I’ve been a Hilti fan for decades—since the late ’80s, actually—and that loyalty isn’t just about brand name. It’s about trust. Tools come and go, but Hilti has always stood out for one reason: quality. That’s exactly what you get with the Hilti VC 5, their compact wet/dry construction vacuum with a pushbar. Whether it’s their rotary hammers, impact drivers, or something as straightforward as a vacuum, Hilti doesn’t cut corners.
A lot of brands chase headlines—trying to be first to market, rushing products out to boost sales. Hilti doesn’t play that game. They take their time, and it shows. Every tool they release is built to withstand jobsite abuse, offer real value to workers, and function like a true professional-grade piece of equipment. The VC 5 is no exception. It might not be flashy, but it’s rugged, powerful, and designed to get the job done day in and day out.
Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Overview
This is the Hilti VC 5 in all its compact glory. It’s a wet/dry vacuum designed specifically for daily jobsite cleanups, whether you’re dealing with fine dust or wet messes. Despite its small size, it holds up to 5 gallons and delivers a strong 140 CFM of suction, which is impressive for something this portable. When equipped with the optional HEPA filter, it also meets OSHA 1926.1153 Table 1 compliance standards for silica dust, making it a serious tool for keeping your jobsite safe and clean.
The VC 5 is built to move with you. It’s got large rubber wheels in the back that handle rough jobsite terrain, and locking casters in the front to keep it steady when you need it to stay put. Whether you’re dragging it across concrete or rolling through a garage, it moves smooth and stays stable. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re constantly on the move.
Up front, the Hilti VC 5 keeps things simple and functional. The hose port is easy to access. Just to the right is the on/off dial, which is large and easy to turn—even with gloves on.
Right on top of the VC 5, you’ll find one of its most useful features—the push-button filter cleaner. Just give it a press and it knocks the dust loose from the filter to help maintain suction without having to open the vacuum or dig anything out. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the performance strong, especially during heavy use.
The large carrying handle on top makes moving the VC 5 super convenient. It’s sturdy and gives you a solid grip when lifting it into a truck, carrying it up stairs, or just repositioning around the site. And when you’re not using it, it folds away cleanly so it’s not in the way or snagging on things.
One of the standout features of the VC 5 is the retractable push bar. When extended, it gives you easy control and maneuverability—especially useful when rolling it across larger job sites or rough surfaces. When you don’t need it, the bar folds back neatly into the body, keeping a low profile and staying completely out of the way.
The VC 5 comes with an 11.5-foot power cord, giving you plenty of reach to move around without constantly switching outlets. It’s long enough for most jobsite setups, and when you’re done, the cord wraps neatly around the back for easy storage.
On the side of the VC 5, you’ve got on-board storage that actually works. It’s built to hold the metal extension tubes securely, so they’re always within reach and not rolling around your truck or jobsite. Everything stays neat, tight, and easy to access, which means less setup time and fewer lost parts.
The Hilti VC 5 comes equipped with a 10-foot hose, providing ample length for most jobsite tasks. This allows for efficient cleaning without the constant need to reposition the vacuum. While a 10 foot hose is nice, it would be great to see Hilti offer an upgrade length for those who want something longer when you are cleaning a larger area.
The dust bag inside the VC 5 does a great job of trapping fine particles and keeping everything contained. What I really like is that when you remove the bag, it has a built-in cover that automatically seals it off. That means no clouds of dust flying everywhere when it’s time to empty it—just pull it out, toss it, and move on.
While the bag is nice, this is equipped with a HEPA filter which we all know is great for any jobsite.
The wide floor nozzle is perfect for quick cleanup of dirt and debris across larger areas. It covers a lot of ground fast and gets right down to the surface. What’s nice is that you can swap out the brush inserts for rubber blades, which makes it ideal for wet pickups too.
Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Performance
To put the Hilti VC 5 to the test, we ran it through three real-world scenarios: sawdust, bolts, and water. First, we dumped out a full bucket of sawdust and used the floor brush attachment to clean it up. Honestly, it picked it up way faster than we expected—no clogs, no lag, just clean passes. Next, we sucked up large nuts and bolts, and the hose had zero issue picking them up, which speaks to both the suction power and the durability of the hose. Finally, we hit the bucket of water—and the VC 5 sucked it completely dry in no time. No hesitation, just pure power. This vacuum definitely punches above its weight class.
Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Value
The Hilti VC 5 starts at $349, and if you want the version with the push bar, it comes in at $414. And honestly? It’s worth every penny. You’re getting a compact, powerful vacuum, easy to move around, and built to handle tough jobsite cleanup without breaking a sweat. For how well it performs across dust, debris, and liquid, it easily justifies the price.
But what really sets it apart is what comes with the vacuum—Hilti’s legendary support network. If something goes wrong, they’ve got people in the field who can get you taken care of fast. That means less downtime, fewer headaches, and more time actually getting work done. It’s not just about the tool—it’s about the total package, and Hilti delivers.
Hilti VC 5 Construction Vacuum Wrap Up
The Hilti VC 5 might be compact, but it delivers big-time performance. It handles everything from fine sawdust to heavy bolts and even standing water—without skipping a beat. It’s easy to maneuver, easy to maintain, and powerful enough to handle serious cleanup jobs on any site. Add in features like the push-button filter cleaner, folding push bar, and on-board storage, and it’s clear this vacuum was built with the pro in mind.
At the end of the day, it’s a Hilti—built to last, built to perform, and backed by one of the best service networks in the industry. If you need a vacuum that’s ready to work, the VC 5 is more than up to the task. It’s the best compact vacuum we have tested.
