Hose HACKS for Shop Vacs

[@ThisOldTony]

clever! will make one for myself!

[@WestBerlinCustoms]

Hey, This Old Tony will build a vacuum - that's awesome! 👍😁👍

[@RonCovell]

Thanks so much, Tony! Will you make it from wood - using a chain saw, perhaps?

[@ScumfuckMcDoucheface]

@@RonCovell hahaha ooooh man, huge burn. =) easy Ron, it's not his fault he has an absolutely disgusting wood working channel now, the semi truck running over his head really affected things, y'know? ......... yeah, i'll see myself out.

[@andyfischer3918]

Seems like Tony lost his metal mojo

[@lolzlarkin3059]

Tony, have you tried checkering your shop vac?

[@KJChaput]

Ron is the epitome of taking pride in one's work! Always a joy to watch and learn from you sir.

[@Reign_In_Blood_963]

Fully felt like I just watched a high school shop video from my favorite shop teacher. Shop teachers are the best.

[@RonCovell]

That is awesome!

[@johnromano2913]

Ron is by far the most thoughtful and meticulous fabricator I've ever seen work. This vac hack is the perfect example. Certainly one could fabricate this thing using a much less formal process. I'll be the first to admit there was a day when I'd have bent the bar over my knee for the big loop. used an anvil and a hammer for the smaller ones, eyeballed everything and tack welded with one hand while holding them with the other - probably without gloves. It's a vacuum for cry'n out loud, right? Yeah, but no..... Not if you want to produce superior quality work as you hone your craft. This process is the same process that goes into fabricating the missing front fender of a 1950 MV Agusta 125 Turismo. I've been building things for over 50 years and I can't stress enough this simple point Ron is exemplifying here - to strive for super high quality work, there's only ONE WAY of doing things - all things - and that must be habit. You can't do some things to perfection and others half-assed. You'll only confound yourself in the end. I hope there's some younger guys watching Ron's videos. The way he and his associates do things is a dying art. We can employ all the latest and greatest technologies in CNC and 3-D printing that become available, and thats a wonderful thing, but the old school process is a whole other story and it must be studied. Ron is an absolute master craftsman and the way he exemplifies his process is priceless. You'd be wise to pay attention.

[@RonCovell]

John - Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. There are many people who think I put too much thought and work into the things I make, even for simple projects. These are very personal decisions - and I certainly don't expect everyone to do things the way I do. But - I do prize doing each task to the highest level that's reasonably possible, and I think that's why my viewership on KZbin has grown the way it has. I really thank you for taking the time to write such a well though-out and detailed comment!

[@DJHeroMasta]

Hehehe! We sure are watching! And I'm glad I came across his channel! It's very relaxing to watch and you're learning along the way.

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you found my channel!

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Well done. I hope your viewers can appreciate how important fixturing is, even with a smaller project. Jere

[@RonCovell]

Thanks, Jere! I'm sure some viewers appreciate simple fixturing. Others will probably continue to 'manhandle' the metal freehand.

[@handlesrstupid123]

I just started watching ron's channel and all I could do was stare at the fixturing. Been machining for about a year.

[@pommeswerfer6973]

Funny how you highlight the time saved with this add-on, I'd go even further and mention the reduced stress which one gains from such an addition to a vaccum, which is worth the effort.

[@deucerider430]

Once again, I am in awe of your craftsmanship. When I was younger, I would have loved to study and work with you! I truly admire your talent!

[@RonCovell]

Cool, thanks!

[@AlaskaSkidood]

I was expecting sheet metal, but this doable in just about any shop with a welder. Great job! Keep up the good work.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks, will do!

[@bobweiram6321]

PVC might also be a good option. Very easy to bend and solvent weld.

