MasterForce 240-5239 User manual

Wet/Dry Vacuums
240-5239
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
CAUTION: To Reduce The Risk Of Injury, User Must Read
And Understand Operator's Manual. Save These Instructions
For Future Reference.

Page 1
SECTION PAGE
Safety Instructions & Warnings ......................................................................................................2
Double Insulation Instructions ........................................................................................................4
Extension Cords .............................................................................................................................4
Unpacking & Checking Carton Contents........................................................................................5
General Assembly Instructions.......................................................................................................7
Dry Vacuum Operation .................................................................................................................10
Liquid Vacuum Operation .............................................................................................................12
Blower Operation..........................................................................................................................14
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................16
Installing & Cleaning Cartridge Filter............................................................................................17
Installing & Cleaning Foam Wet Filter ..........................................................................................18
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................19
Exploded View & Parts List ..........................................................................................................20
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................22
Thank you for purchasing this wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Feel confident
that with this vacuum cleaner you are obtaining a high quality product
engineered for optimal performance. This vacuum is capable of picking
up liquids and dry materials.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract our attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The symbol
warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are
no substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety insructions in this manual,
including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER”, “WARNING” and “CAUTION”, before
using this wet/dry vacuum. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in
electric shock, re and/or serious personal injury.
SYMBOL MEANING
DANGER: Failure to obey this warning WILL result in death or serious injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of re, electric
shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result in death or serious injury
to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal injury to
yourself or others or property damage. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of re, electric shock and personal injury.

Page 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE
Read and understand this operator's manual
and all labels on the Wet/Dry Vacuum cleaner
before operating. Safety is a combination of
common sense, staying alert, and knowing how
your vacuum works. Use this Wet/Dry Vac only
as described in this manual. To reduce the risk
of personal injury or damage to your Wet/Dry
Vac, use only MasterforceTM recommended
accessories.
Household Type
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
When using an electrical appliance, basic
precautions should always be followed
including the following:
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY:
• Do not run vac unattended.
• Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry Vac
near flammable liquids, gases, or explosive
vapors like gasoline or other fuels, lighter
fluids, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural
gas, hydrogen, or explosive dusts like coal
dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or gun
powder. Sparks inside the motor can ignite
lammable vapors or dust.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot
ashes.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug,
grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug, or
other parts.
• If appliance is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or
dropped into water, return it to a service
center.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as
handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners.
• Do not run Wet/Dry Vac over cord.
• Do not handle plug or the Wet/Dry Vac with
wet hands.
• To reduce the risk of health hazards from
vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materials.
• Do not use or store near hazardous materials.
• Do not use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn filter
or without the filter installed except when
vacuuming liquids as described in the
operation section of this manual.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or near
children.
• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental
starting, unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter.
• Do not leave Wet/Dry Vac unattended when
plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in
use and before servicing.
• Turn off Wet/Dry Vac before unplugging.
• Do not put any object into ventilation openings.
Do not vacuum with any ventilation openings
blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, or
anything that may reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts
of body away from openings and moving parts.
• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra care when
cleaning on stairs.
• Unplug before connecting hose.
• Use only as described in this manual. Use only
manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
• This appliance is provided with double
insulation. Use only identical replacement
parts. See “DOUBLE INSULATION
INSTRUCTIONS”.
When using as blower:
• Direct air discharge only at work area.
• Do not use Wet/Dry Vac as a sprayer.
• Do not direct air at bystanders.
• Keep children away when blowing.
• Use safety goggles.

