Dewalt has come out with the DCV517, a new 20V Max cordless hand vac. It’s heavily based on the 18V model, DC515, but with a few improvements.
Dewalt has come out with larger cordless vacuums a while ago, including the dual 20V Max and corded DCV581h that we reviewed, and I thought that maybe they had abandoned this form factor. I’m glad that they didn’t!
The new Dewalt DCV517 cordless vacuum is small, but versatile.
Features
- 1/2 gallon capacity
- Gore HEPA filter is rinsable, reusable
- Flexible hose attachment, 2.5′ extendable to 5′
- Membrane filter allows for wet or dry pickup
- Gripped handle for comfort
- Built-in “gulper” nozzle
GORE is the same company that makes Cleanstream HEPA filters for shop vacuums.
Dewalt says that the new vac boasts improvements compared to the 18V model, such as significantly longer runtime, as well airflow and seal pressure, leading to ideal vacuum performance through high power and strong suction.
The press release was actually a little vaguely specific about how it described these specs:
This increased battery capacity will lead the DCV517’s improved performance on key vacuum specifications. Two critical specifications for rating vacuum performance are airflow and seal pressure. A balanced combination of high CFM and seal pressure ratings provides ideal vacuum performance through high power and strong suction. The new DCV517 exhibits a best-in-class seal pressure rating and high airflow rating.
I’m interpreting this to mean better seal pressure and air flow for higher power and stronger suction. Did you come to a different understanding?
Not that improved runtime, thanks to higher capacity Li-ion batteries, isn’t enough. But high power and strong suction are also good to hear.
Price: $79 for the bare vac, $179 as a kit
ETA: Very Soon
There will also be a Universal AirLock adapter, DWV9000, that allows the Dewalt DCV517 vac to work with standard Dewalt vacuum accessories.
First Thoughts
My Dewalt DC515 vacuum is my last 18V NiCd tool still in use. Everything else I use is powered by Li-ion battery packs. I have since mostly used the Dewalt DCV581H for quick cleanup tasks, mainly when I don’t want or need a full-size corded vacuum.
The form factor of the DC515, and now the new 20V Max DCV517, lends itself well to jobsite and workshop use. It’s compact and portable, and has enough pickup power and capacity to make it useful.
Swing the whole thing around, making use of the built-in wide nozzle, or separate the hose for when you need more precise suction or greater reach.
The price is reasonable, especially if you already bought into the Dewalt 20V Max lineup.
Dewalt’s claim of best-in-class seal pressure rating and high airflow rating compare this vac to several 18V-sized models, as well as Bosch and Milwaukee 12V-sized models. I don’t know if that’s entirely fair, since the Bosch 12V Max and Milwaukee M12 are smaller, lighter, and designed for different kinds of uses.
I would use one of those 12V-sized vacs for minor cleanup tasks, and this new DCV517 vac for drilling, cutting, or cleanup operations. Speaking of which, I really wish Dewalt would come out with a 12V Max sized vac. Even better if it also came with a HEPA filter.
I really think that this will end up being a Dewalt 20V Max must-have. Can you tell that I’m optimistic?
Having small shop space means that I often do tool reviews in the same space where I do my photography, and even writeup tool preview and review drafts. I’m not going to pull out a shop vacuum or dust extractor for a little bit of sawdust, small pile of chips, or other tool-created dust and debris.
The new DCV517 HEPA vac stands a good chance at becoming my favorite portable cordless hand vac.
Can you think of any potential downsides that my glee might be blinding me to?
Also check out our Dewalt DCV581H review, which would be better for larger cleanup tasks.