[@thatclintguy]

Your layout "hacks" make me smile! Your ability to set up/create jigs out of the most basic materials and hand tools, and then turn around and make professional parts utilizing them is simply amazing! These are the kinds of tips and tricks you can only typically learn from a lifetime of doing (i.e. "I know from experience that this type of stock will spring back about 15%"). And I am sure appreciative of your desire to share that knowledge instead of hoarding it for yourself. A+ stuff, as always :)

[@RonCovell]

Wow, thank you! More videos to come!

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Great comment! So many good people here. Thanks!

[@KellyVanHalen]

You are a fixturing guru!! I always get intimidated by needing sine plates and right angle blocks but you always show such basic ways to make very accurate and precise setups!! Very nice sir! But I would have painted that rascal hot rod red or lime green… it deserves to stand out!!

[@RonCovell]

Of course you can paint yours whatever color you want! Lime green sounds interesting.

[@buildmotion1426]

I know what I’ll be doing at work Monday. I really appreciate your level of professionalism even on this little project. Thanks for giving me inspiration!

[@smiley800]

You know, you make thing things look so simple and elegant but to me, it's like magic. I sit here and watch these videos and it is one surprise after another. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and share them with us.

[@RonCovell]

You are so welcome!

[@rickfazzini22]

I always dreamed about being able to attend one of your metal working classes, now through the magic of KZbin here I am sitting in on your classes every time you share a new video!!! Thanks Mr. Covell for sharing it means the world.

[@RonCovell]

I'm so glad you enjoy watching these online tutorials. I enjoy making them!

[@rotteson738]

Ron is the Bob Ross of metal fabrication

[@thebarngineer]

Love it! I like how lightweight yet strong your design is for this. Great improvement and time saver. Thanks for sharing!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like it!

[@Bigskyguy56]

A problem solved with easy, simple & straight forward fabricating & explanation of your plan. Thank you for sharing your tips & tricks. As always, a pleasure to watch your work & solve an issue. Rick

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MLFranklin]

This is huge. It's a problem every shop has. I've thought about it a lot but I've had no good answers. You've come up with a very elegant solution. Nobel Prize material, maybe? Certainly National Treasure material. You nailed it.

[@RonCovell]

Gee, although I'd be very honored to win the Nobel Prize for a hose holder, I think more worthy people will probably be honored this year.

[@juanoctaviomanriquezrodrig4166]

When we are children what we have left over is time, when adults we seek to take advantage of what we lack... time. Thank you Ron Covell and best wishes for new year 2022..!! Grettings from Mexico..!!

[@RonCovell]

I like what you say. Best wishes to you, too!

[@TBJK07Jeep]

Ron, I’m glad to see you share techniques to make it easier for the less experienced. Without those like you, to show people, the trade dies. Ive been reading your books for years. Thank you again.

[@RonCovell]

Tim - this works both ways. I'm so delighted there are people who still want to learn this stuff!

[@sjoemie_himself]

Simple yet effective. I especially like the jig for welding the small hoops to the big one. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark

[@RonCovell]

Glad you liked it, and took the time to comment!

[@rexmyers991]

I am so impressed with how your mind can conceptualize the solution. And, of course, your execution is absolutely perfect. I always learn a lot.

[@RonCovell]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

What a clever and unique idea! I have just happened to have a 1/4" rod laying about so I think that will be on my list of to-dos tomorrow. Thank you for thinking outside of the box and for sharing it with us!

[@nat7278]

Woh woh woh, you just pulled a sharpie out of a six shooter carasell.... now I need to make one of those too. Love both of these infrastructure time savers. 2022 is ALL about INFRASTRUCTURE for my shop so this stuff is pure gold to my eyes. Thanks

[@thebrokenbone]

well my wife watched over my shoulder so guess what, i´m going to the shop to make two, one for the house vac other for the shop vac :D . it´s small projects like this that de-rust and teach the basics, and we all have to return to basics of simple/functional no matter how high we are in our heads. thanks for sharing ron really appreciate it. take care

[@RonCovell]

I trust it will work as well for you (and your wife) as it does for me!