Page 4
This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated, eliminating
the need for a separate grounding system.
Use only identical replacement parts. Read
the instructions for Servicing Double-Insulated
Wet/Dry Vacs before servicing. Use this Wet/
Dry Vac as described in this manual. Observe
the following warnings that appear on the motor
housing of your Wet/Dry Vac.
DOUBLE INSULATED - GROUNDING
NOT REQUIRED - WHEN SERVICING
USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT
PARTS.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ELECTRIC SHOCK-DO NOT EXPOSE TO
RAIN. STORE INDOORS.
WARNING: SERVICING OF
DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VACUUM
WITH A DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY
VACUUM, TWO SYSTEMS OF INSULATION
ARE PROVIDED INSTEAD OF GROUNDING.
NO GROUNDING MEANS IS PROVIDED ON
A DOUBLE-INSULATED APPLIANCE, NOR
SHOULD A MEANS FOR GROUNDING BE
ADDED. SERVICING A DOUBLE INSULATED
WET/DRY VACUUM REQUIRES EXTREME
CARE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE
SYSTEM, AND SHOULD BE DONE ONLY
BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR A DOUBLE-
INSULATED WET/DRY VACUUM MUST BE
IDENTICAL TO THE PARTS THEY REPLACE.
YOUR DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC
IS MARKED WITH THE WORDS ‘DOUBLE
INSULATED’ AND THE SYMBOL (SQUARE
WITHIN A SQUARE) MAY ALSO BE
MARKED ON THE APPLIANCE.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock-unplug
before cleaning or servicing.
• DO NOT use without filters in place.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS-
UNPLUG BEFORE SERVICING.
DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS
EXTENSION CORDS
When using an extension cord with your Wet/Dry Vac refer to the following table to determine
the required A.W.G. wire size. Before using the vacuum cleaner, make sure the power cord and
extension cord are in good working condition. Make repairs or replacements before using the
vacuum cleaner. Only use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
Length of Extension Cord
25 Feet 50 Feet 100 Feet 150 Feet
110V - 120V 7.5 Meters 15.25 Meters 30.5 Meters 45.7 Meters
AMPS A.W.G. Wire Size
0-6 18 16 16 14
7-10 18 16 14 12
11-12 16 16 14 12
13-16 14 12 NOT RECOMMENDED

Page 5
Filter Retainer
Crevice Tool
Extension Wands
Floor Brush /
Squeegee Nozzle Cartridge Filter
Utility Nozzle
Caster Foot W /
Accessory Storage
Hose
‘R’ (Lock Pin)
Caster 4 Screws (Bag)
Hub Cap
Rear Wheel Wheel Axle
Tool Storage Bag
Push/Pull Handle
Washer
Vac Assembly
Rear Wheel Housing
Foam Wet Filter Cord Wrap
Hooks
Operator’s
Manual
Air Control
Handle
UNPACKING & CHECKING CARTON CONTENTS
NOTE: The hose and accessories for this vacuum are 2.5” (64cm) diameter.
Remove all contents from the box. Remove the power head and take out any contents inside
the collection tank. Check each item against the carton contents list.

Page 6
UNPACKING & CHECKING CARTON CONTENTS
Cord Wrap Hook
Drain
Caster
Caster Foot
Rear Wheel
Handle
Push/Pull Handle With
Soft Grip
Power Head On-Off Switch
Vacuum Port
Collection Tank
Accessory Storage
Accessory Storage
Tool Storage Bag

Page 7
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
A Philips head screwdriver is required.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG POWER
CORD INTO POWER OUTLET, MAKE
SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC.
UNPACKING YOUR WET/DRY VACUUM &
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Undo the latches. (fig. 2)
Fig. 2
1
2
3. Lift the power head off the collection tank.
(fig. 3)
Fig. 3
4. Remove the contents from inside the
collection tank. Make sure you have all
contents as listed on page 5. (fig. 4)
Fig. 4
5. Turn the collection tank upside down and
insert the two caster feet into the front
slots on the collection tank and tighten with
supplied screws. Verify that the casters
are mounted correctly. Do not over-tighten
screws. (fig. 5)
Fig. 5
6. Insert the rear wheel housing (W) and
secure with the supplied screws. Verify that
they are mounted correctly. Do not over-
tighten screws. (fig. 6)
Fig. 6

Page 8
7. Insert the wheel axle into the rear wheel
housing. Insert a washer onto the axle
followed by rear wheel and insert another
washer. Insert the ‘R’ locking pin into the
hole on the end of the axle to lock the
wheel. Snap the hub cap onto the wheel.
Repeat the same steps at the other end of
the axle. (fig. 7)
Fig. 7
8. Insert the push/pull handle into the handle
socket mounted on the tank body. Push
down until the locking pins click into place.
(fig. 8)
Fig. 8
9. Remove the screw from the cord wrap hook
by turning it counter-clockwise. Insert the
screw into the push/pull handle. Insert the
cord wrap hook onto the screw and turn
clockwise to tighten. (fig. 9)
Fig. 9
10. Your vacuum comes ready for dry vacuum
cleaning. If cartridge filter is not installed
refer to page 17 for filter installation.
(fig. 10 & 11)
Fig. 10 Fig. 11
11. Optional: For improved dust filtration during
dry vacuum operation, fit dust collection bag
flange onto the inlet port, taking care not to
damage the bag. (Dust bag sold separately.)
(fig. 12)
Fig. 12
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Page 9
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
12. For wet vacuum cleaning, install the supplied
foam wet filter. (fig. 13) For filter installation
instructions, refer to page 18.
Fig. 13
13. Place the power head back on the collection
tank, aligning the top section with the
latches, and snap into place. (fig. 14)
Fig. 14
14. Insert the locking end of the hose into the
vacuum port and turn to lock into place.
(fig. 15)
Fig. 15
15. Choose the desired accessories and push
onto the suction tube. (fig. 16)
Fig. 16
POLARIZED PLUG
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this
appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully
in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any
way. Double insulation eliminates the need
for the three wire grounded power cord and
grounded power supply system.

