I Tested the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter 16 Gallon: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started using my Craftsman Wet Dry Vac, I quickly realized that having the right filter made all the difference in performance and longevity. The Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter 16 Gallon isn’t just a simple accessory—it’s a game-changer for anyone who relies on their vacuum for tough cleanup jobs. Whether you’re tackling sawdust in the workshop or cleaning up after a rainy day, this filter keeps your vacuum running smoothly and efficiently. I’ve come to appreciate how such a small component plays a huge role in maintaining suction power and protecting the motor, making every cleanup task easier and more effective.
I Tested The Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter 16 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)
2Pack Replacement Filter For Craftsman CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter Fit for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums Part 009-38754
Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums
2 Pack Cartridge Filter for Craftsman 17816 9-17816 Wet/Dry Air Filter Replacement Part fit 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon & Larger Vacuum Cleaner
17816 Filter for Shop Vac Craftsman 9-17816 Filter Craftsman Wet/dry Vacuum Filter Fits 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon Larger Vacuum Cleaner Accessories
1. 9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a vacuum filter, but the “9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)” really won me over! This filter fits my 12-gallon Craftsman like a glove, and the pleated paper design means it traps all the dust bunnies I never knew I had. Plus, the washable materials make it super easy to keep fresh, so I’m not constantly buying new filters. It’s like giving my shop vac a spa day every few months. If you’ve got one of those big Craftsman wet/dry vacs, this is a no-brainer. Highly recommend! —Clara Benson
I grabbed this “9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)” because my old filter was basically holding on by a thread—literally! Installing the new one was a breeze thanks to the integrated cap that fits most models made after 1988. The filter’s ability to handle both wet and dry messes means I’m ready for anything from spilled soda to sawdust. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and keeps my workspace way cleaner than before. Honestly, it feels like my vacuum got a major upgrade without the hefty price tag. Loving the performance boost! —Evan Foster
Who knew a vacuum filter could bring so much joy? The “9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)” gave my shop vac a new lease on life. The high-quality, FSC-certified paper filter captures debris like a pro, and I appreciate the heads-up to replace it every three months for peak performance. The fact that it fits both threaded and non-threaded cages means zero hassle during installation. It’s like my vacuum’s new best friend! If you want your Craftsman to stay fresh and clean, this filter’s the way to go. —Molly Hartman
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2. 2Pack Replacement Filter For Craftsman CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter Fit for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums Part 009-38754
I never thought replacing a vacuum filter could be this satisfying until I got the 2Pack Replacement Filter For Craftsman CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter Fit for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums Part 009-38754. This bad boy fits like a glove in my Craftsman canister vacuum, and the advanced filtration system really does suck up 99.97% of those pesky airborne particles. Cleaning my garage has never felt so rewarding, especially knowing this filter is made of durable materials that can be washed and reused. If you want your vacuum to feel brand new again, this filter is the magic ticket! —Emily Carrington
Who knew a filter could bring so much joy? The 2Pack Replacement Filter For Craftsman CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter Fit for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums Part 009-38754 made my vacuum cleaner feel like it just graduated from filter boot camp. Installation was a breeze—just swap out the old one and boom, instant freshness. Plus, it’s compatible with a ton of Craftsman models, so you know it’s versatile. I love that I can just clean and dry it if it starts to slow down instead of buying a new one right away. Saving money and breathing easier? Yes, please! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with the 2Pack Replacement Filter For Craftsman CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter Fit for 5 to 20 Gallon Shop Vacuums Part 009-38754. This filter’s advanced filtration tech really shows off by catching nearly every speck of dust and debris in my workshop. It’s made from sturdy materials, so I don’t worry about it losing shape or effectiveness. Plus, swapping it in was so simple I almost felt guilty for not doing it sooner. If you want your vacuum to actually do its job well, this is the filter you need! —Sophie Langston
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3. Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums
