RIDGID NXT Cordless Vacuum Review
RIDGID 3 Gallon 18V NXT Vacuum Model HD0318 Review
3 Gallon 18 Volt Cordless NXT Wet/Dry Vac
Manufacturer: RIDGID
Model number: HD0318
Price: $129.00
Power source: 18V Li-Ion Battery
Weight: 11.5 Lbs.Specifications
- Drum Size: 3 Gallon
- Accessory Port Size: 1 7/8″
- Weight: 11.5 Lbs.
- Filter Type: Ridgid VF3500
- Included Hose Length: 6.0′
- Warranty: Lifetime
RIDGID’s VF3500 filter comes standard on the 18V NXT vacuum. The VF3700 wet filter and VF3501 dust bags are available separately.
Ridgid NXT Cordless Vacuum Features
Onboard Accessory Storage
The 18V NXT includes a six-foot-long hose that stores on the side of the tool. The hose can also be switched to the exhaust port and used as a blower for clearing debris. Additionally, a storage compartment on the top of the vacuum contains a bristle brush attachment and a crevice tool. The accessories click into place and are secure.
Robust and Simple Controls
Powering the NXT vacuum on or off is very simple. There is a large on/off switch located near the carry handle on the tool’s housing. No selectable modes to fiddle with. Just full power or nothing at all and I really like this.
Easy to Empty
The bottom storage drum portion of the tool has an excellent handle molded into one end. This handle makes emptying the drum comfortable and controllable. I can easily empty the drum with one hand and not make another mess.
Size and Portability
The manufacturer describes the HD0318 as having a “toolbox design for portability”. However, the NXT is not compatible with any of RIDGID’s organizer boxes. It is compact enough to fit in a RIDGID 22″ PRO Box. It is also stackable and sturdy enough to support decent weight on top of it.
Runtime and Performance
RIDGID offers some suggested runtimes for the NXT vacuum using their lineup of 18V batteries. I have several of the 6AH battery packs and used them primarily with the vacuum. Overall the run time is excellent. I can deep clean a crew-cab pickup truck on a single battery. Or use the tool intermittently for a couple of days for cleanup on job sites.
The NXT’s suction power is also exceptional. With an empty drum, clean filter, and fresh battery, I found the RIDGID to be more powerful than my Makita cordless vacuum for general cleanup work. The NXT will suck up everything from dust and dirt to chunks of concrete.
Room For Improvement
While I found the RIDGID NXT cordless vacuum to be ruggedly simple and well-thought-out overall, one feature is rather clumsy during use. The RIDGID SWEEP feature acts like a built-in dustpan. With the vacuum set down and on, debris can be swept toward the opening on the end of the drum body and cleaned up. While this seems like a great feature, I found it frustrating. Dust and debris must be wept slowly and accurately towards the port to be sucked up completely. Sweeping too fast results in debris going underneath or around the vacuum. I much prefer using the hose nozzle to clean up debris piles as I only have to use it once.
Overall Impressions
The RIDGID HD0318 is a well-thought-out and powerful cordless vacuum. It is rugged and compact while providing excellent runtime and performance thanks to the 18V battery system. After using it extensively during the review process, I found that it is a great option for general cleanup tasks at home or in the workshop as well as job sites. Additionally, my wife and I have found infinite uses for it working at our local farm where everything is always dirty and outlets are scarce. The NXT cordless vacuum has been invaluable in these situations.
The RIDGID NXT cordless vacuum is currently available from Home Depot for $129.00 as a bare tool. Overall this is a great value. The HD0318 is less expensive than other pro-grade offerings while still providing exceptional performance. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase one for yourself or anyone else in your life that’s on the RIDGID 18V battery platform.
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About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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Can now be used on Ridged Pro 2.0 systems using the adapter tray sold separately at Home Depot online.
Model#: PG0300
Sku#: 1009899895
Internet#: 326168262