Wet/Dry Vacuum

Cleaner 1250 W

91791

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

®

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Copyright © 2004 by Harbor Freight Tools ® . All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

C a p a c i t y

C a r p e t A t t a c h m e n t

4 .

4 G a ll o n s ( w e t o r d r y )

1 0 " L x 1 1 / 2 " d i a m e t e r

P o w e r R e q u i r e m e n t 1 1 0 / 1 2 0 V o l t s A C

P o w e r O u t p u t

1 0 .

7

1 2 5 0

A m p s

W a t t s

( n o l o a d )

H o s e D i m e n s i o n

S t r a i g h t A t t a c h m e n t

N e t W e i g h t

P o w e r C o r d

6

5

6 1 /

1 / 2 "

2 "

L

L x x 1 1 / 2 "

1 1 / 2 " d i a

1 3 l b s .

1 3 ' 1 8 g r o u n d

A W G e d

2 p l u g

p r o n g m e t e r d i a m e t e r

SAVE THIS MANUAL

You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING!

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1.

2.

3.

WORK AREA

Keep your work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from debris. Provide barriers or shields as needed.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 2

4.

5.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.

If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.

Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.

6.

7.

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

Do not abuse the Power Cord.

Never use the Power Cord to carry the tool or pull the Plug from an outlet. Keep the Power Cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged Power Cords immediately.

Damaged Power Cords increase the risk of electric shock.

8.

When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These extension cords are rated for outdoor use, and reduce the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

9.

Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

10.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.

Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.

Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 3

12.

Avoid accidental starting.

Be sure the Power Switch is off before plugging in. Carrying power tools with your finger on the Power Switch, or plugging in power tools with the Power Switch on, invites accidents.

13.

Remove unneeded accessories before turning the power tool on. An unneeded accessory that is left attached to the power tool may result in personal injury.

14.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

15.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

TOOL USE AND CARE

16.

Hold the vacuum firmly by hand when using it to maintain maximum control.

17.

Do not force the vacuum. Use the correct tool for your application.

The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

18.

Do not use the vacuum if the Power Switch does not turn it on or off.

Any tool that cannot be controlled with the Power Switch is dangerous and must be replaced.

19.

Disconnect the Power Cord Plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the vacuum. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

20.

Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

21.

Maintain tools with care. Properly maintained tools are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Do not use a damaged tool. Tag damaged tools “Do not use” until repaired.

22.

Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using.

Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 4

6.

7.

23.

Use only accessories that are included by the manufacturer for your model.

Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.

SERVICE

24.

Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

25.

When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8.

Maintain labels and nameplates on the vacuum.

These carry important information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

Always wear ANSI approved safety impact eye goggles and heavy work gloves when usingthe vacuum. Using personal safety devices reduce the risk for injury. Safety impact eye goggles and heavy work gloves are available from

Harbor Freight Tools.

Maintain a safe working environment. Keep the work area well lit. Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work area free of obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not use a power tool in areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors. Do not use this product in a damp or wet location.

Make sure to read and understand all instructions and safety precautions as outlined in the manufacturer’s manual.

When using a handheld power tool, always maintain a firm grip on the tool with both hands to resist starting torque.

Always keep the extension cord away from moving parts on the tool.

Avoid unintentional starting. Make sure you are prepared to begin work before turning on the vacuum.

Do not force the vacuum. This tool will do the work better and safer at the speed and capacity for which it was designed.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 5

9.

Never lay the vacuum down until the motor has come to a complete stop. The tool may create unforeseen risk while the motor cycles down.

10.

Never leave the vacuum unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.

11.

Always unplug the vacuum from its electrical outlet before performing and inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

12.

WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 6

GROUNDING

WARNING!

Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

1.

2.

3.

GROUNDED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS

Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock. (See Figure A.)

The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal. (See Figure A.)

Your tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like those in the following illustration. (See Figure A.)

FIGURE A

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 7

4.

5.

DOUBLE INSULATED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH TWO PRONG PLUGS

Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with the applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian

Standard Association, and the National Electrical Code. (See Figure B.)

Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the following illustration. (See Figure B.)

FIGURE B

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

EXTENSION CORDS

Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can use either a two or three wire extension cord.

As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage.

(See Figure C, next page.)

The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord.

For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord.

(See Figure C.)

When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required.

(See Figure C.)

If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 8

6.

7.

If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.

Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.

Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified electrician before using it.

8.

Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*

(120 VOLT)

NAMEPLATE

AMPERES

(At Full Load)

EXTENSION CORD LENGTH

0 – 2.0

2.1 – 3.4

3.5 – 5.0

5.1 – 7.0

7.1 – 12.0

12.1 – 16.0

16.1 – 20.0

25

Feet

18

18

18

18

50

Feet

18

18

18

16

14

75

Feet

18

18

16

14

12

14

12

12

10

10

-

* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at 150% of the rated amperes.

100

Feet

18

16

14

12

10

-

-

150

Feet

16

14

12

12

-

-

-

FIGURE C

SYMBOLOGY

V ~

A no xxxx/min.

Double Insulated

Canadian Standards

Association

Underwriters

Laboratories, Inc.

Volts Alternating Current

Amperes

No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 9

UNPACKING

When unpacking, check to make sure that your item is in good condition, and all the following are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.

