RIDGID WD18510, WD1851EX0 Owner's Manual

WD18510
WD1851EX0

16 U.S. GALLON/60 LITER
PROFESSIONAL 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

Part No. SP6733 Printed in Mexico

OWNER’S MANUAL

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

• Español - página 21

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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SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 1

2

Table of Contents

Section Page

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

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents . . 4

Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Filter Replacement and Installation . . . . . . . . 6

Drum/Caddy Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installing Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Removing Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Installing Tool Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section Page

Emptying the Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Accessory and Hose Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cord Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . 14

Cord Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Casters & Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Frame & Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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.

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

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!

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• 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, 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.

• 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.

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

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

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 2

3

• 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.

• 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 Double-Insulated 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.

• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
recommended accessories.

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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SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 3

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.

Refer to the assembly sketch for
positioning of parts.

Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Call 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443)
from the US and Canada, 01-800-701­9811 from Mexico, or E-mail us at
[e-mail] if any parts are
damaged or missing.

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

Phillips Screwdriver

Tools Required

MalletHammer

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

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

B* Qwik Lock™ Filter........................1

C* Filter Cage ...................................1

D* Float.............................................1

E Dual-Flex™ Locking Hose ...........1

F Utility Nozzle ................................1

G Wet Nozzle...................................1

H Crevice Nozzle.............................1

I Car Nozzle ...................................1

J Extension Wands.........................2

K Muffler/Diffuser.............................1

L Owner’s Manual...........................1

* The filter comes preassembled to the

power head.

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

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 4

A

E

F

G

H

B

C

D

I

J

K

L

Unpacking and Checking Carton

Contents (continued)

O

Q

R

N

P

M

5

Key Description Qty

Carton containing the following parts:

M Storage Bag .................................1

N 8” Wheel.......................................2

O Metal Handle ................................1

P Axle ..............................................1

Q Caddy, Right ................................1

R Caddy, Left...................................1

Key Description Qty

Bag of Loose Parts -

Containing the following:

S 2” Caster ......................................2

T 1/2” Cap Nut ................................2

U Wheel Caps .................................2

V Screw, Type AB #10 x 1-3/4 ........4

T

V

S

U

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6

Filter Removal and Installation

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.

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)

Lid

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the

bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.

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3. Installing Cap Nut

a. Place cap nut on end of axle.

b. Tap gently with hammer until fully

seated.

c. Place wheel on the axle with smooth

portion of wheel facing outward.

Drum/Caddy Assembly

Caddy
Right

Drain

Caddy
Left

Right
Caddy
Assembly

Left Caddy
Assembly

Drain

#10 x 1-3/4"
Screw (4)

If any parts are missing or damaged
contact Customer Service.

Do not assemble until you have all the
parts.

1. Insert caddy left and caddy right into

the bottom of drum as shown. Light
taps with a mallet or hammer may be
needed to fully seat both caddies.

2. Install (4) #10 x 1-3/4” screws into

matching holes on both right and left
side of caddy, securing them to the
bottom of the drum. Tighten screws
until just snug. Do not over tighten as
this may tend to deform the caddies.

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 7

Caddy Left

Open
End

Cap
Nut

Drain

Caddy
Right

Axle
w/Wheel

NOTE: Smooth side of the
wheel to the outside.

8

Drum/Caddy Assembly (continued)

Installing Handle

Press and hold release buttons while
installing handle into handle receptacles
in drum (See illustration).

NOTE: An audible snap of release
buttons indicates successful engagement
of handle.

Removing Handle

Press and hold release buttons as
shown. While firmly pushing in release
buttons, pull handle upwards to remove
(see illustration).

4. Slide open end of axle through caddy

left making sure the leg slot lines up
with the cradle hole. Slide all the way
through the caddy right. Light taps with
a mallet may be required to fully insert
axle.

5. Install second wheel onto axle with

smooth portion of wheel facing
outward.

6. Install the second cap nut. Tap gently

until cap nut is firmly seated

7. Using a rubber mallet or hammer,

gently tap the wheel cap onto the right
wheel until the wheel cap is firmly
seated onto the wheel. This is required
on both left and right sides.

8. Insert the caster stem into the socket

of the caster foot as shown. (Front
caster only).

9. Push on the caster until the ball on the

caster stem is inserted all the way into
the socket. You will be able to hear the
ball snap into the socket and the caster
will swivel easily when positioning is
correct.

Mallet

Wheel
Cap

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 8

Caster Stem
Caster Ball

Socket

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

1. Position the powerhead assembly on

the drum/caddy assembly as shown
(assembled earlier).

2. Rotate both latches down and press

until you hear them snap over the
flanges on the drum.

Drum
Latch

Drum
Latch

Drum
Flange

Latch

Drum

Powerhead
Assembly

Insert Hose

Insert the push button end of the “Dual­Flex™ Locking” hose into the inlet of the
Vac. The hose should snap into place.
To remove the hose from the Vac, press
the release button in the hose assembly
and pull the hose out of the Vac inlet,
as shown.

Installing Tool Holder

Install tool holder as shown with
extension wand holders facing unit.

Drum/Caddy Assembly (continued)

9

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 9

Tote Snaps

Tote
Straps (4)

Handle

Press
and
Pull

Release
Button

10

Operation

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
Vac has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other except 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.

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:

=

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.

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for
most vacuuming applications.

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

Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car
interiors and most upholstery cleaning.

Extension Wands - These wands can be
connected together and provides
additional length for more reach.

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

Crevice Tool - Use to pick up debris in
hard to reach locations.

Muffler/Diffuser - Use to disperse
exhaust air stream while reducing noise.
Insert into blowing port.

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.

!

!

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 10

1. The Vac comes equipped with a drain
for easy emptying of liquids. Simply
unscrew the drain cap and lift the
opposite side slightly to empty the
drum.

2. Another option is to remove the
powerhead assembly.

3. Lay powerhead assembly aside on a
clean area while emptying drum.

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

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, the handle on the
sides of the dust drum are used to lift.
To maneuver the Vac, the push/pull
handle in the rear of the unit should be
used.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
back injury or falls, do not lift a Vac
heavy with liquid or debris. Scoop
or drain enough contents out to
make the Vac light enough to lift
comfortably.

Emptying the Drum

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Operation (continued)

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct
position to reduce the risk of leaks and
possible damage to Vac.

2. Your Wet/Dry Vac comes with the
VF5000 Filter installed. When using
your Vac to pick up very 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 dust when the filter is wet, the filter will
clog quickly and be very difficult to clean.
Allow filter to dry out before storing.

Vacuuming Liquids

IMPORTANT:

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

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

3. After using the Vac to pick up liquids, the
filter must be dried to reduce the risk of
possible mildew and damage to the filter.

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

IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac do not run motor with
float in raised position.

11

WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.

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12

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

!

1. Locate blowing port of your Vac.

2. Insert the locking end of the “Dual­Flex™ Locking” hose into the blowing
port of the Vac. The hose should snap
into place. To remove the hose from
the Vac, press the release button in the
hose assembly and pull the hose out of
the Vac inlet.

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

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

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

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Car Nozzle (Optional)

Dual-Flex
Locking
Hose

Blowing
Port

Extension
Wand
(Optional)

Swivel
End of
Hose

3. (Optional) Attach extension wand to
opposite end of hose, then place the
car nozzle on the wand.

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

Operation (continued)

Blowing Feature

Your Vac features a blowing port. It can
blow sawdust and other debris. Follow
the steps below to use your Vac as a
blower.

SP6733-3 Ridgid WD1851 ES 11/29/12 3:42 PM Page 12