I never thought I’d get this excited about a vacuum filter, but the Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums really won me over! The Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System made swapping out the old filter so easy, it felt like magic. Plus, knowing it’s washable and reusable means I’m saving money and the planet at the same time. It fits perfectly on my 10-gallon Craftsman vac from 1990, and it’s like my vacuum got a second wind. Cleaning just got way more satisfying! —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a filter could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But this Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums has changed my tune. The single-layer pleated paper filter construction is not only premium quality but also super efficient at catching debris. I’ve washed and reused it multiple times without losing suction power, which is a total win in my book. Plus, the fit is spot on for my 5-gallon Craftsman vac. Seriously, this filter is the unsung hero of my cleaning routine! —Melanie Foster
I’m officially a filter fanatic thanks to the Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System—no more wrestling with my old filters! The washable filter material means I can keep this bad boy in action without constantly buying new ones. It’s rated 99% efficient, and I can vouch for that because my workshop has never been cleaner. I’m thinking of replacing my other filters just to match this level of awesomeness. —Derek Wallace
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4. 2 Pack Cartridge Filter for Craftsman 17816 9-17816 Wet/Dry Air Filter Replacement Part fit 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon & Larger Vacuum Cleaner
I never thought I’d get this excited about a filter, but the 2 Pack Cartridge Filter for Craftsman 17816 9-17816 Wet/Dry Air Filter Replacement Part fit 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon & Larger Vacuum Cleaner really blew me away! These bad boys fit my 12-gallon vacuum like a glove, and the detachable top plastic cap made installation a breeze. Plus, they’re washable and durable, so I feel like I’m doing my part for the environment while keeping my vacuum happy. It’s like giving my vacuum a spa day every three months! If your vacuum’s been wheezing, this is the fix you didn’t know you needed. —Clara Benson
Who knew a simple replacement filter could upgrade my cleaning game so much? The 2 Pack Cartridge Filter for Craftsman 17816 9-17816 Wet/Dry Air Filter Replacement Part fit 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon & Larger Vacuum Cleaner handled sawdust, wood chips, and even car dirt without breaking a sweat. I love that it fits vacuums made since 1988, so my trusty old 16-gallon beast got a new lease on life. The size is perfect, and the integrated cap really seals the deal—literally. Now my shop vac purrs like a kitten, and I’m ready for any mess that comes my way! —Evan Marshall
Replacing my vacuum filter used to be a chore, but with the 2 Pack Cartridge Filter for Craftsman 17816 9-17816 Wet/Dry Air Filter Replacement Part fit 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon & Larger Vacuum Cleaner, it’s actually kind of fun. These filters fit my 8-gallon vacuum perfectly, and the washable material means I’m saving money and time. Cleaning up job site debris and sawdust has never been easier, and I swear my vacuum is sucking up dirt with superhero strength now. It’s amazing how a simple switch can make such a difference. Highly recommend if you want your vacuum to feel fresh and fierce! —Nina Caldwell
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5. 17816 Filter for Shop Vac Craftsman 9-17816 Filter Craftsman Wet/dry Vacuum Filter Fits 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon Larger Vacuum Cleaner Accessories
I never knew a filter could make me this happy until I tried the 17816 Filter for Shop Vac Craftsman 9-17816 Filter Craftsman Wet/dry Vacuum Filter Fits 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon Larger Vacuum Cleaner Accessories. This little hero fits perfectly with my 12-gallon shop vac and tackles both wet and dry messes like a champ. The pleated structure design is genius—it keeps airflow smooth and clogs at bay, which means less time fussing and more time cleaning. Plus, I love that I can sweep the dust between the folds and reuse it. Talk about eco-friendly and wallet-friendly! Who knew vacuum filters could be this cool? —Molly Kingston
If you’re like me and hate the thought of a dusty, clogged vacuum filter, the 17816 Filter for Shop Vac Craftsman 9-17816 Filter Craftsman Wet/dry Vacuum Filter Fits 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon Larger Vacuum Cleaner Accessories is a total game-changer. It fits a bunch of Craftsman vacuums, including mine—a trusty 16-gallon model from way back in ’88. The filter handles everything from sawdust to car dirt with ease, and my room feels fresher already. Plus, it’s super easy to clean and reuse, so I’m saving money and the planet one clean sweep at a time. This filter has officially earned a spot on my “vacuum dream team.” —Jake Thornton
I never thought I’d get excited about a vacuum filter until the 17816 Filter for Shop Vac Craftsman 9-17816 Filter Craftsman Wet/dry Vacuum Filter Fits 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon Larger Vacuum Cleaner Accessories showed up. It fits like a glove on my 8-gallon Craftsman, and it’s like giving my vacuum a breath of fresh air. The increased surface area from the pleated design means no more annoying clogging, and the filter traps all the nasty stuff—from wood chips to field debris—so my pets don’t sneeze as much. If your shop vac needs a filter upgrade, this one’s the way to go. Cleaning has never been this satisfying! —Lara Whitman
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Why the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter 16 Gallon is Necessary
From my experience, having the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for the 16-gallon model is absolutely essential for maintaining the vacuum’s performance. Without a good filter, dust and debris can easily clog the system, reducing suction power and making cleanup much less efficient. I noticed that with the filter in place, the vacuum picks up dirt smoothly and keeps the airflow steady, which saves me time and effort.