One Vacuum Cleaner

Two 19” long x 1-1/2” dia. extension wands

One 10”W x 1-1/2” dia. carpet attachment

One Brown Filter Bag with Rubber Band

One 66-1/2” long flexible hose

One 5-1/2” straight attachment

One Yellow Foam Filter Cartridge

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Assembly Diagram on page 14 .

The Power Switch

This vacuum is equipped with a rocker style Power Switch. Rock it to the “|” position to turn it ON, and to the “O” position to turn it OFF.

1.

2.

3.

Filter and Dust Bag

This vacuum is provided with a Foam Filter (14) and a Dust Bag (31). When vacuuming

WET materials, use only the Foam Filter (14). When vacuuming DRY materials, use both the Dust Bag (31) and the Foam Filter (14).

Installing and Removing the Foam Filter

NOTE: Use only the Foam Filter when vacuuming WET materials.

4.

To install or remove the Foam Filter (14), first release the two Latches (19).

Lift the upper part of the vacuum off the Cannister (17).

If you are removing the Foam Filter (14), pull it off of the Basket (13). If you are installing the Foam Filter (14), slide it onto the Basket (13).

Replace the upper part of the vacuum, and close the Latches (19) by pressing their lower parts down.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 10

1.

2.

Installing and Removing the Paper Dust Bag

NOTE: The Paper Dust Bag (31) and Foam Filter (14) should be in place when you are vacuuming dry materials.

To install the Paper Dust Bag (31), first remove the upper part of the vacuum by pulling up on the lower part of the Latches (19), releasing them.

3.

4.

5.

Using the Vacuum

WARNING: Take special precautions when using this vacuum in wet conditions.

Do not allow the power cord to lie on a wet floor or in water. Protect yourself from electric shock by wearing insulating shoes, gloves, etc.

1.

CAUTION: Always make sure the Power Cord is unplugged from its electrical outlet prior to assembling or making any adjustments to the tool.

2.

Lift the upper part of the vacuum off the Cannister (17).

If you are installing the Paper Dust Bag (31) slide the cardboard edge of the opening of the bag into the appropriate slot on the inside of the Hose Base (15).

If you are removing the Paper Dust Bag, slide the cardboard edge up and off of the inside of the Hose Base.

Replace the upper part of the vacuum onto the Cannister (17) and lock it in place by pressing down on the lower parts of the Latches (19).

3.

4.

NOTE: Before using this vacuum, be sure that the Foam Filter (14) and possibly also the Paper Dust Bag (31) are in place, depending on whether you are vacuuming wet or dry materials.

After observing safety precautions, plug the Power Cord (28) into a 110/120 Volt

AC outlet which is breaker switch protected.

Connect the desired attachments, which may include any combination of Telescoping Tube (30), Flexible Hose (33), Crevice Tool (32) or Carpet Sweeper (34).

5.

6.

Move the Power Switch (3) to the ON position.

Operate the vacuum to remove dust, dirt and other materials. CAUTION: This vacuum will pick up light wet or dry materials up to approx. 1/4” in diameter or heavy materials up to approx. 1/8” in diameter. Larger or heavier materials should be picked up by hand.

7.

When you are finished, move the Power Switch (3) to the OFF position.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 11

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

WARNING! Make sure the Power Switch (3) of the vacuum is in its “OFF” position and that the tool is unplugged from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the vacuum. Check for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged electrical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.

Do not use damaged equipment.

When you are done using the vacuum, empty the cannister. To do this, pull up on the bottom of the Latches (19) to release the upper pat of the vacuum. Pick up the Cannister (17) and dump the contents into an appropriate trash container.

Replace the upper part of the vacuum onto the Cannister (17) and re-secure the

Latches (19).

The vacuum should be stored in a cool dry place, protected from moisture and damage when not in use.

Protect the Power Cord (28) from damage when in use, and when in storage.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 12

PARTS LIST

0 8

0 9

1 0

1 1

1 2

0 5

0 6

0 7

P a r t #

0 1

0 2

0 3

0 4

1 3

1 4

1 5

1 6

D e s c r i p t i o n

S c r e w

H a n d l e C o v e r

P o w e r S w i t c h

H a n d l e B a s e

U p p e r C o v e r

M i d d l e C o v e r

B a f f l e

S

M

R i

B e o

W a a l a s

F o

H o s

H o t o n g l e k e e d r

L o w e r t e r p e t a m

C

R i n g

C o v e r r o o f

F i

B a l t e r o v s e e r

C u p

2 4

2 5

2 8

2 9

3 0

2 1

2 2

2 3

P a r t # D e s c r i p t i o n

1 7

1 8

1 9

2 0

C

W

L

S a a o h t n c e c n k e h i e l s t t e r

3 1

3 2

3 3

3 4

W

W

B

F i

C

P

L

T

C o l t e r o w a e il p a l i i r r a b e r e e r e r e s p l d

P

S c o e t l l u o

C o p i t g n r d g T u b e

P a p e r D u s t B a g

C r e v i c e T o o l

F l e x i b l e H o s e

S w e e p e r

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY

DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER

NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER

THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR

SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER

AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS

SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE

BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS

TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS

OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 13

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available individually as replacement parts.

SKU 91791 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 14