The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04053·Announced 2003-12-16

Emerson Recalls Craftsman and RIDGID Wet/Dry Vacuums Due to Laceration Hazard

Emerson Tool Company is recalling Craftsman and RIDGID wet/dry vacuums because the exhaust blower ports allow children to reach spinning blades, posing a laceration risk.

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 (laceration hazard) where injury has been reported (10 reports of minor cuts and abrasions), but no serious injuries or fatalities are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Emerson Tool Company, a division of Emerson Electric Co., is recalling Craftsman 16-gallon and RIDGID 12- and 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums. The recall addresses a safety defect where the exhaust blower ports are large enough for a small child to reach inside and touch the spinning blower wheel. This design poses a laceration hazard to small children.

The company has received 10 reports of children inserting their arms into the ports and receiving minor cuts and abrasions to their fingertips. The affected vacuums were sold at Home Depot stores and RIDGE Tool distributors nationwide from March 1999 through October 2002, and at Sears Roebuck and Co. stores nationwide from September 1998 through October 2002. Retail prices ranged between $70 and $300.

Consumers should contact Emerson Tool Company toll-free at (866) 288-8143 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to request a free insert. This insert is installed inside the blower port to eliminate the hazard. Consumers can also visit the company's website at www.wetdryvacrecall.com for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Craftsman 16-gallon and RIDGID 12- and 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums
Manufacturer
Emerson Tool Company, a division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo.
Category
Consumer Product — Vacuum Cleaners
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

See all →