Page 10
DRY VACUUMING
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ,
UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION,
ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS
WITH FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS,
OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN THE AIR.
FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: LIGHTER
FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE CLEANERS, OIL-
BASED PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS
INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COAL,
MAGNESIUM, GRAIN OR GUN POWDER. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS
FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO NOT
VACUUM TOXIC MATERIALS.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet.(fig.1)
Fig. 1
2. In order to prepare your vacuum for dry
vacuuming, verify that the cartridge filter
is securely mounted. With power head
removed and in an upside down position,
make sure the filter is pushed in until it
stops against the power head and the
retainer is installed. (fig. 2 & 3) Your Wet/
Dry Vac comes with the cartridge filter pre-
installed. For installation instructions, see
page 17.
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
3. Optional: For improved dust filtration, fit
dust collection bag flange onto the inlet
port, taking care not to damage the bag.
(Dust bag sold separately.) (fig.4)
Fig. 4
4. Place the power head back on the collection
tank, and secure it in place using the latches.
(fig.5)
Fig. 5
DRY VACUUM OPERATION

Page 11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: DRY
VACUUMING
5. Insert the locking end of the hose into the
vacuum port and lock in place. Push the
required attachment onto the free end of
the hose or extension. (fig. 6)
Fig. 6
6. Plug the power cord into the outlet. (fig.7)
Fig. 7
7. Turn the motor on by lipping the switch to
the ‘I’ ON position. (fig. 8)
Fig. 8
8. Once you have completed vacuuming, flip
the switch to the ‘O’ OFF position and unplug
the power cord from the outlet.
O = OFF I = ON
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR
LIQUID VACUUMING.
DRY VACUUM OPERATION

Page 12
LIQUID VACUUM OPERATION
LIQUID VACUUMING
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ,
UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION,
ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS
WITH FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS,
OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN THE AIR.
FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: LIGHTER
FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE CLEANERS, OIL-
BASED PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL, OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS
INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COAL,
MAGNESIUM, GRAIN, OR GUN POWDER.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH
HAZARDS FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO
NOT VACUUM TOXIC MATERIALS.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG POWER
CORD INTO POWER OUTLET, MAKE
SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. Verify that the collection
tank is clean and free of dust and dirt. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Remove cartridge filter, then carefully install
the foam wet filter over the filter cage
and place the power head back on the
collection tank. (fig. 2) For filter installation
instructions, refer to page 18.
Fig. 2
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR
LIQUID VACUUMING.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: WET
VACUUMING
3. Fit the desired nozzle to the vacuum hose.
(fig. 3)
Fig. 3
4. Verify that the switch is in the ‘O’ OFF
position before plugging the power cord into
the outlet. (fig. 4)
Fig. 4

Page 13
5. Turn the motor on by lipping the switch to
the ‘I’ ON position. (fig. 5)
Fig. 5
6. After use, empty the collection tank by
unscrewing the drain cap. Drain liquids into
a suitable receptacle or drain. Remember to
refit the drain cap to the collection tank after
draining collection tank. (fig. 6)
Fig. 6
IMPORTANT! When vacuuming large
quantities of liquids, do not immerse the nozzle
completely in the liquid; leave a gap at the tip
of the nozzle opening to allow air inflow. The
machine is fitted with a float valve that stops the
suction action when the collection tank reaches
its maximum capacity. You will notice an
increase in motor speed. When this happens,
turn off the machine, disconnect from power
supply, and empty the liquid into a suitable
receptacle or drain. To continue vacuuming,
refit the power head to the collection tank.
After wet vacuuming, turn the machine off and
remove plug from power supply. To prevent the
risk of possible mildew, empty the collection
tank, clean, and dry the inside and outside of
the collection tank. Remove the foam wet filter
and allow it to air dry before storage.
REMEMBER! The foam wet filter must be
removed after wet vacuuming, and a cartridge
filter must be installed before dry vacuuming
again.
LIQUID VACUUM OPERATION

