Craftsman 75817871 double insulated wet/dry vacuum Parts

On the Craftsman wet/dry vacuum model 75817871, the model number is typically printed on a rating label attached to the power head (the top motor housing). Check the back of the motor housing, near the latches/handles, or around the cord wrap area; the label often lists both model and serial information.

Common places to check on a Shop-Vac style wet/dry vacuum

• Rear of the power head (motor cover), near the exhaust or handle
• Side of the power head near the latches that clamp to the tank
• Under or beside the cord wrap hooks
• Near the on/off switch area on the motor housing
• On the tank near the upper rim (less common than the power head)

What the label usually looks like

Most Craftsman double insulated wet/dry vacuums use a silver, gray, or white sticker or plate with small text. It may include:

• Model number (sometimes marked as MOD)
• Serial number
• Electrical rating (amps/volts)
• “Double insulated” marking

Quick ID tips (so you order the right parts)

If the label is dirty or scuffed:

• Unplug the vacuum and wipe the label with a damp cloth, then dry it
• Use a flashlight at an angle to make faint printing easier to read
• Take a close-up photo and zoom in to confirm characters

Model number vs. serial number

Item	What it’s used for	Example format
Model number	Matching diagrams and replacement parts	75817871
Serial number	Production tracking	Letters and numbers

Why it matters

Wet/dry vacuums often look similar across multiple Craftsman models, but filters, hoses, switches, and motor parts can vary by model number. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong vacuum cleaner parts.

For broader parts lookup by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, some wet/dry vac filters can be washed, but only if they are a washable type (commonly foam “wet” filters). For the Craftsman 75817871 double insulated wet/dry vacuum, we recommend washing only filters specifically labeled washable, then fully drying them before reuse.

How to decide if your filter is washable

Check the filter material and how you use the vacuum:

• Foam sleeve or foam cartridge (often used for wet pickup): typically washable
• Pleated paper or HEPA-style cartridge (often used for fine dust): typically not washable
• Cloth or felt-style (varies by design): sometimes washable, sometimes replace-only
• If the filter has glue seams, paper pleats, or a rigid paper media, treat it as non-washable

Safe washing and drying steps (for washable foam filters)

• Unplug the vacuum and remove the filter.
• Tap off debris first; rinse from the clean side out when possible.
• Wash with mild soap and cool or lukewarm water.
• Rinse until water runs clear.
• Air-dry completely (a full dry commonly takes 24 hours).
• Reinstall only when the filter is fully dry to prevent odor and motor moisture exposure.

What to do instead for non-washable cartridge filters

Washing a pleated cartridge filter usually ruins filtration and can cause suction problems.

• Gently tap the filter to knock off loose dust
• Use a soft brush to clean between pleats
• Replace the filter if it stays clogged, torn, or won’t seal

Why it matters

A wet/dry vacuum relies on the filter to protect the motor and maintain airflow. Using the wrong filter for wet pickup, or reinstalling a damp filter, commonly leads to reduced suction, musty smells, and premature motor wear.

Quick guide

Filter type	Typical use	Washable?
Foam “wet” filter	Liquids, wet pickup	Usually yes
Pleated cartridge	Dry debris, general cleanup	Usually no
HEPA/fine dust	Fine dust	No

For replacement filters and other parts for your Craftsman 75817871, start with the model parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 75817871 double insulated wet/dry vacuum, the parts list is the set of replaceable components that create suction, capture debris, and move air safely through the vacuum. Common items include the motor section, filters, hose and fittings, tank components, switches, and power cord; you can search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Typical wet/dry vacuum parts you will see

• Motor and fan (impeller) components
• Filter and filter cage (or float assembly for wet pickup)
• Collection tank (drum), lid, and latches
• Hose, cuffs, adapters, and extension wands
• Nozzles and attachments (utility nozzle, crevice tool, squeegee style tools)
• Power switch, wiring, and power cord
• Casters/wheels and axle hardware

How to match the right part to model 75817871

Use these checks so the replacement fits and seals correctly:

• Confirm the model number on the rating label is 75817871
• Identify the failed area: suction path (hose, lid seal), filtration (filter), or power (switch, cord)
• Compare connection style and diameter (hose cuffs and inlet ports vary)
• For wet pickup issues, inspect the float and filter cage area for sticking or damage

Quick symptom-to-part area guide

Symptom	Most likely part area	What to inspect first
Low suction	Filter, hose, lid seal	Clogs, filter loading, loose lid/latch
Won’t turn on	Switch, cord, wiring	Outlet power, cord damage, switch feel
Dust blowing out	Filter, filter cage	Torn filter, missing cage, poor seating
Poor wet pickup	Float/cage, hose	Float stuck, blocked hose, lid not sealed

Why it matters

Wet/dry vacuums rely on airtight seals and correct filtration. The right filter, hose fit, and lid/tank sealing parts keep suction strong, protect the motor, and reduce mess during dry pickup and wet pickup.

Last updated: February 2026

To use your Craftsman 75817871 wet/dry vacuum for wet pickup, we remove the paper filter and any dust bag, confirm the float shutoff is installed and moving freely, then vacuum liquids through the inlet hose while monitoring the tank level and stopping when suction changes.

Set it up for wet pickup

• Unplug the vacuum before changing filters or accessories.
• Remove the dry-use filter (paper cartridge style) and any collection bag.
• Make sure the float shutoff (inside the lid/cage area) is present, clean, and able to rise.
• Connect the hose to the suction inlet (not the exhaust/blower port).
• Plug into a GFCI-protected outlet, especially in garages, basements, and outdoors.

How to vacuum water safely

• Start with small amounts of liquid; keep the nozzle flat to avoid gulping air.
• Watch for a sudden pitch change or drop in suction; that usually means the float is closing or the tank is full.
• Turn the vac off and empty the canister before restarting.
• After wet pickup, rinse and dry the tank and hose to prevent odor and corrosion.

Quick checklist: dry mode vs. wet mode

Item	Dry pickup	Wet pickup
Filter installed	Yes (dry filter)	No (remove dry filter)
Dust bag	Optional	No
Float shutoff	Must move freely	Must move freely (critical)
Outlet	Standard	GFCI recommended

Why it matters

Wet pickup with a dry filter or bag can clog airflow fast and can damage the motor. Keeping the float shutoff clean and emptying the tank promptly protects suction and helps your double insulated wet/dry vacuum run reliably.

Parts and help

We list model-specific replacement parts by diagram when available; if you need to look up accessories or maintenance items by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026