The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·01139a·Announced 2001-05-02

CPSC Recalls Novelty Cigarette Lighters Lacking Child-Resistant Mechanisms

Tools Exchange Inc. is recalling about 5,300 novelty cigarette lighters because they lack required child-resistant mechanisms, posing fire and burn hazards to young children.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire and burn hazards) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Tools Exchange Inc. is recalling approximately 5,300 novelty cigarette lighters, including the "Hotery Pocke Torch" and "Fire Plug" Pocket Torch models. These butane-fueled, torch-style lighters are shaped like fire extinguishers or fire hydrants and were sold nationwide between January 1999 and December 2000 for about $7 each.

The lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. This defect allows young children to easily ignite the lighters, presenting fire and burn hazards. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Tools Exchange collect at (310) 604-4444 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
The "Hotery Pocke Torch" and "Fire Plug" Pocket Torch
Manufacturer
Tools Exchange Inc., of Lynwood, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Lighters
Hazard
Affected units
5,300

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls