RIDGID wd1956 Operator's Manual
WD1956
16 U.S. GALLONS/60 LITERS
PROFESSIONAL WET/DRY VAC
FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
CALL 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) OR
www.ridgidvacs.com
Part No. SP6672 Printed in Mexico
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s
manual before using this product.
!
Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 1
Safety is a combination of common sense,
staying alert, and knowing how your
wet/dry vacuum cleaner (“Vac”) works.
Safety Signal Words
DANGER: Indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury, or
property damage.
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 operator’s
manual and all labels on the Wet/Dry
Vac before operating.
• Use only as described in this manual.
• Do not leave Vac running while
unattended.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not
vacuum or use near flammable or
combustible liquids, gases, or
explosive dusts, such as gasoline or
other fuels, lighter fluid, cleaners, oilbased paints, natural gas, hydrogen,
coal dust, magnesium dust, aluminum
dust, grain dust, or gun powder.
2
Table of Contents
Section Page
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Unpacking and Checking
Carton Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Removing/Installing The Metal Handle . . . . . 6
Installing Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Lowering Handle for Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Removing Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing Tool Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Replacement Filter Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Drum/Caddy Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Wet/Dry Vac Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insert Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section Page
Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emptying the Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Moving the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Accessory and Hose Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cord Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Cleaning & Disinfecting the Wet/Dry Vac . 14
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Casters & Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Frame & Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Filter Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
!
!
!
!
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust or cold
fireplace soot or ash with standard
filter. This is a very fine dust which may
be exhausted back into the air. Use a
fine dust filter instead.
• To reduce the risk of health hazards
from vapors or dust, do not vacuum
toxic materials.
• Do not use or store near 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
the filter installed except when
vacuuming liquids as described in the
Operation section of this manual. Dry
debris ingested by the impeller may
damage the motor or be exhausted
back into the air.
• WARNING: The power cord on this
product contains lead, a chemical
known in the State of California to cause
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.
• Turn off Vac before unplugging.
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 2
3
replacement parts. Read the
instructions for Servicing DoubleInsulated Wet/Dry Vacs before
servicing.
• Use only extension cords that are rated
for outdoor use. Extension cords in
poor condition or that are too small in
wire size can pose fire and shock
hazards. To reduce the risk of these
hazards when using an extension cord,
be sure it is in good condition and that
the connection does not come into
contact with liquid. To keep power loss
to a minimum, use the following table
to choose the minimum wire size
extension cord.
• 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, return it to an
Authorized Service Center.
• 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.
• 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 the
Vac by scooping or draining liquid to
make it comfortable to lift.
• 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 being struck by, or
pulled down by, a rolling Vac, block the
casters when using on any uneven or
sloped surface.
• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
Extension Cord Length Gauge A.W.G.
0-50 Ft. 14
50-100 Ft. 12
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
WARNING: For your own safety,
read and understand operator’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.
!
SAVE THIS MANUAL
CAUTION:
• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended hours using in a noisy area.
• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.
NOTE: Static shocks are common in
dry areas or when the relative humidity of
the air is low. Vacuuming fine debris with
your Vac can deposit static charge on the
hose or on the Vac. The best remedy to
reduce the frequency of static shocks in
your home or when using this Vac is to
add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
!
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 3
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents
4
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) or
E-mail us at info@ridgidvacs.com if any
parts are damaged or missing.
Long Phillips Screwdriver
Tools Required
MalletHammer
Carton Contents List
Key Description Qty
A Wet/Dry Vac Assembly.................1
B Tug-A-Long Hose.........................1
C Utility Nozzle................................1
D Wet Nozzle...................................1
E Crevice Nozzle.............................1
F Car Nozzle ...................................1
G Extension Wands.........................2
H Operator’s Manual .......................1
Introduction
This Professional 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.
Read this operator’s manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 4
E
A
F
G
B
C
D
H
L
N
O
K
M
J
5
Key Description Qty
Carton containing the following parts:
J Storage Bag .................................1
K 8” Wheel.......................................2
L Metal Handle................................1
M Shaft.............................................1
N Caddy, Right ................................1
O Caddy, Left...................................1
Key Description Qty
Bag of Loose Parts -
Containing the following:
P 2” Caster ......................................2
Q 1/2” Cap Nut ................................2
R Wheel Caps .................................2
S Screw, Type AB #10 x 3/4............8
R
Q
P
S
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 5
Removing/Installing the Metal Handle
6
Your Metal handle comes packaged in
the carton in the reverse direction. You
must pull the metal handle completely out
of vac and reinstall the handle in the
correct direction, bent area facing away
from the back of the vac, before
continuing.
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.
Lowering Handle for Storage
To store Wet/Dry Vac, press and hold
release buttons while firmly sliding handle
down.
Removing Handle
Press and hold release buttons, as
shown. While firmly pushing in release
buttons, pull handle upwards to remove
(see illustration).
Installing Tool Holder
Install tool holder as shown with
extension wand holders facing unit.
Correct
Position
Storage
Position
Moving
Position
Tote Snaps
Tote
Straps (5)
Handle
Extension
Wand
Storage
Locations
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Metal Handle in
Reversed Position
(As Shipped)
1. Carefully slide the filter over the filter
cage, sliding it over the center ring
covering the 3 slots until the filter stops
against the lid.
2. Place filter nut onto threaded stud and
tighten it down. Finger tighten only.
NOTE: Lever of filter nut should be away
from plate as shown.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten as this
may deform or crack the filter cage, or
filter.
