The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·02547·Announced 2002-06-25

Hammacher Schlemmer Recalls Butler Slim Torch Lighters for Child-Resistance Defect

Hammacher Schlemmer is recalling approximately 3,000 Butler Slim Torch lighters because they were not tested for child-resistance, posing a fire risk to children.

What this means for you

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/death risk from children) where injury has not yet been reported, which corresponds to a High severity score of 3 per the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co. is recalling approximately 3,000 Butler Slim Torch lighters. The lighters were imported into the United States without being tested to ensure they comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for child-resistance. These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of fires and deaths caused by children playing with multi-purpose lighters.

The recalled lighters have a brushed chrome finish and a black rubber slide lever used for ignition. They are seven inches long, with "Rowenta" embossed on the rubber slide lever. The lighters were packaged in a black plastic case with "Rowenta" stamped on the bottom and were manufactured in Germany. Hammacher Schlemmer sold the lighters nationwide via its catalog between August 2001 and February 2002 for $39.95.

No injuries have been reported. Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and dispose of them in compliance with state or local requirements; the lighters should not be incinerated or punctured. To obtain a refund, consumers can mail the black plastic case and use instructions to Hammacher Schlemmer with a signed statement confirming disposal. Consumers will receive a choice of a $50 gift certificate or a refund of the $39.95 purchase price. Notifications were mailed to all customers.

The recalled product

Product
Butler Slim Torch lighters
Manufacturer
Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co., Inc., of Chicago, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Lighters
Hazard
Affected units
3,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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