When it comes to construction shop vacs, RIDGID vacs rank at the top for quality and affordability. In this article, we compare two popular 16-gallon, 6.5HP models: the stainless WD1956 and the plastic WD1851.
Weight
Believe it or not, the stainless steel model is half a pound lighter than the plastic version, weighing only 27.8 lbs without accessories. Scroll to the next photo to see its weight with accessories.
Height
Both models feature large rear wheels, but the stainless steel version has taller front casters, providing greater ground clearance. This raises the drain plug higher, allowing more knuckle room when draining or attaching a pump.
Power
At 6.5HP, these vacs offer plenty of suction. Both feature a 20-foot cord, the same 16-gallon capacity, and include identical accessories. However, the plastic model comes with a rear air diffuser, which you can purchase separately for the stainless steel version. I didn’t.
Rust
Some “people” have reported rust issues with the stainless, which is not covered under Ridgid’s warranty. However, after six years of sucking water, rocks, and mud mine is still rust free.
(Update – Nov 10 2021 – Hey folks, it’s going on 10 years and I’m still on this same RIDGID stainless vacuum. Love this thing!)
Update #2 – January 7, 2025: A couple of weeks ago, I left water in the stainless steel drum for two or three days, and the bottom developed some rust, which I cleaned off with Bar Keepers Friend.
Bonus
The 16 gallon’s, tough as heck, 2.5” pull-hose works across models down to Ridgid’s 4 Gal, 5 HP shop-vac shown above. Just thought I’d thrown in that fact. I was really excited when I figured that out. #toolnerd
Storage
In the photo above, note the larger storage bag on the stainless steel model. Inside the bag, I store the wands, attachments, a dustpan, and a dust broom. During cleanup, I use it to hold trash too large for the hose. I even coil the 20-foot cord and toss it into the bag.
The small bag on the plastic model doesn’t secure the wands well, and the rear wheel mounts don’t hold them effectively either, despite how they’re shown in advertisements.
Bottom Line
RIDGID’s stainless steel 16-gallon wet/dry vacuum is taller, lighter, and offers better storage than its 16-gallon plastic counterpart. If the tool storage bag isn’t a priority, the plastic model is cheaper, dent-resistant, more compact, and won’t ever rust.
If you get one these shop vacs I hope you enjoy it. Please share any thoughts or questions in the comments below.
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