[@Honkerdown]

Ron is kind of a Bob Ross of metal working. Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge.

[@RonCovell]

Wow, thanks

[@benwhittaker7167]

Good to see I'm not the only one that has this exact issue with their shop vac! Great solution that doesn't create any hassle when trying to tidy up after using the vacuum. Thanks for sharing

[@RonCovell]

Right on!

[@gmarcins]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge with us. I will not make such hose holder, but the techniques show for bending and fixing parts for welding are really useful for me. You are a great master!

[@RonCovell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JLocke573]

This is an excellent idea. This should come standard with all shop vacs

[@cest7343]

Master Ron, You masterfully break each and every job up simpler tasks that are more easy to achieve! You are one of the more valuable assets in my subscription list- hat's off to You sir!

[@RonCovell]

Wow, thanks!

[@wyattoneable]

I'm glad you addresses this issue. It's so frustration to deal with that darn hose that has a mind of it's own.

[@RonCovell]

We agree on that!

[@dgreathouse10]

You are amazingly talented teacher and your skill level is over the top. Thank you

[@RonCovell]

Wow, thank you!

[@jamesogorman3287]

I like the built in handle. Simple and effective.

[@RonCovell]

That came as a bonus - I didn't realize the loop would be such a great handle when I designed the device.

[@seldendaniel8819]

Thats great, the workmanship is inspirational. I pick vacs up at yard sales and have them tucked away all around the shop.

[@RonCovell]

That is awesome!

[@grahamserle7930]

You must have read my mind Ron, I've been wanting to do something about mine but keep on putting it off. Simple but clever, genius.

[@RonCovell]

Go for it!

[@DJ-yp4kc]

Very Cool...Liked the Vertical Welding Fixture

[@RonCovell]

Thanks!

[@TJF8]

What a great idea! I have been struggling with my vacuum hose for a long time.

[@RonCovell]

Now you know there is a solution.

[@Jimmy_in_Mexico]

I like this idea and it is practical. I like the way some carpentry shops use a vacuume and an empty grease drum or oil drum and make a larger capacity container for a more permanent installation. Having a connection in the areas where you generate debris and then all you have to have is a hose and a switch to turn the vacuum on and use it without carrying the shop vacuum to the debris and then storing it again. Yes it may in fact need a few more seconds to generate the succion to pick up heavier debris, but depending on how you have it routed and set up and easily serviced you can accomplish a cleaning with less heavy lifting and risk of twisting your back.

[@RonCovell]

That sounds like a great solution!

[@akadventurer7563]

Fantastic idea! A thought; a couple velcro loops like for cord keepers could be a really handy addition to this, say one at each of the top two hose loops. Be nice to keep it all tied down fast and easy for those of us that pitch them in and out of tool trucks a lot.

[@RonCovell]

That's a great idea!

[@paddrivers]

Elegant solution to a mundane problem . Best wishes from the UK🇬🇧👍

[@RonCovell]

Thanks 👍

[@Hilliard99999]

You are legend! Thank you for all the amazing videos and sharing your wisdom and experience.

[@RonCovell]

I'm very glad you enjoy my videos, and there will be many more to come!

[@hutlihutdanmark9580]

What a confidence you have in your work, thank you for sharing.

[@RonCovell]

Thank you too!

[@paintnamer6403]

That's a great management system! Over the decades I have ended up with three six foot 2 1/2" shop vac hoses. I made a wood bracket to hang them straight up and down and not be the problem that they had become taking up random space.

[@RonCovell]

Sounds like you developed a great system for some very long hoses!

[@thatguy83ful]

Good video Ron. Ive been sliding one end of the hose into the other to form a loop. Then i hang that on the peg board. And i coil the cord except it has provisions for that alredy designed into my Rigid brand shop vac. This video shows good fabrication practice for sure.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks so much!

