Listed here are notices of manufacturer recalls of unsafe items.
See the following web-links for recalls of general interest.
 | Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| The
F.U.N. Place |
See the following paragraphs for recalls of interest to woodworkers.
Ryobi and Sears oscillating detail sanders
Recalled products: 1.2 million sanders, including Roybi model DS 1000 and Craftsman models 315.11600 and 315.11639, made between 5/93 and 4/97. Model number and brand name are on the ID plate on the side of the sander. Serial number or date code is along the bottom edge of the plate. Serial numbers of affected Ryobi sanders end in digits 9318 through 9718. Affected Craftsman models bear the date codes A4001 through A9717. Handheld tools are blue or blace, 11 inches long, and weigh 1.6 pounds. Sanding arm extends down from the front end, and sanding head is triangular. Reason: If the recalled sanders are left plugged in, they could turn on unexpectedly and create a fire hazard. What to do: call Ryobi at 800.867.,9624 for free repair or replacement. Meanwhile unplug sander when not in use.
DeWalt and Black & Decker 12-inch miter saws
Recall: about 118,000 DeWalt 12-inch miter saws, sold under the DeWalt and Black & Decker names. Reason: Consumers could be cut because bolts on the saws can loosen and the blade could detach. There have been seven reports of consumers suffering cuts when the saw blades detached. Description: The DeWalt miter saws under recall are model numbers DW704 TY1 and DW705 TY1. The Black & Decker miter saws under recall are model numbers 3660 TY1 and 3680 TY1. The model numbers for both brands are on the nameplate on the top of the saw's housing. The recalled saws from both brands have date codes from 9201 through 9340, which are stamped into the end cap or back of the saws. Sold From: January 1992 through December 1993 at home centers and hardware stores nationwide for between $330 and $410. What to Do: Stop using the saws immediately and call toll-free 1-888-771-4540 for information on receiving a free replacement bolt to repair the saw.
Emerson Tool Co. (ETC) is providing a repair kit for a new blade guard or $100 to owners of certain Craftsman® 8", 8¼", 9", and 10" Radial Arm Saws. Sears sold the 8, 9, and 10-inch saws from 1958 through 1992. The 8¼" saws were sold from 1990 through 1995. These saws were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade. Some consumers have contacted the blade or have been hit by wood kicked back by the saws, resulting in amputations, fractures and lacerations. The kit will be provided to owners whose 10" saws are retrofitable with the kit. If the saw is not retrofitable (certain 10" and all 8", 8¼" and 9" Saws), the owner must return the radial arm saw carriage/motor assembly to Emerson to receive the $100. See http://www.radialarmsawrecall.com for additional information.
Milwaukee/DEWALT electric drills
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis., and DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Baltimore, Md., are recalling about 58,000 electric drills. The switches on these power tools, which were manufactured by Eaton Corp., of Cleveland, Ohio, can stick. The drills can continue to operate after the trigger is released, posing a risk of injury to consumers. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has received four reports of drill switches sticking in the on position and one report of a hand injury. DEWALT has received three reports of drill switches sticking in the on position but no reported injuries. The drills were sold under the brand names, Milwaukee Electric Tool 1/2" drills and DEWALT 1/2" Stud & Joist Drills. The following chart lists the 1/2" drills included in this recall:| Tool Manufacturer | Model Numbers of Recalled Tools | Serial Numbers or Date Codes of Recalled Tools | Recall Hotline Number |
| Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. | 1610-1 1630-1 1670-1 1675-1 |
Serial Numbers: 700B400200013 to 700B400480097 718B400230057 to 718B400480118 472B400200061 to 472B400440188 413B400190567 to 413B400522000 |
(866) 473-2288 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday |
| DEWALT Industrial Tool Co. | DW124 or DW124K | Date Codes: 0021 through 0110 |
(800) 433-9258 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday |
The model number and serial number/date code are written on an identification plate attached to the drill or stamped into the drill body. Home center and hardware stores, industrial tool distributors, and factory service dealers sold these drills with the Eaton switches nationwide from May 2000 to April 2001 for between $300 and $555.
