

E

F

Remove entire contents of carton. Check
each item against the Carton Contents List.
Contact 1-800-4-RIDGID from the US and
Canada, 01-800-701-9811 from Mexico, or
E-mail us at [e-mail] if any
parts are damaged or missing.

Read this owner’s manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.

Select Models May Also Include:

I* Wet Nozzle ................................1

J* Dusting Brush ............................1

K* Car Nozzle ................................1

L* Crevce Tool .............................. 1

* If any/all of these accessories are included with
your purchase, they will appear on the contents list
found on the product packaging.

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 4

I

K

J

L

5

1. Turn the dust drum upside down on the
floor.

2. Insert the caster feet into the bottom of
drum, as shown (4 places).

3. Push on the caster foot until the foot is
flush with bottom of the dust drum.

4. Insert the caster stem into the socket
of the caster foot, as shown
(4 places).

5. Push on the caster until the ball on the
caster stem is inserted all the way into
the socket. You will hear the ball snap
into the socket and the caster will
swivel easily when positioning is
correct.

6. Turn the drum upright.

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly

Filter Removal and Installation

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the

bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.

Lid

Filter
Cage

Qwik
Lock™
Stud

Filter
Tabs (2)

Integrated
Filter Plate
with Center
Hole

PUSH

DOWN

PULL

UP

Rubber
Gasket at
Bottom of
Filter

(cutaway view)

Removal and Installation
of the Qwik Lock™ Filter

Filter Removal:

1. Hold the filter tabs of the Qwik Lock™

filter in each hand.

2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™

stud, which protrudes through the
integrated filter plate, lift up on the filter
tabs while pushing down on the stud.

3. This action will cause the filter to

release from the filter cage. Slide filter
off cage.

Filter Installation:

1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ filter

over the filter cage and press down on
the outside edge of the filter until the
rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter
seats securely around the base of the
filter cage and against the lid.

2. Align the small center hole in the top of

the filter over the Qwik Lock™ stud on
the filter cage. Press firmly on top of
the filter near the stud to allow the filter
to snap over the ball on the end of the
stud. The filter is now attached.

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 5

Caster

Caster Stem

Caster Ball

Pin

Caster
Foot

Dust
Drum

Hole

6

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

1. Line up front of powerhead assembly

with Vacuum port located on the front
of the drum, as shown.

NOTE: Powerhead assembly must be
aligned with drum for proper attachment.

2. Place powerhead assembly on top of

drum.

3. Be sure powerhead assembly

completely covers the top of the drum
so leakage does not occur.

4. Push down on top of handles to cause

flexible locking tabs to hook onto the
drum lip.

5. Make sure that the locking tabs are

snapped into place as shown, to
prevent the lid from coming off.

6. To remove the powerhead assembly,

reverse above directions.

Flexible Locking Tab
(located under latch)

Push

Down to

Latch

Pull

Out to

Unlatch

Flexible Locking
Tab Pulled Out

Flexible
Locking Tab

Drum

Power
Assembly

Insert Hose

Insert the larger end of the hose into the
vacuum port.

Place the utility nozzle securely on the
opposite end of the hose and the Vac is
ready for use.

Release

Button

Power
Assembly

Vacuum Port

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 6

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1. Slide extension wands and acces­sories onto posts of the caster feet for
storage.

2. To remove wands and accessories,
lightly rotate and pull upward.

To Store Your Accessories

Extension
Wand (2)

Utility
Nozzle

Caster
Feet
Storage

Operation

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or damage to Vac:

• Do not leave Vac running while unattended - you may fail to notice important
signs indicating abnormal operation such as loss of suction, debris/liquid
exiting the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately stop using Vac
if you notice these signs.

• Do not leave Vac plugged in when not in use.

• Do not continue running when float has cut off suction.

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac
near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or
explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include:
lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum,
grain, and gun powder.

• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury:

• Do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.

• Unplug Vac before servicing. If your Vac is not working as it should, has
missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to an independent service center or call customer service.

• When using an extension cord, use only outdoor-rated cords that are in
good condition. Do not allow the connection to come into contact with
liquid.

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!

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 7

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To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
Vac has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other, except for 230 volt
models). This plug will fit in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not
fit fully in the 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.

Extension Wands - These wands can be
connected together and provide
additional length.

Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or
blowing capability to work site. Provides
the means of attaching extension wands
and nozzles.

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for
most vacuuming applications.

Car Nozzle (On Select Models Only) -

Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and
most upholstery cleaning.

Crevice Tool (On Select Models Only) -

Use to pick up debris in hard to reach
locations.

Dusting Brush (On Select Models
Only) - Used for detailed cleaning in

small spaces.

Wet Nozzle (On Select Models Only) -

Used for wet pickup on smooth surfaces
to pick up liquid and dry the surface in
one stroke.

=

OFF

=

ON

Familiarize yourself with the accessories
included with the Vac. Each accessory may
be used in various ways for vacuuming
and blowing debris. Here is a list of the
accessories and their uses.

After you plug the power cord into the
outlet, turn the unit on by pushing the
switch from position "O" to position "l".
The symbols used on the switch actuator
are international "On & Off" symbols:

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct
position at all times to avoid leaks and
possible damage to Vac.

2. When using your Vac to pick up fine
dust, it will be necessary for you to
empty the drum and clean the filter at
more frequent intervals to maintain
peak Vac performance.

NOTE: A dry filter is necessary to pick up
dry material. If you use your Vac to pick
up material when the filter is wet, the filter
will clog quickly and be very difficult to
clean.

3. If your filter is wet but you need to use
the Vac to pick up dry material, you
must first allow the filter to dry.

Vacuuming Liquids

1. When picking up small amounts of
liquid the filter may be left in place.

2. When picking up large amounts of
liquid it is recommended that the filter
be removed. If the filter is not removed,
it will become saturated and misting
may appear in the exhaust.

3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float
mechanism will rise automatically to cut
off air-flow. You will know that the float
has risen because suction stops and the
motor noise will become higher in pitch,
due to increased motor speed.
When this happens, turn off the Vac,
unplug the power cord, and empty the
drum.

4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids,
the filter must be dried to avoid possible
mildew and damage to the filter.

Operation (continued)

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 8

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Operation (continued)

Emptying the Drum

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, DO NOT pick the Vac
up by the lid handles unless dust drum is
empty. To avoid dropping the Vac, due to
latches releasing or possible part
breakage, pick the Vac up by the dust
drum.

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac features “Full Blowing”.
It can blow sawdust and other debris.
Follow the steps below to use your Vac
as a blower.

1. Remove the lid. Pull the flexible latches
outward on each side of the lid to
release from the drum.

2. While holding the latches out, lift the
top assembly up and away from the
drum.

1. Locate blowing port of your Wet/Dry
Vac.

2. Insert the larger end of hose into the
blowing port of the Vac.

3. (Optional) Attach extension wand to
swivel end of hose.

4. Turn Vac on and you are ready to use
your Vac as a blower.

3. Lay top assembly upside down on a
clean area while emptying drum or
changing filter.

4. Dump the drum contents into the
proper waste disposal container.

WARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a blower.

CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might
be inhaled.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.

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CAUTION:To reduce the risk of
hearing damage, wear ear protectors
when using the Vac/Blower for
extended time or in a noisy area.

!

SP6737-3 Ridgid ES 1/28/14 6:19 AM Page 9

Tug-A-Long
Hose

Extension Wand
(Optional)

Blowing
Port

Swivel
End of
Hose