Buying task · Shop-vacuum hoses
Shop-vacuum hoses
Replace a shop-vac hose by the size family, tank end and lock your vacuum takes: 1-1/4, 1-7/8 and 2-1/2 in hoses, stretched length and which cuffs fit which hose.
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Picks that fit
- CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38759 2‑1/2 in x 20 ft locking wet/dry vac hose kitCheck price on Amazon
- Bosch VAC005 35 mm x 16.4 ft friction-fit vacuum hoseCheck price on Amazon
- Cen-Tec Systems 95567 Quick Click 1‑1/4 in x 10 ft static-dissipative hose with power tool adapter setCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
Choose a replacement shop-vac hose by the size family your vacuum's tank inlet takes (usually 1-1/4, 1-7/8 or 2-1/2 in), then by the tank end and lock, then by the tool end. A size label is a family name, not proof of fit, so start from the vacuum maker's own hose or a hose whose maker names your tank style.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
What this topic covers
A shop vacuum hose has two ends that matter more than its length. One goes into the vacuum's tank inlet. The other takes wands, nozzles or a power tool's dust port. Makers sell hoses by a nominal size, and parts with the same label do not always mate. This hub sorts hoses by the end that actually connects.
The decisions, in order
1. Which size family does your vac use? Most hoses are sold as 1-1/4, 1-7/8 or 2-1/2 in. Shop-Vac lists an 8-foot, 1-7/8-inch EVA hose (5430133) for wet/dry vacuums with a 1-7/8-inch inlet.[1] RIDGID lists its LA2522 as a 2-1/2-inch DUAL-FLEX locking hose.[2] If you are not sure which family you have, start with shop-vac hose sizes compared and the dust hose size finder.
2. Which tank end and lock does it have? RIDGID lists the LA2522 kit as one hose, two NXT locking adapters, one drum locking adapter and one friction-fit adapter, and says it fits all RIDGID 2-1/2-inch inlet configurations.[2] It makes no claim about other brands' tanks. CRAFTSMAN lists its CMXZVBE38759 as a 2-1/2-inch by 20-foot locking hose kit with three adapters that fits CRAFTSMAN and most wet/dry vacs using a 2-1/2-inch hose.[3] "Most" is the maker's word, not a model list.
3. Which tool end do you need? Some hoses are built around the tool side. Bosch lists the VAC005 as a 35 mm, 5-meter (16.4-foot) friction-fit hose whose vacuum end is a standard 2-1/4-inch friction fit.[4] That is a different end from a 2-1/2-inch locking cuff. Shop-Vac says the multi-function adapter supplied with its 5430133 hose can join two hoses or convert the 1-7/8-inch end to 2-1/2 inches.[1]
4. How long, relaxed or stretched? RIDGID's "extends up to 20 feet" describes the stretched length.[2] Compare stretched with stretched across listings. In Woodgears' one-person hose experiment, hose choice affected airflow much more on the tested dust collectors than on the tested shop vac, which had far higher static suction.[5] That is one setup, not a rule for your vacuum.
5. Crushproof or blow-molded? This matters if you plan to add threaded cuffs or quick-connect parts. Cen-Tec says its 41125 and 40751 threaded hose fittings fit 1-1/4-inch threaded crushproof hose and are not compatible with most blow-molded hoses supplied with shop vacuums.[6][7]
"Universal" is a product name
Shop-Vac sells a 12-foot by 1-7/8-inch hose named "Universal Hose" (5430138). Shop-Vac says the hose itself changes to 2-1/2-, 1-1/2- and 1-1/4-inch diameters and fits standard and LockOn tank inlets.[8] That is Shop-Vac's statement about its own inlet styles. It is not a promise for every vacuum, and no hose fits all of them.
How to choose
| Your situation | Start with |
|---|---|
| RIDGID vac with a 2-1/2 in inlet | RIDGID's own hose; RIDGID names all its 2-1/2 in inlet configurations for the LA2522 |
| CRAFTSMAN or another 2-1/2 in locking vac | A 2-1/2 in locking kit whose maker names your brand or says "most" and lists adapters |
| Shop-Vac with a 1-7/8 in inlet | Shop-Vac's 1-7/8 in hoses, which Shop-Vac lists by inlet |
| Sanders and small tool ports | A 1-1/4 in or 35 mm tool hose whose vac end matches your tank inlet |
| Two short hoses to join | A coupler made for that size; Shop-Vac's 170400 joins two 2-1/2 in wet/dry vacuum hoses[10] |
These approved hoses have the size, length and both ends stated by their makers:
Picks that fit3 products
Choose CRAFTSMAN's CMXZVBE38759 (2-1/2 in x 20 ft with three locking adapters) for a CRAFTSMAN or other 2-1/2 in locking wet/dry vac.
More on choosing
Choose Bosch's VAC005 (35 mm x 16.4 ft) for Bosch 35 mm tool ports on a vacuum with a 2-1/4 in friction-fit inlet. Choose Cen-Tec's 95567 (1-1/4 in x 10 ft with four Quick Click tool adapters) for small tool ports, and check its tank cuff against your inlet first. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
2-1/2 in locking hose for CRAFTSMAN and most 2-1/2 in wet/dry vacs
CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38759 2‑1/2 in x 20 ft locking wet/dry vac hose kit
35 mm tool hose with a 2-1/4 in friction-fit vac end
1-1/4 in hose kit with tool adapters
For the reasons behind each pick and what each one does not fit, see shop-vac hoses with stated cuff ends.
