The marketplace is littered with adapters for connecting shop vacuums to power tools, and so is my shop. Yet I still have a few frustrating connections that require frequent applications of duct tape, an imperfect solution at best.

The real solution turns out to be Infinity’s new “Quick-Snap” hose and adapter kit. At 16 ft. long, the crush-proof hose is an upgrade over most vacuum hoses, with a universal 2-1⁄4-in. end that fits into almost all vacuums on the market (measure the inside diameter of your inlet to be sure).

But the real story is at the other end of the hose, where a quick-click connector snaps into four grippy, flexible rubber adapters. Available in diameters of 3⁄4 in., 1 in., 1-1⁄4 in., and 1-1⁄2 in., the adapters have ribbed, tapered interiors that are very hard to shake free in use. And two have tapered exteriors as well, filling in gaps between the 1⁄4-in. increments.

The kit also includes a solution for the larger ports on portable machines: an extra quick-click 1-1⁄2-in. adapter, with a standard plastic adapter that steps it up to 2-1⁄4 in., perfect for my benchtop sander and job-site tablesaw.

For the first time in my woodworking career, my two shop vacs connect quickly and securely to every power tool and small machine in my shop.

By the way, if your vacuum hose has one of those two-button connectors on the end—my Bosch and Fein models both do—the Infinity adapters will pop right on, letting you buy the adapter kit without the hose for just $36. 

—A.C.

Photo: Barry NM Dima

From Fine Woodworking #297

	All About Dust Collection Learn how to protect your lungs with top-notch dust collection tips and techniques.
	Soup Up Your Dust Collector Get finer filtration and more power from any single-stage collector.
	Dust Collection for the Small Shop Learn about an effective and budget-conscious trio of solutions.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander

The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.

Buy at Amazon

Festool Cleantec CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

The clear winner here is Festool’s CT 48 Dust Extractor. It has amazing capacity relative to its size, and unmatched suction power. It packs in a number of subtle but very helpful design touches, like a clever foot brake and easy hose and cord storage.

Buy at Amazon