This document is an owner's manual for a Sears Craftsman 16 Gallon Full Blowing Wet/Dry Vac, Model Number 113.177790. It provides essential information for assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair, emphasizing safety instructions and warranty details.
Function Description:
The Craftsman 16 Gallon Full Blowing Wet/Dry Vac is designed for household use, capable of both wet and dry material pickup, as well as a "Full Blowing" feature. It functions by creating suction to collect debris and liquids into a drum, and can also be used to blow sawdust and other light debris. The wet/dry vac is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a separate grounding system.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 16 Gallons
- Model Number: 113.177790
- Insulation: Double-insulated, grounding not required. Uses identical replacement parts for servicing.
- Hose: 2-1/2" x 7' hose (Part No. 9-17820) is included, with a removable swivel end for attaching additional hoses.
- Filter: Paper pleated filter (Red Stripe, Part No. 9-17816) designed to stop very small dust particles, suitable for both wet and dry pickup.
- Power Cord: Polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) for electric shock reduction.
- Motor: Includes a toggle switch (Part No. 73180), motor cover (Part No. 824941), and blower wheel (Part No. 818413-2).
- Drum: Features a drain cap (Part No. 73185) for easy liquid emptying.
- Casters: Four casters (Part No. 73102) with caster feet for storage (Part No. 9-16990).
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides detailed instructions for float/cage assembly, filter assembly, caster/caster foot assembly, and vac assembly. It emphasizes connecting the power assembly to the drum, ensuring the flexible locking tabs hook onto the drum lip.
- Dry Vacuuming: A dry filter is necessary for dry material pickup. For very fine dust, frequent drum emptying and filter cleaning are required to maintain peak performance. The filter can be quickly dried by running the vac without the hose for about 10 minutes.
- Wet Vacuuming: For small amounts of liquid, the filter can remain in place. For large amounts, filter removal is recommended to prevent saturation and misting. A float mechanism automatically cuts off airflow when the liquid in the drum reaches a predetermined level, indicated by increased motor noise. The vac should be turned off and unplugged immediately when this occurs.
- Blowing Feature: The vac can be used as a blower by inserting the soft end of the hose into the blowing port. Optional extension wands and a blower nozzle (Sears Stock No. 9-16933) can be attached.
- Emptying the Drum: Liquids can be emptied by unscrewing the drain cap or by removing the power assembly and tilting the drum. For heavy loads, scooping or draining contents is recommended to make the vac light enough to lift.
- Accessory Storage: Extension wands and accessories can be stored in slotted areas of the caster feet.
- Wet Nozzle: A 2-1/2" wet nozzle accessory is provided for picking up liquids from smooth surfaces. It attaches to an extension wand. The squeegee on the nozzle can be flipped or replaced if worn (Replacement service part #822256).
- Cord Wrap/Carry Handle: A convenient cord wrap area/carry handle is integrated on the rear of the vac for storage.
- On-Off Switch: The vac uses international "On & Off" symbols, with "O" for OFF and "I" for ON.
- Safety Precautions: Emphasizes reading the manual, wearing safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1 compliant) during operation, and ear protectors in noisy environments. Warnings are provided against vacuuming flammable/combustible liquids, gases, explosive dusts, toxic materials, hot ashes, and using the vac as a sprayer. It also warns against operating with a torn filter or without a filter (except for liquids). The polarized plug design is highlighted for electric shock reduction.
Maintenance Features:
- Filter Cleaning: The filter should be cleaned often to maintain peak performance. For dry debris, tapping the filter against the inside wall of the dust drum or running water through it (for thorough cleaning) is recommended. Cleaning should be done outdoors.
- Filter Drying: After wet pickup or cleaning, the filter must be dried to prevent mildew and damage. Reinstalling the filter and running the vac for approximately 10 minutes will dry it.
- Filter Inspection: After cleaning, check the filter for tears or holes and replace immediately if found.
- Filter Cage: The filter cage should not be removed as it prevents fingers from reaching the blower wheel.
- Wet/Dry Vac Cleaning: The exterior can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. The drum should be washed thoroughly with warm water and mild soap after emptying.
- Caster Maintenance: Noisy casters can be quieted with a drop of oil on the roller shaft.
- Repair and Service: For product safety and reliability, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Sears Service Centers using Sears replacement parts. The manual provides contact information for parts, repair service, and maintenance agreements.
- Extension Cords: Only outdoor-rated extension cords in good condition should be used. A table is provided to choose the minimum wire size (14 AWG for 0-50 Ft, 12 AWG for 50-100 Ft) to minimize power loss.
Warranty:
The Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac comes with a full one-year warranty against defects in material or workmanship for household use. For commercial or rental purposes, the warranty coverage is 90 days. Warranty service is available by contacting the nearest Sears Service Center/Department.