[@seanalexander9531]

Such a great idea, and so simple. Thanks Ron!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like it!

[@lawrenceveinotte]

Very nice, i need to do this to my new metal shop vac, when i used a small shop vac with the small home i found the hose would plug when i used it around my lathe or milling machine, to make it less likely to happen i bought the large dia hose and used the small attachments, if it went in the small opening it should not cause a blockage, mostly anyway.

[@RonCovell]

Great idea!

[@dirk4926]

I like how it also works as a handle to make it easier to move around

[@RonCovell]

It certainly does, and that was an unexpected bonus!

[@jackantoine5185]

Great idea. Will be building that next week. Storage is a PIA for those parts

[@RonCovell]

Good luck!

[@stephenwhite5057]

You certainly cleaned up with this video Ron. Nice one.

[@RonCovell]

HAH! I love your sense of humor!

[@criggie]

I've got a cheap little plastic cyclonic separator mounted just before my vac - (which is an old house vacuum cleaner) Helps immensely with dropping dust out before it hits the vacuum.

[@RonCovell]

Great tip - I'll look into that!

[@butziporsche8646]

Hey Ron, at first I thought this was going to be redundant and now I'm building them for my ship and garage.

[@RonCovell]

Hey, that's great news!

[@glennstasse5698]

My only question is, why don’t the vacuums come like this right out of the box? What a nice, simple, elegant solution! Ron is a treasure!

[@RonCovell]

Yes, you would think that vacuum manufacturers would have thought of this!

[@cornbobrimlove7892]

Seems like someone would have come up with something like this to add on available to buy years ago. I wish I had one now after seeing this!

[@mareknetzel]

Dear Ron, all the best for upcoming new year! May all good things come in best time!

[@RonCovell]

Same to you!

[@rayjulien4739]

Love it. I also love that pen/ sharpie holder.

[@RonCovell]

I'm glad you like the video. I got the pen holder here: www.trick-tools.com/search/go?p=Q&lbc=tricktools&uid=550595867&ts=custom&w=sharpie%20holder&isort=score&method=and&view=grid&af=pagetype:products

[@MJ-nb1qn]

You are a true legend! Thanks for this well designed adaptation!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LordyHun]

This solution is pretty nice indeed! For those who need a more compact solution, I'd recommend checking out the old Rainbow D4s - they essentially have a ring around the body of the vacuum where you can loop the cable and stuff.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@KyleJMoore]

This is an absolutely great idea, Ron!

[@RonCovell]

Glad you think so!

[@gertv6777]

I really like the idea and how you constructed it, I personally would add the rod to put the end on or what I Immediately noticed is the ends bowed out and I personally would add two more C hooks that face inwards to hold the hose against the holder

[@RonCovell]

Great ideas!

[@Twilightzoneisreal]

Great idea for an old problem. I like it. Good job!

[@RonCovell]

Thanks!

[@jamesa7506]

Awesome! I have the same issues with my shopvac. I've got all the materials needed for this but no welder, so it's all nut and threads for me! Have a blessed Christmas, my friend!

[@RonCovell]

Thanks, and the same to you!

[@danstevens4307]

Love the way you think, Ron. Makes me think, too!

[@RonCovell]

That's a good thing!

[@richardjones38]

Good idea - I'll add making 2 of those to my never ending to do list!

[@RonCovell]

Good for you!

[@commoncents456]

Great video and your technical skills are very impressive. Thank you

[@RonCovell]

Thank you very much! I have nearly 100 videos on KZbin - you might enjoy some of the others, too.

[@commoncents456]

@@RonCovell Thank you I will look them up

[@commoncents456]

@@RonCovell Would you have a video on hp rating on vacuum cleaners for dust separators. I see a lot of large vacuums? Does this help with suction

[@RonCovell]

I haven't done much testing, but here's a comprehensive video on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noSxaIOOrNNkr7c

[@eegaugh]

I had the same criticisms about my own shop vac and admire your elegant solution. In my case, however, because I use it on the metal lathe I prefer to have the hose inlet pointing up in the storage position to avoid oily drips on the floor. As for the cord, I am thinking of substituting a coiled one to minimise the length that has to be wrestled with.

