Debate: Should you use a shop vac or a dedicated soot vac for routine cleanings?

I've been sweeping chimneys for about 8 years now, and I'm stuck on this one. Last month at a job in Portland, I used my shop vac with a fine filter and it worked okay, but a fellow sweep told me I'm risking a fire hazard because the sparks can smolder in the bag. He swears by his $500 soot vac from a supply house. But my old mentor, who trained me 3 years ago, said he's used a shop vac for 20 years with zero issues if you clean it out right. What do you guys think, is the shop vac safe enough or is that just asking for trouble?

2 comments

2 Comments

fionak631mo ago

Holy crap, $500 for a soot vac? Thats insane. I mean I get needing the right tool but that price tag is brutal for a small shop. Your mentor using a shop vac for 20 years straight is pretty telling though.

seanperry1mo ago

Isnt it funny how we pay a premium for tools that save us 5 minutes but balk at stuff that actually prevents a house fire lol?