I recently explained how to turn a shop vac into an extractor. But to do that properly, you’ll need an extractor attachment for the shop vac. Without extractor heads, you won’t be able to use a shop vac as an extractor.
Here is my pick of the top three best shop vac extractor attachments.
1. Happy Tree Hand With Clear Head Extractor Attachment
This hand wand from Happy Tree is my top pick for the best attachment for a shop vac for several reasons.
First, this hand wand takes the trophy for its versatility. It comes with three threaded adapters – adapter A fits in ODM 1-7/8”, adapter B fits in ODM 1-4/7” while adapter C fits 1-3/4”. This extractor head also comes in two sizes – small at 3.5” and large at 7.5” so regardless of the size of your vac, you can use them without any problem.
Second, this extractor attachment has a sturdy construction, which you will love. The 1-1/2” tubing is solid stainless steel, making it ideal for extractors and even truck mounts. The plastic and rubber components of this Happy Tree are also of good quality, making them reliable and long-lasting.
The third reason that makes this extractor attachment a top pick is its ease of use and maintenance. The attachment is portable and lightweight, which is a bonus. In addition, the extractor head is transparent, which makes cleaning it a breeze.
I have this extractor attachment on my shop vac, and it’s doing wonders. I’ve been using it for more than a year already, and it didn’t break or something.
PROS
- Very versatile for several types of vacs
- It comes in two different sizes
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Easy maintenance with a transparent head
- Portable and lightweight
CONS
- Not easy to get your hands on the attachment
- The price may be an issue for some buyers
2. WORKSHOP Extractor Attachment
My second pick of the top three best extractor attachments is from the brand Workshop. This attachment is also a fantastic choice as it is compatible with both wet and dry shop vacs. It fits vac hoses and wands with diameters that are 1-1/4”, 1-7/8”, and 2-1/2”, which is great.
Another reason why I love this extractor attachment is the claw nozzle design. Because of this, you can use this attachment to clean not only carpets but also car seats with absolute ease. In fact, several people also attest to the fact that this nozzle claw is an excellent kit for their car detailing business. Trust me, if the attachment works for commercial guys, it will take care of all your deep cleaning at home.
In addition to the ergonomic design, this claw nozzle extractor attachment is also lightweight and portable. You will love how easily you can maneuver this claw attachment for cleaning carpets and upholstery.
Furthermore, this extractor attachment from the Workshop also comes with an affordable price, which is another advantage.
The only minor issue with this claw nozzle is that it is not transparent, which makes it hard to see what’s going on inside. However, the extractor attachment works like a charm, so the dark color is not a deal-breaker.
PROS
- Fits hoses of different diameter
- Ergonomic design for easy maneuverability
- Great for cleaning multiple surfaces
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- It is not transparent, so you cannot tell when to clean it.
3. Cen-Tec Systems Extractor Attachment – Budget Option
This Cen-Tec Systems Extractor Attachment is the answer if you’re looking for a budget option. This comes from Cen-Tec and fits vac hoses that are 1.25” in diameter. You will need an adapter with this one, but it shouldn’t be difficult to get one.
Regardless, this attachment also has a claw design so you can easily access the corners and hard-to-reach places. This extractor attachment measures 5,” but you will be surprised at how sturdy and reliable it is.
Of course, it is compatible with both wet and dry shop vacs, making it very versatile, too. If you’re curious, this attachment head is also lightweight, so you will have no problems taking it places.
This extractor head is a hit among several customers, which is no surprise and is a great testament to Cen-Tec’s commitment to quality products.
PROS
- Claw nozzle design for easy use
- Very reliable and long-lasting
- Compatible with both dry and wet vac
- Very affordable pricing
CONS
- Not convenient; it needs a separate adapter
Conclusion
Some attachments on this list of the top three best extractor heads for your shop vac need a separate adapter. But they are extremely affordable and readily available, so it shouldn’t stop you from getting the attachment.
Again, my recommendation is to go with the first one because it’s extremely sturdy and transparent, and I’ve had the best experiences using it to deep clean my car.