DeWalt DCV517B Review

The DeWalt DCV517B is a portable, cordless wet/dry vacuum designed to tackle a wide range of messes, from everyday dirt and dust to spills and wet debris. Powered by DeWalt’s 20V MAX battery system, this compact vacuum offers the convenience of cordless operation with powerful suction for cleaning in tight spaces, vehicles, workshops, or small areas around the home. In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and overall value of the DeWalt DCV517B to help you decide if it’s the right vacuum for your needs.

Introduction to the DeWalt DCV517B

The DeWalt DCV517B is a compact and highly portable wet/dry vacuum that delivers strong suction and versatility in a lightweight design. Whether you’re dealing with dust from a workbench, pet hair in your car, or a small water spill, the DCV517B is designed to handle both wet and dry messes effectively. Powered by a 20V MAX battery (sold separately), this vacuum offers the flexibility of cordless cleaning in a powerful and efficient tool.

Key Features of the DeWalt DCV517B

1. 20V MAX Battery Compatibility The DeWalt DCV517B operates on DeWalt’s 20V MAX lithium-ion battery platform, providing consistent power and performance for cleaning tasks. The vacuum is compatible with other DeWalt 20V tools, making it a great addition to any DeWalt-powered toolkit. The 20V battery offers enough runtime for light clean-up tasks and quick jobs around the home, workshop, or car.

2. Wet and Dry Cleaning Capabilities One of the standout features of the DCV517B is its ability to handle both wet and dry messes. Whether you’re cleaning up liquid spills, dust, or debris, this vacuum has the versatility to handle a wide range of cleaning situations. This makes it ideal for cleaning areas like garages, workshops, kitchens, and even your vehicle interiors.

3. Powerful Suction The DeWalt DCV517B offers powerful suction to effectively clean up dust, dirt, and liquid. Despite its compact size, the vacuum delivers strong performance, making it a reliable tool for quick clean-ups. It is especially effective in tight spaces, where a larger vacuum might struggle to reach.

4. Compact and Lightweight Design The DCV517B is designed to be lightweight and portable, weighing only a few pounds. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and store, and it’s ideal for cleaning in tight spaces like cars, cabinets, or shelves. The compact size doesn’t compromise its suction power, allowing you to efficiently clean small messes without the bulk.

5. Convenient 5-Gallon Tank The vacuum features a 5-gallon tank, providing ample capacity for debris collection. This means fewer interruptions to empty the tank during use. The tank is easy to remove, empty, and clean, ensuring a hassle-free clean-up process.

6. HEPA-Style Filter The DeWalt DCV517B is equipped with a HEPA-style filter, which captures fine dust and debris. This makes it a good choice for environments where dust and allergens are a concern, such as workshops, garages, or homes with allergy sufferers. The filter is washable, which means you can reuse it, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly.

7. Flexible Hose and Attachments The vacuum includes a flexible hose and a variety of attachments, such as a crevice tool and a wide nozzle. These accessories enhance the vacuum’s versatility, allowing you to clean in tight spots, along baseboards, or larger open areas, making it suitable for both small and big cleaning tasks.

Performance and Efficiency

The DeWalt DCV517B is highly efficient, delivering strong suction that can handle a variety of messes. Whether you’re picking up dust, dirt, small debris, or wet spills, the vacuum performs admirably. Its compact design makes it ideal for reaching into corners and narrow spaces, which can often be difficult to clean with larger vacuums.

On dry surfaces, the vacuum excels at picking up fine dust, dirt, and debris. When cleaning wet messes, it performs effectively, although it is not designed for heavy-duty liquid clean-up. The 5-gallon tank provides sufficient capacity to handle a variety of messes without needing frequent emptying.

The vacuum’s battery life is suitable for smaller jobs, offering around 15-30 minutes of runtime on a full charge, depending on the type of debris and the power settings. While it is not ideal for large cleaning sessions, it works perfectly for quick clean-ups or smaller tasks in tight spaces.

Battery Life and Charging

The DeWalt DCV517B runs on a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery (sold separately), offering a balance between runtime and portability. The battery provides enough power for short to medium clean-ups, typically lasting between 15 and 30 minutes on a single charge. The vacuum’s battery is also compatible with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools, providing flexibility for those who already own DeWalt products.

Charging the battery is relatively quick, with most DeWalt 20V batteries taking 1-2 hours to fully charge. You can easily swap the battery with another (if you have a spare) for longer cleaning sessions.

Pros of the DeWalt DCV517B

• Wet and dry capabilities: Can clean both liquid spills and dry debris, making it a versatile tool.

• Portable and lightweight: Easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces or for quick clean-ups.

• Powerful suction: Offers strong suction performance for small to medium-sized messes.

• HEPA-style filter: Captures fine dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.

• Convenient 5-gallon tank: Provides ample capacity, reducing the need for frequent emptying.

• Washable filter: Eco-friendly and cost-effective, as the filter can be reused after cleaning.

• Flexible hose and attachments: Offers versatility for various cleaning tasks, from tight spaces to larger areas.

Cons of the DeWalt DCV517B

• Shorter battery life: The vacuum’s runtime is limited, requiring recharging after a short period of use for larger tasks.

• Not ideal for heavy-duty wet messes: While it can handle spills and wet debris, it is not designed for larger liquid clean-ups.

• Battery sold separately: The 20V MAX battery is not included with the vacuum, adding extra cost if you don’t already own one.

• Small tank capacity: While the 5-gallon tank is sufficient for most tasks, larger clean-up jobs may require more frequent emptying.

How to Get the Most Out of Your DeWalt DCV517B

To maximize the performance of your DeWalt DCV517B, here are a few tips:

1. Clean the filter regularly: Wash the HEPA-style filter regularly to maintain suction power and prevent clogging.

2. Charge the battery after each use: Ensure your vacuum is always ready to go by recharging the battery after each cleaning session.

3. Use the right attachments: Use the crevice tool for tight spaces and the wide nozzle for larger areas to optimize your cleaning efforts.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCV517B is a powerful and portable cordless wet/dry vacuum that offers strong suction and versatility for smaller clean-up tasks. Its compact design, wet and dry cleaning capabilities, and compatibility with DeWalt’s 20V battery platform make it a great addition to any toolkit. While it’s best suited for quick clean-ups and smaller messes, its powerful suction, large tank, and convenient attachments make it an efficient tool for a wide range of tasks. If you need a compact, reliable vacuum for quick, everyday cleaning, the DeWalt DCV517B is an excellent option.