A leaf vacuum designed to mulch leaves, this tool review reveals that the Ryobi Vac Attack also attacks sawdust.
Hands-on Review
The Ryobi Tools Vac Attack may seem hopelessly awkward, but the tool works and it works well. And it’s also versatile.
Sure, I’ve used the Vac Attack on leaves and it reduces them to powder. What I really like about it and its 40-volts of power is that it’s great for “problem leaves,” like those that seem to be permanently gathered by our front steps and in other nooks and crannies throughout our yard.
I also used it gathering up and vacuuming a mountain of sawdust on a recent project that had me ripping Southern Pine for hours. Way better than a snow shovel or blower, it was incredibly satisfying to clean up all that stuff.
Have you tried the Vac Attack?
Have you used it for more than just as a leaf vacuum and for sawdust clean-up? We’d love to know what you think about this tool. Send us a note or share in the comments below.
Oh, and it’s a great gift idea for your favorite homeowner who takes the lead in caring for his/her yard.
Check out the Ryobi Tools Vac Attack in action by our 11-year-old budding toolhound Jack.
About the Author
The best cordless drills may not have the relentless power and maximum torque of an AC-powered, wired electric drill but for most DIY purposes they are far more convenient, and easily powerful enough.
I love and hate my Vac Attack.on the positive side once you learn how to overcome its awkwardness it is really helpful near bushes, ground cover ,flower beds and at the base of the house foundation but on the negative side
1) Shortly after starting to use it both wheel broke off which wasn’t the end of the world as it still was effective minus the wheels just a bit more heavy as you had to hold it in the air and the unit is heavy with the battery and leaves in the bag
2) Now the bag is ripping at the seam near where you latch it on the unit. This makes the unit unusable.
I bought the unit at Home Depot approx 6 months ago in the summer but only used it for 3 months in the fall. Any ideas on what I can do to get a new one or get a new leaf catching bag at no charge
I LOVE your description of the tool. It is terribly awkward and totally handy (not shown, I store mine in an empty 5-gallon bucket to keep it from tipping over and being awkward on the floor too! The bucket accepts the bottom of the chute and it store much more easily.)
Now, in broken wheel and torn bag news: Definitely take it back to The Home Depot. I’m not certain they’ll exchange it, but I’m pretty sure they’ll do you a solid.
And definitely let me know how it shakes out.
Hi David,
Definitely call Ryobi – 800-525-2579.
Also, if you can get the nozzle off (there’s a set-screw and a latch) try and remove it. It’s possible there’s a twig or something jammed just so and the motor’s electronics sense that resistance as a blockage that’d damage the motor so it doesn’t engage.
Obviously, remove the battery before doing this inspection. I hope that helps.
If you get nowhere fast, let me know and maybe I can make a call on this end.
Onward.
Mark
My Vac Attack has stopped working inexplicably after just three weeks of use. I’ve tried three
different batteries, all at full charge, and nothing… waiting to get tech help.
Very unhappy…
I’ve had similar issues with bizarrely intermittent luck. Anyone have a firm solution to this?