NOTE: If filter cage needs to be
removed, because the float is placed in
the wrong way, use a flat blade
screwdriver and insert the blade near one
of the tabs between the filter cage and
the center ring of the lid. Pry the tab out
of the slot. Tilt the cage and lift away from
the lid. To replace, follow the assembly
instructions below:
Replacement Filter Assembly
WARNING: For your own safety,
never connect plug to power source
outlet until all assembly steps are
complete and you have read and
understood the safety and operation
instructions. Do not operate vac
with any parts damaged or missing.
7
3. Place the float over the opening in the
center of the lid with the words "This
Side Towards Lid" laying face down
over the hole.
4. Line up filter cage tabs with slots in the
center ring of the lid.
5. Push on the filter cage until the tabs
snap into slots for a secure fit.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
personal injury or damage to vac be
sure to keep hands, fingers, or any
other foreign objects out of the
center opening when assembling
the float.
!
!
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 7
Filter Nut
Lever
Filter Nut
Filter Plate
Filter
Threaded Stud
Filter Cage
Slots (3)
Filter Cage
Tabs (3)
Float
Solid End
THIS SIDE
TOWARD LID
Power Head
Assembly
Filter Cage
Tabs (3)
Slots (3)
Slots (3)
8
Drum/Caddy Assembly
If any parts are missing or damaged
contact Customer Service.
Do not assemble until you have all the
parts.
1. Invert drum to install caddies. Install
cap nut on one side of shaft rod. Tap
gently with rubber mallet or hammer
until fully seated. Slide open end of
shaft through the wheel (smooth side
of wheel facing outward).
2. Place wheel/shaft assembly through
caddy left and on through the caddy
right, as shown.
3. Then place the remaining wheel onto
the caddy assembly (smooth side of
wheel facing outward), and install
second cap nut.
4. Place the caddy assembly onto the
drum rim. Align inside edges of both
left and right caddies with the raised
outer ribs, located on back of the drum.
Be sure that wheels spin freely, and do
not contact the caddies. If the wheels
do touch the caddies, move caddies
inward slightly.
5. Once the caddies are aligned with the
raised ribs on back of the drum, gently
tap on rear of each caddy until firmly
seated. It is recommended to tap the
center portion of each rear caddy. After
rear portions of caddies are firmly in
place, proceed to tap into place the
front portion of each caddy until fully
seated. It is recommended to tap the
center portion of the front caddies as
shown.
6. Using a rubber mallet or hammer,
gently tap the wheel caps onto each
wheel until the wheel caps are firmly
seated onto each wheel. This is
required on both left and right sides.
NOTE: Smooth side of
the wheel to the outside.
Caddy
Left
Shaft
Caddy
Right
Wheel
Cap Nut
CADDY ASSEMBLY
Cap Nut
R
I
G
H
T
Wheel Cap
Mallet
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1/16" Clearance
Caddy
Wheel
TAP
TAP
Raised Rib
on Back of Drum
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.
9
Insert Hose
Insert the push button end of the “Tug-ALong” 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.
7. Insert the caster stem into the socket of
the caster foot as shown. (Front
casters only).
8. 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.
9. Rotate drum/caddy assembly upright,
using a long phillips screwdriver, install
(8) #10 x 3/4” screws into matching
holes on both right and left side of
caddy. Tighten screws until just snug.
Do not over tighten as this may tend to
deform the caddies.
L
E
F
T
Socket
Caster Stem
Caster Ball
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Drum
Latch
Drum
Latch
Press
and
Pull
#10 x 3/4"
Screw (8)
Release
Button
Latch
Handles
Drum
10
Operation
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not operate this vac in areas with
flammable gases, vapors or explosive dust in the air. Flammable gases or
vapors include but are not limited to; lighter fluid, solvent type cleaners, oilbase paints, gasoline, alcohol or aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include but
are not limited to; coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain or gun powder. Do not
vacuum explosive dust, flammable or combustible liquids or hot ashes. Do
not use this vac as a sprayer. To reduce the risk of health hazards from
vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materials.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
appliance has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). 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. "O" is the
symbol for "OFF" and "l" is the symbol for
"ON".
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.
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.
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.
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.
CAUTION: To reduce risk of
hearing damage, wear ear
protectors when using the vac for
extended hours or when using it in
a noisy area.
WARNING: The operation of any
utility vac can result in foreign
objects being blown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
starting operation. Safety eyewear
are available at many local retail
stores.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire or electric shock, do not run vac
unattended.
!
!
!
=
OFF
=
ON
!
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 10
11
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.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.
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
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 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. 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.
4. 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.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the vac do not run motor with
float in raised position.
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 metal handle in
the rear of the unit should be used.
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.
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.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
hearing damage wear ear protectors
when using the vac/blower for
extended hours or when using in a
noisy area.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.
!
!
!
!
!
!
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 11
1. Locate blowing port of your vac.
2. Insert the locking end of the tug-along
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.
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.
Car Nozzle (Optional)
Tug-A-Long
Hose
Blowing
Port
Extension
Wand
(Optional)
Swivel
End of
Hose
Accessory and Storage
Your accessories may be stored in the
removable tote, or in the two locations on
the caddy right/left. The hose may be stored
by wrapping it around the unit and placing
each end into the two areas marked Hose
Storage.
NOTE: Insert male end of extension
wand into the holder sleeve as shown.
The hose may be stored by wrapping it
around the unit and plugging the open
end into one of the storage locations on
the caddy assembly.
Hose Storage
Area
Operation (continued)
12
SP6672-3ES 0408.qxd 4/23/08 7:27 AM Page 12
Accessory Storage
Compartment
Extension
Wand
Extension
Wand
Storage
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