[@RonCovell]

That makes perfect sense!

[@metaltipsandtricks6747]

Nice build.

[@RonCovell]

I'm glad you like it!

[@Kashed]

Shop Vac hoses are annoying! Great job Ron. 👍🏻 I am still dreaming of a shop big enough to have a central vac system, but I’d be happy just getting my garage heated at this point. Grrr winter! 🥶

[@johangroenewald6406]

Love this, I get annoyed with the hose frequently, thank you Ron

[@macbirt56]

K.I.S.S. Your design meets that old adage perfectly, well done, now I have a to do item for my old shopvac.😁😁

[@RonCovell]

Go for it!

[@phrodendekia]

Really cool and practical. I guess you could also use a bit more than half a loop to hold it, so the big hose sort of clicks into it and gets grabbed by those since they will start to close again.

[@RonCovell]

I love the way other people keep improving this idea!

[@Blakehx]

Nice work! Check out some HEPA filter bags for shop vacs. They tend to reduce the suction power initially but work better and longer than the canister filters and are less expensive!

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@VastCNC]

Thanks Ron!

[@RonCovell]

You bet!

[@bruinflight]

inspirational as usual Ron! Thank you for the idea, and I will definitely be adding this feature to my little shop vac too! Happy holidays ^_^

[@RonCovell]

Right on!

[@charlesmckinley29]

Now to hold all the attachments. 🤣. Nice idea and well executed.

[@RonCovell]

Yes! Thank you!

[@fredroybal3177]

I need that sharpie holder!

[@RonCovell]

I got it here: www.trick-tools.com/markerlock-magnetic-marker-holder-14133

[@fredroybal3177]

@@RonCovell thank you! I've been enjoying all of your videos!

[@vikitheviki]

Just an idea: I would weld a small rod, maybe 6-8 inches, standing up on one side to stick the vacuum hose onto to keep it more in place. Great content as usual, love your videos!

[@RonCovell]

That's a GREAT idea! Wish I'd thought of it.

[@TheDesertRat31]

Nice, I was thinking maybe a circle sized to be a "holster" for the end of the hose. Another idea could be, if there's room, another crossbar with similar circular attachments to hold the extension pipes and other hose attachments. I need a first project for my new welder ... I think I have it!!

[@heatshield]

maybe something that matches the interior diameter more, and only a couple inches tall, so we're not making even more spikey hazards? I think one of the feet has that on it already

[@llapmsp]

Very cever simple design and build. Keep the innovative ideas coming.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks, will do!

[@Texsoroban]

great video Ron. you ought to do one where you make the same thing without the welding.

[@RonCovell]

I thought long and hard about doing a non-welding version, since I completely understand that not everyone has a welder. While it certainly would be possible, it makes every step much more challenging.

[@jasonbenjamin1464]

that was lovely... always a thoughtful build from you

[@RonCovell]

Thank you! 😊

[@rontorres4018]

Just discovered your page. Your videos are concise and informative. Keep up the good work.

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like them! I have about 75 videos on KZbin, so keep browsing.

[@honthirty_]

It needs a 'gas tank' to fill the open frame. It would be like an in-line pre-filter for the big chunks that jam up the hose.

[@RonCovell]

Now that's a clever solution!

[@aaronbuildsa]

Ah, brilliant! I have a similar vacuum (branded by a major DIY chain in the UK but identical to many other models) which has little plastic 'nubs' designed to hold the attachments; you can sort of wrap the hose around the attachments and then put it on to one of the nubs. Of course, it fell over one day and snapped the nub right off the body so now the hose flops around uselessly .. I think I need to fashion me a hose frame like your good self :)

[@outsidescrewball]

Simple/smart…like the layout lessons…happy holidays

[@RonCovell]

Happy new year!

