The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·05084·Announced 2005-01-13

Emerson Tool Recalls Ridgid 16-Gallon Blower Vacuums for Laceration Risk

Emerson Tool Co. is recalling about 6,500 Ridgid 16-Gallon 2-in-1 Blower Vacs because a missing air intake shield can cause lacerations.

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 (missing shield causing lacerations) where injury has been reported, but the injuries are minor (fingertip lacerations) and do not meet the criteria for Severe (significant injury) or Critical (death/serious injury).

Plain-English summary

Emerson Tool Co. is recalling approximately 6,500 Ridgid 16-Gallon, Model WD16650 2-in-1 Blower Vacs. The recall is due to a defect where the air intake shield may be missing, which poses a risk of lacerations if consumers come into contact with the intake blower wheel.

The recalled units feature light gray drums with orange lids, gray power heads, and black wheels. They have the model number and a serial number ranging from 04104C through 04114C located on a label on the side of the power head. The text "Ridgid® 2 in 1 Blower Vac" is written on the front of the units. Emerson Tool Co. has received two reports of consumers suffering lacerations to their fingertips while using these vacuums.

The vacuums were sold at Home Depot stores and by RIDGE TOOL distributors nationwide from April 2004 through January 2005 for about $100. Consumers should stop using the vacuum if the air intake shield is missing and contact Emerson Tool Co. at (866) 288-8143 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.emersontoolcompany.com for a free repair kit.

The recalled product

Product
Ridgid® 16-Gallon, Model WD16650 2-in-1 Blower Vac
Manufacturer
Emerson Tool Co., of St. Louis, Mo.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
6,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Emerson Tool Co., of St. Louis, Mo.

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Same hazard · laceration

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