Tips & Techniques

Shop-vac reducer nozzle

Issue 194

I was cleaning up my workshop and having a heck of a time getting the 3-in.-dia. vacuum hose into the nooks and crannies of my standing power tools. I needed a crevice tool of some sort that would fit a 3-in.-dia. hose. As shown in the drawing, I wrapped the end of a 12-in.-long piece of 1-in. PVC pipe with about 3 in. of foam pipe insulation and pressed it into the end of the hose. The foam compressed enough to make a tight seal and to hold the new nozzle firmly in place. The suction from the reduced 1-in. opening is impressive.

Rich Davis, DeForest, WI

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Buy at Amazon

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon
×

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. LinnetNC | | #1

    Great idea! Do you think a pool noodle would do if you didn't have any pipe insulation around?

  2. User avater
    Wisjeepman | | #2

    I'll have to remember that for the future. Great tip

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Tips & Techniques

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 662: Roof Venting, Roof Leaks, and High-Performance Framing

Listeners write in about haunted pipes and building-science tomes, and they ask questions about roof venting and roof leaks.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Video

View All Videos
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.