Page 14
BLOWER OPERATION
This Wet/Dry Vac has blowing capabilities. To
use the blower feature follow the instructions
listed.
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY
GOGGLES COMPLYING WITH ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSAZ94.3) BEFORE USING
BLOWER.
CAUTION: KEEP BYSTANDERS
CLEAR FROM BLOWING DEBRIS.
WARNING: WEAR A DUST MASK IF
BLOWING CREATES DUST THAT MIGHT BE
INHALED.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Make sure the collection tank is empty
before using as a blower.
3. Remove hose from the vacuum port. (fig. 2)
Fig. 2
4. Insert the locking end of the hose into the
blower port on the back of the power head
and lock into position. (fig. 3)
Fig. 3
5. Fit the desired extension wand and or nozzle
to the vacuum hose. (fig. 4)
Fig. 4
6. Ensure the power switch is in the “O” OFF
position and plug in the power supply.
(fig. 5)
Fig. 5

Page 15
7. Before turning on the vac, firmly hold loose
end of the hose. Turn the motor on by
flipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position.
(fig. 6)
Fig. 6
BLOWER OPERATION

Page 16
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT
THE PLUG FROM THE POWER OUTLET
BEFORE REMOVING THE POWER HEAD
FROM THE COLLECTION TANK.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum. (fig.2)
Fig. 2
3. Undo the latches and remove the power
head from the collection tank. (fig. 3)
Fig. 3
4. Clear all dirt or debris from the collection
tank and hose. (fig. 4)
Fig. 4
5. Clean the foam wet filter by washing it with
water and mild soap. (fig.5)
Fig. 5
6. Check the hose, attachments, and power
cord to verify that they have not been
damaged.
IMPORTANT! Clean or change the cartridge
filter regularly for best performance. ALWAYS
USE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR DRY
VACUUMING. If the machine is used without
the cartridge filter, the motor will burn out and
the warranty will be voided. Always keep spare
cartridge filters on hand.
NOTICE! The filters included are made of
high quality materials designed to stop small
dust particles. The cartridge filter should be
used for dry pick-up only. A dry cartridge filter
is necessary to pick up dust. If the cartridge
filter is wet, it will clog quickly and be difficult to
clean. Handle the filter carefully when removing
it for cleaning or replacing. Check the filters
for tears or small holes. A small hole can let
dust pass through and out of the filter. Do not
use a filter with holes or tears in it; replace it
immediately.

Page 17
INSTALLING & CLEANING CARTRIDGE FILTER
Installing Cartridge Filter
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Remove power head and place in upside
down position.
3. Install the cartridge filter over the filter cage
with the flat end of the filter towards the
vacuum power head. Carefully push filter in
until it stops against the power head. (fig. 2
& 3)
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
4. Place filter retainer on top of cartridge filter
over the raised lip and tighten down by
turning retainer clockwise, taking care not
to over-tighten. (fig. 4 & 5)
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
Removing and Cleaning Cartridge Filter
1. Unlock and remove the filter retainer by
turning retainer handle counterclockwise.
2. Carefully remove the cartridge filter by
sliding it off the filter cage. (fig. 6)
Fig. 6
3. Clean the cartridge filter by gently tapping
or brushing dirt off. Cleaning should not be
done indoors in living areas. For optimal
performance a new filter is recommended.
4. Install cleaned or new filter as instructed
above in steps 2 and 3 of Installing
Cartridge Filter.
5. Wet filters should be removed and allowed
to dry for 24 hours before installing onto the
filter cage.

Page 18
INSTALLING & CLEANING FOAM WET FILTER
Installing Foam Wet Filter
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected
from the outlet. (fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Remove power head and place in upside
down position. Follow instructions to
remove cartridge filter in the section above.
3. Carefully slide foam wet filter down over
the filter cage making sure the cage is
completely covered. (fig. 2 & 3)
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
4. Place the power head onto the collection
tank.
Cleaning Foam Wet Filter
1. With the removed power head in an upside
down position, carefully remove foam wet
filter. (fig. 4)
Fig. 4
2. Use a mild soap and water solution to wash
foam wet filter and rinse with clean water.
(fig. 5)
Fig. 5
3. Allow filter to air dry before installing and
using again.

Page 19
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK-UNPLUG BEFORE
TROUBLESHOOTING.
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
Vacuum will not operate.
1) No power supply. 1) Check power supply – cord,
breakers, fuses.
2) Faulty power cord.
2) Unplug and check the power
cord. If damaged, have it
repaired by a professional.
3) Collection tank full. 3) Empty collection tank.
Dust comes out from motor
cover.
1) The cartridge filter is missing
or damaged.
1) Attach or replace cartridge
filter.
Reduced efficiency and motor/
speed vibration.
2) There is a blockage in the
nozzle, hose, or the vacuum
inlets. Or the dust filter is
blocked by fine dust.
2) Check nozzle, hose and
inlets for blockage. Take
off the filter and clean it, or
install new filter.