Consumers should stop using these drills immediately and contact the tool manufacturer to receive a free tool repair.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ryobi Technologies Inc. (RTI), of Anderson, S.C., is recalling to repair about 125,000 circular saws. The lower blade guards on these saws can stick in the open position, posing a risk of serious injury to the operator and bystanders. Ryobi Technologies has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The 7 1/4-inch circular saws have a blue plastic body and a metal blade guard. The name "Ryobi" appears on the blade guard and the motor housing. The recalled saws have one of the following model numbers - CSB120, CSB130, CSB1308, CSB130K, or CSB130JS - which can be found on a white label on the motor housing. Some of the recalled saws were sold in kits that included a hard plastic, gray storage case (embossed with "Ryobi Circular Saw") with the saw and blade inside. Home centers (including Home Depot), hardware stores, and catalogs nationwide sold the circular saws from October 1998 through July 2001 for between $60 and $140. Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact Ryobi's Consumer Response Team for a free repair kit. Consumers should call Ryobi toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., Baltimore, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 55,000 heavy-duty, lightweight circular saws. The spindle on the saw may slip, causing the blade to contact the lower guard, posing a hazard to the consumer from an exposed blade. DeWalt received one report of the blade slipping. A consumer received minor scratches to his hand after his spindle slipped. The recall involves 7 1/4-inch circular saws with the model numbers DW368K, DW368K, or DW369CSK. The model number is located on a black label near the handle of the saw, or on a yellow sticker attached to the carrying case. The saws have date codes 200128-F through 200152- F stamped on the bottom of the motor case. The housing is yellow and the word "DeWalt" is printed on the upper blade guard. Home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold the circular saws from July 2001 through December 2001 for between $120 and $135. Consumers should stop using the circular saws immediately and return them to the nearest DeWalt service center for a free repair. For more information or to locate the nearest service center, consumers should contact DeWALT toll-free at (888) 839-3559 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 350,000 electric orbit sanders. The pads on the sanders can break apart during use and strike the operator, posing an injury hazard to consumers. Makita U.S.A. Inc. has received 13 reports of pads coming apart, including three minor injuries that resulted from pieces of the pad striking consumers. The recalled sanders include the BO5000 and BO5001 model numbers, which can be found on the silver nameplate on the sander's body. The sander's housing is blue and the name "Makita" appears in large white letters on the motor housing. These sanders were manufactured in the United States. Home centers, hardware stores, and industrial suppliers nationwide sold the sanders from April 1992 through February 2003 for between $110 and $125. Consumers should stop using the recalled sanders immediately and return them to the nearest Makita factory service center for a free repair. For more information on how to return the sanders or to locate the nearest Makita factory service center, consumers should contact Makita at (800) 462-5482 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No other Makita sanders are involved in this recall. Any BO5000 or BO5001 sanders with the letters "PUR" on the pad are not involved in this recall.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Robert Bosch Tool Corp., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 2 million Skil® Warrior drill battery chargers. The transformer inside the charger can overheat. If this occurs, the charger housing can melt and deform, possibly igniting flammable materials near or on the charger. Robert Bosch Tool Corp. has received one report of a charger causing a fire that resulted in property damage, and 160 reports of chargers overheating. These chargers were sold with or as accessories for Skil Warrior drills. The drills are black with red trim. Red lettering on the drills reads, "SKIL." The chargers have their volt size written in red lettering. The recall includes 9.6 volt, 12 volt, 14.4 volt and 18 volt chargers. The chargers were included with tool model numbers 2375, 2380, 2475, 2480, 2482, 2580, 2582 and 2882. Chargers also were sold separately with model numbers 92950, 92970, 92980 and 92990 with part number 2610995852. The model and part numbers are written on labels found on the back of the plug or on the side of the chargers. Home centers, hardware and discount department stores sold these chargers nationwide from July 1994 through February 2003 for between $21 and $30. Consumers should unplug the charger immediately. Replacement drills and chargers will be provided at no cost to the consumer. For more information, consumers should contact Robert Bosch Tool Corp. at (800) 661-5398 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT any day, or go to the Skil web site at www.Skil.com.
Mitaka Orbital Sanders
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 350,000 electric orbit sanders. The pads on the sanders can break apart during use and strike the operator, posing an injury hazard to consumers. Makita U.S.A. Inc. has received 13 reports of pads coming apart, including three minor injuries that resulted from pieces of the pad striking consumers. The recalled sanders include the BO5000 and BO5001 model numbers, which can be found on the silver nameplate on the sander's body. The sander's housing is blue and the name "Makita" appears in large white letters on the motor housing. These sanders were manufactured in the United States. Home centers, hardware stores, and industrial suppliers nationwide sold the sanders from April 1992 through February 2003 for between $110 and $125. Consumers should stop using the recalled sanders immediately and return them to the nearest Makita factory service center for a free repair. For more information on how to return the sanders or to locate the nearest Makita factory service center, consumers should contact Makita at (800) 462-5482 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No other Makita sanders are involved in this recall. Any BO5000 or BO5001 sanders with the letters "PUR" on the pad are not involved in this recall.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hitachi Koki U.S.A., Ltd., of Norcross, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 14,300 circular saws. The lower blade guards on these saws can stick in the open position, exposing the blade and posing a serious laceration hazard. Hitachi has not received any reports of injuries, but has received two reports from consumers of the lower guards sticking. The recall involves 7 1/4-inch circular saws with model numbers C7SB2 or C7BD2 and serial numbers that begin with C62, C72, C82, C92, C02 or CN2. The model number is located on the green nameplate on the motor housing below the name "Hitachi." The serial number is stamped at the lower right of the nameplate. The saw's housing is green and the name "Hitachi" also is written on the metal blade guard. Home centers, hardware stores and industrial suppliers nationwide sold these circular saws from August 2002 through March 2003 for between $90 and $100. Consumers should stop using these circular saws immediately and return them to Hitachi for a free repair. For more information, contact Hitachi at (800) 706-7337 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.hitachi.com Hitachi circular saws with a circle stamped on the UPC label on the box are not included in this recall. Saws that have a light gray plastic stop between the upper and lower blade guards where they overlap also are not included in this recall.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OWT Industries, Inc., of Pickens, S.C. and Sears Roebuck and Co. (Sears), of Hoffman Estates, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 5,200 electric routers used in woodworking. The on-off switch on the routers could stick in the "on" position, posing a risk of serious lacerations to the operator and bystanders. Sears has not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This recall involves Craftsman® routers, model number 315.17510 with date codes of A3025 or lower. The model numbers and date codes are printed on a black data label located on the electric motor's housing. The routers have an aluminum base with black handles and a black motor. All affected routers were packaged with a cloth carry bag under the stock number 17518. Routers sold without the bag are not involved in the recall. Sears sold these routers nationwide from November 2002 through January 2003 for about $60. Consumers should stop using these routers immediately and return them to their nearest Sears store for a product exchange. For more information, consumers can call toll-free at (800) 932-3188 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.sears.com.