This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman 12 Gallon Full Blowing Wet/Dry Vac, model number 113.177825. It provides essential information for assembly, operation, and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner, along with safety instructions and repair parts details.
The Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac is designed for household use and offers versatility for both wet and dry material pickup, as well as a blowing function. It is a double-insulated appliance, which eliminates the need for a separate grounding system, enhancing user safety.
Function Description:
The primary function of this device is to vacuum various materials, both wet and dry, from different surfaces. It is capable of picking up dry debris like dust, dirt, and sawdust, as well as liquids. Additionally, it features a "Full Blowing" function, allowing it to blow sawdust and other debris, effectively transforming it into a blower for clearing areas.
Usage Features:
- Wet/Dry Vacuuming: The vac can handle both wet and dry materials. For dry vacuuming, a filter must always be in place to prevent leaks and damage. For wet vacuuming, the filter can be left in place for small amounts of liquid, but it is recommended to remove it for large amounts to prevent saturation and misting in the exhaust. The manual emphasizes the importance of drying the filter after wet use to prevent mildew and damage.
- Float Mechanism: When vacuuming liquids, a float mechanism automatically rises to cut off airflow when the liquid in the drum reaches a predetermined level. This prevents damage to the motor. Users are instructed to turn off the vac, unplug it, and empty the drum when this occurs.
- Blowing Function: To use the vac as a blower, the soft end of the hose is inserted into the blowing port. Optional extension wands and a blower nozzle can be attached to direct the airflow for clearing debris.
- Accessories: The manual details several accessories for enhanced usability, including a utility nozzle, wet nozzle, car nozzle, dry nozzle, crevice tool, multipurpose floor tool, floor brush, dusting brush, inflator nozzle, and various hose attachments like a hose grip, hose joiner, and hose lock. These accessories allow for specialized cleaning tasks and improved efficiency.
- Caster/Caster Foot Assembly: The vac is equipped with casters for easy mobility. The assembly instructions describe how to attach the caster feet to the drum and then insert the casters, ensuring they swivel easily for correct positioning.
- Cord Wrap/Carry Handle: A convenient cord wrap area and carry handle are integrated into the rear of the vac, allowing for neat storage of the power cord.
- Emptying the Drum: For liquids, the vac has a drain cap for easy emptying. Alternatively, the power assembly can be removed by releasing flexible latches, allowing the drum contents to be dumped. Users are warned not to lift a vac heavy with liquid or debris to avoid back injury or falls, suggesting scooping or draining contents first.
- Extension Cords: The manual provides a table for choosing the correct wire size (A.W.G.) for extension cords based on length, emphasizing the use of outdoor-rated cords in good condition to prevent fire and shock hazards.
Maintenance Features:
- Filter Cleaning and Replacement: The filter, made of high-quality paper, is designed to stop small dust particles and can be used for both wet and dry pickup. It should be cleaned often to maintain peak performance. For dry debris, the filter can be tapped against the inside wall of the dust drum or cleaned outdoors. For thorough cleaning, especially with fine dust, running water through the filter (as described for wet filters) is recommended. After cleaning, the filter must be checked for tears or holes and replaced if damaged. The filter should be dried before storing or picking up dry debris.
- Filter Installation: Instructions for carefully sliding the filter over the filter cage, placing the filter plate, and tightening the filter nut are provided. Users are warned not to overtighten the filter nut, as this can deform or crack the filter plate or cage.
- Wet/Dry Vac Cleaning: To maintain the appearance of the vac, the outside can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap. The drum should be emptied, washed thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, and wiped dry.
- Caster Maintenance: If the casters become noisy, a drop of oil on the roller shaft can quiet them.
- Safety and Reliability: The manual stresses that for product safety and reliability, all repairs and adjustments should be performed by Sears Service Centers using only Sears replacement parts. This is particularly important for double-insulated units, where identical replacement parts are crucial.
Safety Instructions:
The manual includes a comprehensive section on important safety instructions, using signal words like DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION to highlight potential hazards. Key safety warnings include:
- Never operate the vac near flammable or combustible liquids, gases, or explosive dusts (e.g., gasoline, paint, coal dust, gunpowder) to prevent fire or explosion.
- Do not vacuum burning or smoking materials (e.g., cigarettes, hot ashes).
- Do not vacuum fireplace soot or ash, as this fine dust can damage the filter.
- Avoid vacuuming toxic materials.
- Do not expose the vac to rain; store indoors.
- Unplug the power cord before servicing, changing/cleaning the filter, or emptying the drum.
- Do not use the vac with a torn filter or without a filter installed (except when vacuuming liquids).
- Wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 during operation to protect against foreign objects.
- Wear ear protectors for extended use or in noisy areas to prevent hearing damage.
- Use a dust mask for dusty operations.
- Do not pull or carry the vac by the cord, or run the vac over the cord.
- Do not handle the plug or vac with wet hands.
- Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.
- Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts away from openings and moving parts.
- Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
- The vac has a polarized plug; do not modify it.
The manual also includes a full one-year warranty on Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacs, covering defects in material or workmanship for household use, with a 90-day coverage for commercial or rental purposes.
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