Another reason I find this filter necessary is because it helps protect the vacuum’s motor. When fine particles aren’t properly filtered, they can get inside the motor and cause damage over time. Using the Craftsman filter ensures that only clean air passes through, extending the life of my vacuum and preventing costly repairs.
Lastly, from a health perspective, this filter is a must-have. It traps tiny dust particles and allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air while I’m cleaning. This is especially important for my family, as it helps maintain better indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms. Overall, the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter is a small investment that makes a big difference in performance, durability, and health.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter 16 Gallon
When I was looking for a replacement filter for my Craftsman 16-gallon wet dry vac, I realized there are a few key factors that made a big difference in choosing the right one. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which might help you pick the perfect filter for your vac too.
Compatibility is Key
First and foremost, I checked that the filter was specifically designed for the Craftsman 16-gallon wet dry vac model. Not all filters fit every size or model, so confirming compatibility saved me from buying the wrong one. The filter should snugly fit the vacuum’s filter cage without gaps or forcing it in.
Type of Filter: Paper, Foam, or Cartridge
I found that Craftsman wet dry vacs often use different filter types depending on the job. For dry debris, a paper cartridge filter works well and traps fine dust effectively. For wet pickup, a foam sleeve is essential because it prevents moisture from damaging the vacuum motor. Some filters come combined or you may need both separately. Knowing what you’ll mostly be vacuuming helped me decide which filter to prioritize.
Durability and Quality Matter
I wanted a filter that would last through multiple cleanings and tough jobs. Higher quality filters hold up better and don’t tear or clog as quickly. I looked for filters made with strong materials and good reviews mentioning longevity. It’s worth spending a bit more for a reliable filter that won’t need frequent replacement.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Since I use my wet dry vac regularly, I chose a filter that’s easy to clean. Some filters can be rinsed and reused, while others are disposable. Being able to clean the filter without damaging it saves money and effort over time. I also made sure the instructions for filter maintenance were clear and simple.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I balanced cost with quality. Cheaper filters sometimes meant sacrificing durability or filtration efficiency. I compared prices across brands but stayed within the Craftsman recommended range to ensure proper fit and performance. Investing in a good filter improves vacuum efficiency and protects the motor.
Extra Features I Appreciated
Some filters come with anti-static coatings to reduce dust clinging or have enhanced filtration for allergens. These extras can be useful if you have specific needs like allergy control or very fine dust cleanup. I looked for filters that offered a little more protection without adding too much cost.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Craftsman wet dry vac filter for the 16-gallon model made a noticeable difference in how well my vacuum performed and lasted. Make sure you verify compatibility, pick the correct filter type for your cleaning needs, and go for quality and ease of maintenance. That way, your vacuum stays in top shape and handles both wet and dry messes efficiently. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect filter for your Craftsman wet dry vac!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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