Weed Wizard Trimmer Heads Recalled Due to Detaching Metal Chain Links

Plain-English summary

Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. is recalling Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains. The recall involves approximately 2.7 million units sold nationwide from May 1987 through April 2000. The product replaces the standard string trimmer head with a metal chain head for gas-powered weed trimmers. Affected units feature white heads with black chains, or yellow heads with black or silver chains. The packaging reads "Weed Wizard," "The Solution to Trimmer Line Problems," "Fits 99% of All Gas Trimmers," and "MADE IN U.S.A."

The recall was issued because the end link of the metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at high velocity. If the metal link strikes a user or bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone, causing injury or death. Weed Wizard and the CPSC have received 47 reports of metal links detaching, resulting in 41 injuries, including the death of a 3-year-old girl in Alabama who was struck in the head.

Consumers should stop using Weed Wizards with metal chains immediately and discard or destroy the product. The manufacturer is out of business, and a remedy is no longer available. Consumers should not donate or resell the product. For more information, consumers can call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772.

The recalled product

Product

Weed Wizard trimmer heads

Manufacturer

Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp., of Bradley, Mich.

Category

Consumer Product — Lawn and Garden Equipment

Hazard

• projectile-injury
• death
• laceration

Distribution

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