Every page on shop-vacuum hoses
Guides
- Shop-vac hose sizes: 1-1/4 vs 1-7/8 vs 2-1/2 in
- Replacement shop-vac hoses for RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac
- Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a shop-vac tank
- Nominal vs actual dust hose sizes
- Hose cuffs and couplers explained
Tool and shortlist
- Dust hose size finder: 1-1/4 to 6 in and metric
- Shop-vac hoses whose maker states the size, length and ends
Size and vacuum pages
- 1-1/4 in vacuum hose, 1-7/8 in vacuum hose, 2-1/4 in tank ends and fittings and 2-1/2 in hose
- Bosch GAS20-17A and VAC140A vacuums, which Bosch names among the vacuums compatible with the VAC005 hose[4]
Key terms
tank adapter, locking hose end, expandable hose, hose cuff, coupler, inside diameter and outside diameter.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a bigger shop-vac inletHelps a reader choose a tank-end cuff whose stated size matches their vac inlet and check that their hose can take it.
- Replacement shop-vac hoses: RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac by part numberHelps a reader buy the replacement hose their vac maker lists, with the right tank ends in the box.
- Shop-vac hose sizes: 1-1/4 vs 1-7/8 vs 2-1/2 inHelps a reader identify which hose family their vac uses and what tank end a replacement or smaller hose needs.
Shortlists
- Shop-vac hoses whose maker states the size, length and endsHelps you pick a shop-vac hose whose maker states the tank end, tool end and length, so it fits the vacuum and tools you own.
Tools
- Dust hose size finderShows what each hose size label actually measures and which maker-dimensioned parts belong to it, so you can match a hose to the ends you own.
Common questions
How do I connect a small hose to my shop vac?
Use a tank-end cuff whose outside diameter matches your vac's inlet and whose other end matches your hose. Cen-Tec's 42324, for example, threads onto 1.25-inch spiral hose and ends in a 2.25-inch OD press fit. More in Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a bigger shop-vac inlet
Will a Cen-Tec cuff fit the hose that came with my vac?
Probably not. Cen-Tec says its 41125 and 40751 threaded fittings fit 1-1/4-inch threaded crushproof hose and are not compatible with most blow-molded hoses supplied with shop vacuums. More in Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a bigger shop-vac inlet
What size is a Milwaukee FUEL vac's tank opening?
Cen-Tec lists a 2.5-inch ID tank opening for its 62909 adapter made for Milwaukee FUEL wet-dry vacuums. It names no specific Milwaukee models, so confirm yours. More in Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a bigger shop-vac inlet
Is a 1-1/4-inch hose good for floor cleaning?
No source in our register measures that, so we keep this page to fit. Many owners keep their vac's larger stock hose for floors and use a small hose on tool ports. More in Connecting a 1-1/4 in hose to a bigger shop-vac inlet
Will a RIDGID hose fit a Shop-Vac or CRAFTSMAN vac?
RIDGID says its LA2522 fits every RIDGID 2-1/2-inch inlet configuration and makes no claim about other brands. CRAFTSMAN says its CMXZVBE38759 fits CRAFTSMAN and most wet/dry vacs using a 2-1/2-inch hose. More in Replacement shop-vac hoses: RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac by part number
Is "extends to 20 ft" the working length?
No. RIDGID's "extends up to 20 feet" for the LA2522 describes the stretched length. A stretch hose pulls back toward its relaxed length, so plan your reach shorter than the maximum. More in Replacement shop-vac hoses: RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac by part number
Do I need a locking hose?
Only if your vac's inlet is a locking type. RIDGID and CRAFTSMAN kits include locking adapters, and RIDGID's also includes a friction-fit adapter; check which adapters each kit supplies against your tank. More in Replacement shop-vac hoses: RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac by part number
How do I join two shop-vac hoses?
Use a coupler. Shop-Vac's 170400 is a polypropylene coupling that joins two 2-1/2-inch wet/dry vacuum hoses, and the adapter supplied with its 5430133 hose can join two hoses too. More in Replacement shop-vac hoses: RIDGID, CRAFTSMAN and Shop-Vac by part number
Questions
What size hose does my shop vac take?
Read the size on the vacuum maker's page or manual for your model, then measure the tank inlet. Most shop-vac hoses are sold as 1-1/4, 1-7/8 or 2-1/2 in, but the label is a family name; the hose size finder shows what each label measures.
Will a RIDGID hose fit a CRAFTSMAN vac?
RIDGID says its LA2522 hose fits all RIDGID 2-1/2-inch inlet configurations and makes no claim about other brands' tanks. CRAFTSMAN says its CMXZVBE38759 kit fits CRAFTSMAN and most wet/dry vacs using a 2-1/2-inch hose. Buy the hose whose maker names your tank, or check the lock style first.[2][3]
What does "extends to 20 ft" mean?
It is the stretched length. RIDGID describes its LA2522 as a hose that extends up to 20 feet, so its relaxed length is shorter. Compare stretched length with stretched length across listings.[2]
Can I shorten a shop-vac hose?
Only if you can fit a new end that matches the hose type. Cen-Tec says its threaded cuffs fit 1-1/4-inch threaded crushproof hose and are not compatible with most blow-molded hoses supplied with shop vacuums, so a cut blow-molded hose may have no cuff that fits. See hose cuffs and couplers.[6][7]