Owner’s manual
Can wet dry vac filters be washed?
Yes. On the Craftsman 113177790 wet/dry vacuum, the standard paper filter can be rinsed with water when it is used as a wet filter; then it must be fully dried before you store the vacuum or switch back to dry pickup. See the owner's manual for the exact cleaning steps.
- Unplug the wet/dry vacuum before removing or cleaning the filter.
- Remove the filter and rinse water through it from a hose or spigot.
- Keep water pressure moderate so you do not damage the pleats.
- Let the filter dry completely before picking up dry debris.
- To speed drying, reinstall the filter and run the vacuum (no hose attached) for about 10 minutes.
| Task | Filter recommendation | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry pickup (dust, debris) | Filter installed and dry | A wet filter clogs fast and is hard to clean |
| Small liquid pickup | Filter can stay installed | Dry the filter afterward to prevent mildew |
| Large liquid pickup | Remove the filter | If left in, it can saturate and cause exhaust misting |
After cleaning, we recommend checking the filter closely before reinstalling:
- Look for tears, pinholes, or separated seams
- Check that the gasket/sealing surfaces are intact
- Replace the filter right away if you find any damage (even small holes can leak dust)
A clean, dry filter helps your Craftsman wet/dry vacuum maintain strong airflow and protects the blower wheel and motor from dust bypass. Washing is fine for this model, but drying and inspection are what prevent clogs, dust blowout, and premature wear.
For replacement parts and accessories for your Craftsman 113177790, start with the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do you determine the size of a shop vac hose?
For a Craftsman 113177790 wet/dry vacuum, we determine hose size by measuring the inside diameter of the vacuum port (inlet) the hose plugs into, then matching that to a hose with the same nominal diameter. This model commonly uses 2-1/2 inch accessories and hose connections; confirm your exact fit using the 113177790 owner's manual.
Use a tape measure or calipers and measure these points:
- Vacuum port (inlet) inside diameter (ID): measure across the opening where the hose inserts
- Hose end type: this vac uses a hose with a soft end that inserts into the port and a swivel end for attaching nozzles and wands
- Accessory connection size: check the nozzle or extension wand end you want to use
- Length needs: longer runs reduce airflow, so use only as much hose as you need
Most wet/dry vac hoses and accessories are sold in a few standard diameters. For this Craftsman model, the manual references a 2-1/2 inch x 7 ft hose as a common accessory size.
| Nominal hose size | Typical use | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1/4 inch | Small tools, tight spaces | Better for portability, less bulk |
| 2-1/2 inch | General cleanup, higher airflow | Most common for shop vac pickup |
| Larger sizes | High-volume debris | Less common on homeowner units |
- The hose soft end should push into the vacuum port firmly without wobbling.
- The swivel end should accept your utility nozzle or extension wand snugly.
- If you are joining hoses for extra reach, the manual notes the swivel end can be removed so a second hose can be forced together for a tight fit.
Using the correct hose diameter helps your Craftsman 113177790 maintain airflow and suction. A hose that is too small can restrict pickup; a hose that is too large may not seal at the port, causing leaks and poor performance.
To shop by model and confirm compatible hose and accessory options, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Are wet dry vac filters universal?
Wet/dry vac filters are not universal. Filter fit depends on the vacuum’s brand, model number, tank size, and filter mounting style. For the Craftsman 113177790 wet/dry vacuum, use the filter style and installation method shown in the 113177790 owner's manual to prevent air leaks, poor suction, and motor damage.
Many filters marketed as “universal” only cover a range of gallon sizes or a common cartridge shape; they still may not seal correctly on your filter cage or lid.
Common differences that prevent a true universal fit:
- Mounting method (filter plate and filter nut vs. slip-on vs. band clamp)
- Seal diameter and gasket shape (small gaps cause dust bypass)
- Filter height (can interfere with float or lid)
- Intended pickup (fine dust vs. general debris vs. wet pickup)
- Airflow resistance (too restrictive can reduce performance)
Use these checks before ordering:
- Confirm the model is 113177790 on the data plate.
- Match the filter assembly style shown in the manual (filter, filter plate, filter nut).
- Choose a filter rated for your job (fine drywall dust needs higher efficiency than general shop debris).
- Make sure the filter is installed correctly and seated to avoid leaks.
| Check | What you want | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Correct plate and nut style | Prevents filter blow-off and bypass |
| Seal | Tight, even contact | Keeps dust out of the motor |
| Size | Clears float and drum | Avoids float interference and poor pickup |
The manual guidance for this model is straightforward:
- Dry pickup: keep a dry filter installed; a wet filter clogs quickly.
- Small liquid pickup: the filter can stay in place.
- Large liquid pickup: remove the filter to prevent saturation and exhaust misting; dry the filter afterward.
A filter that does not fit and seal correctly can let fine dust pass through, which reduces suction, increases mess, and can shorten motor life. Correct filter use also helps prevent mildew and damage after wet pickup.
For ordering, start with the model-specific parts listing for Craftsman 113177790; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I use my Craftsman shop vac without a filter?
Yes, but only in limited situations. For the Craftsman 113177790 wet/dry vacuum, we keep the filter installed for dry pickup to prevent leaks, protect the motor, and keep fine dust from blowing back into the air; we remove it only for large-volume liquid pickup.
- Dry debris or fine dust: Do not run without the filter; suction drops, dust can escape, and the motor can be damaged.
- Small amounts of liquid: You can usually leave the filter in place.
- Large amounts of liquid: We recommend removing the filter to prevent it from saturating and causing exhaust misting.
- After any wet pickup: Dry the filter before storing the vacuum or switching back to dry pickup.
The 113177790 owner's manual explains these key points:
- The filter must be correctly installed for dry material pickup.
- If you pick up large amounts of liquid, remove the filter; otherwise it can become saturated and cause misting.
- After wet pickup, the filter must be dried to help prevent mildew and filter damage.
| What you’re vacuuming | Filter installed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sawdust, drywall dust, ash-like dust | Yes | Protects motor; reduces dust blowout |
| General shop debris (dry) | Yes | Prevents leaks and performance loss |
| Small spills | Usually yes | Filter can stay in place for small amounts |
| Large water pickup | No | Prevents saturation and exhaust misting |
A wet/dry vacuum’s filter is the main protection between debris and the blower wheel and motor. Using the right setup improves suction, keeps dust out of your workspace, and helps the vacuum last longer.
We recommend using the parts list for model 113177790 to match the correct filter and accessories; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
