DeWalt's cordless shop vac lineup has two popular portable units: the DCV517B and the DCV586B. They look similar on the shelf, but they differ in battery platform, runtime, and price. They may also differ in hose end, which matters for the adapter you need.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | DCV517B | DCV586B |
|---|---|---|
| Battery platform | 20V MAX | FLEXVOLT 60V MAX |
| Filtration | Paper cartridge filter | Paper cartridge filter |
| Runtime (5Ah battery) | ~20 minutes | ~25 minutes |
| Weight (no battery) | 6.0 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
The Hose End Matters
The adapter you need is set by two things: the port on your tool and the hose end on your vac. Two vacs that look alike can have different hose ends. Do not trust a chart. Measure the hose end on the vac you own.
- Measure across the inside of the open end of the hose with calipers or a ruler.
- Measure across the inside of your tool's dust port. If the port is a stub, measure the outside.
- Give us the two numbers and we print the adapter to them.
Our size guide shows where to place the calipers, and Build My Adapter takes the two numbers from there. If you also run Makita tools, the 36mm size page shows what we print at that size as a starting point.
Which Should You Buy?
DCV517B is the better choice if:
- You already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries (it uses them)
- You want the most compact and lightest cordless vac
- You mostly use it for light cleanup and small tool connections
DCV586B is the better choice if:
- You own FLEXVOLT batteries or want a runtime upgrade
- You want a vac that can also serve a wider range of jobs
Whichever you pick, measure its hose end before you order an adapter.