[@hamdiklcarslan4435]

nice work as always

[@RonCovell]

Thanks!

[@gospelman7222]

Great Job Ron. What a pity that Shop-Vac is no longer with us - here in the UK I had a Micro cleaner, worked real good, but I had to discard it because I could no longer get dust bags for it.

[@RonCovell]

Sorry to hear that!

[@kineticinstallationspecial5775]

Love it. Reminds me of some welding carts that I've used.

[@RonCovell]

Great!

[@crezychameau]

I never understood why shop vacs always have such a bad way of dealing with the hose and cord, often thought about ways to improve it I think i'm going to steal your idea for my dad's vac ! :)

[@RonCovell]

Go for it!

[@andyb7754]

Very nice, very simple and very easy. Thank you.

[@RonCovell]

You are welcome 😊

[@ddistrbd1]

Great idea for a small shop vac, , I enjoyed watching this video and can see how some will benefit from the hose holder in your video. maybe I could use the idea and make some modifications so it would work for my bigger shop vac/Dust Deputy cyclone attachment.

[@RonCovell]

I'm sure you could adapt this idea for a larger vacuum.

[@jaisonbadillo5139]

Thank you for sharing!! God bless you!!

[@ptimlick]

Not a Hack! A thoughtfully designed and constructed project that anyone should be proud of.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@manueldiez2929]

Que grande ron !!!! Gracias por tus enseñanzas saludos desde Argentina!!!

[@RonCovell]

Estoy tan contento de que te haya gustado este video!

[@52Ford]

I like your Sharpie holder. A cylinder from a black power revolver works well, too. You just have to match the caliber to the diameter marker you're using. I was using a cylinder from a Remington New Model Army .44 ("Remington 1858"). If I recall correctly, it fit the OD of the outer body of a Sharpie pretty well.

[@RonCovell]

That's a very cool idea!

[@aerogfs]

Finally a solution to the old vacuum drama

[@RonCovell]

It works for me!

[@paulsmith9341]

After 3 decades my 16 gallon shop vac wheels died. I kept 2 of the wheel outriggers for stops and tool holders and made a wheeled stand with a place for all the accessories and hose. Mostly from quarter round steel and left over sheet metal. I'm on a mission to use up all the left overs to make useful stuff.

[@RonCovell]

That's a good plan!

[@paulsmith9341]

@@RonCovell Thank you. All the accessories look to be floating because the quarter round frame is hard to see!

[@snowgorilla9789]

Another reason why I need a tig machine, oh and great setup for the vac

[@RonCovell]

Of course you could do the same job with a MIG, or even build a similar holder from wood or plastic if you weren't a metalworker.

[@snowgorilla9789]

@@RonCovell ah but I am a journeyman fabricator thanks

[@daviddepace3746]

Ron, great 👍 idea,I share the clumsiness issues of a cord& hose on the frequently used shop vac. So appreciate ur skills.👍👌

[@RonCovell]

Thanks 👍

[@jothain]

Simple and yet so effective solution. I really like it 👍

[@RonCovell]

Glad you like it!

[@TheMick26]

Hi Ron.👋 Sometimes dealing with that loose cord and hose sucks more than the shop vac does.😜 Great video. I'm glad you kept your cool and didn't turn this into another f-bomb episode.😉 All jokes aside, I always enjoy watching your creative approach and elegant solutions to problems we sometimes encounter in the shop. Well done, sir. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and hope to see you again soon.

[@RonCovell]

Thanks so much, and the same to you!

[@one44east77]

Thank you so much for this video. Great solution to my shop vac problem.

[@RonCovell]

Great to hear!

[@johnanthony2545]

Good job ! Simple and works just how I like it. This will happen.

[@RonCovell]

Hope so!