Guide · Shop-vacuum hoses
Shop-vac hose sizes: 1-1/4 vs 1-7/8 vs 2-1/2 in
The three common shop-vac hose families, makers' examples for each, why the tank end is often a different size, and where the 35 mm Bosch hose fits in.
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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
- Cen-Tec Systems 95567 Quick Click 1‑1/4 in x 10 ft static-dissipative hose with power tool adapter setCheck price on Amazon
- Bosch VAC005 35 mm x 16.4 ft friction-fit vacuum hoseCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
The three common shop-vac hose families are 1-1/4, 1-7/8 and 2-1/2 in. The number names the hose family, not the end that plugs into your tank, which is often a different size. The vac maker's list for your model decides what fits, so start there and measure only when there is no list.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
2-1/2 in: the large-hose family
This is the floor-cleaning size on many larger wet/dry vacs. RIDGID lists its LA2522 as a 2-1/2-inch locking vacuum hose that extends up to 20 ft.[1] 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.[2] "Most" is CRAFTSMAN's word; it is not a list of every vac.
1-7/8 in: Shop-Vac's middle size
Shop-Vac lists its 5430133 as an 8-foot, 1-7/8-inch hose for wet/dry vacs with a 1-7/8-inch inlet.[3] Shop-Vac says the multi-function adapter supplied with it can join two hoses or convert the 1-7/8-inch end to 2-1/2 inches.[3]
Shop-Vac also sells a 12-foot, 1-7/8-inch hose (item 5430138) that it names its "Universal Hose". Shop-Vac says the hose changes to 2-1/2, 1-1/2 and 1-1/4-inch diameters and fits standard and LockOn tank inlets.[4] The name is Shop-Vac's product name, not a promise that it fits every vac.
1-1/4 in: the small-hose family
A 1-1/4-inch hose suits small tool ports, but its tank end usually has to be larger to fit the vac. Cen-Tec's 42324 cuff threads onto 1.25-inch spiral hose and ends in a 2.25-inch OD press fit for the vacuum tank.[5] Cen-Tec calls it high-impact ABS and does not say which vac tanks it fits.[5] Our small-hose guide covers the other tank cuffs.
Metric cousin: 35 mm
Bosch lists the VAC005 as a 35 mm, 5-meter (16.4-foot) hose whose vacuum end is a standard 2-1/4-inch friction fit.[6] It is a metric hose with an inch-sized tank end. The metric hose guide explains why 35 mm is not one standard.
The families side by side
| Family | Maker examples | Tank end | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1/2 in | RIDGID LA2522; CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38759 | Locking adapters in each kit | [1][2] |
| 1-7/8 in | Shop-Vac 5430133, 5430138 | 1-7/8 in inlet; 5430133's adapter converts to 2-1/2 in | [3][4] |
| 1-1/4 in | Cen-Tec spiral hose with 42324 cuff | 2.25 in OD press fit | [5] |
| 35 mm | Bosch VAC005 | 2-1/4 in friction fit | [6] |
Small hose or large hose
Woodgears compared hoses on its own equipment and reported that hose choice affected airflow much more on the dust collectors it tried than on its shop vac, which had far higher static suction.[7] That is one experimenter's setup, not a rule. In practice, many owners use a small hose on tool ports and a large hose for floor pickup; treat that as a habit, not a measured finding.
Picks by family
Each of these is a hose its maker sells in one named family. Match the family and the tank end to your vac first.
Picks that fit3 products
For a 2-1/2 in vac, choose the CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38759 2-1/2 in x 20 ft kit with three locking adapters.
More on choosing
For a 1-1/4 in tool hose, choose the Cen-Tec 95567 10 ft kit, which needs a vac inlet that takes its tank cuff. For Bosch 35 mm tool ports, choose the Bosch VAC005 35 mm x 5 m (16.4 ft) hose, whose vac end is a 2-1/4 in friction fit. 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
1-1/4 in hose kit with tool adapters
35 mm tool hose with a 2-1/4 in friction-fit vac end
Next
Questions
What size is my shop-vac hose?
Check the vac's manual or the maker's replacement-hose page for your model; the common families are 1-1/4, 1-7/8 and 2-1/2 in. If you have no paperwork, measure the hose end and the tank inlet, inside and outside.
Can I put a 1-1/4-inch hose on a 2-1/2-inch vac?
Only with a tank-end cuff or adapter made for your inlet. Cen-Tec, for example, sells a 42324 cuff that threads onto 1.25-inch spiral hose and ends in a 2.25-inch OD press fit for the tank.[5]
Is 1-7/8 in the same as 2 in?
No. 1-7/8 in is its own hose family. Shop-Vac sells 1-7/8-inch hoses for vacs with a 1-7/8-inch inlet and supplies an adapter with its 5430133 hose that converts the end to 2-1/2 in.[3]