The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·07248·Announced 2007-07-20

Black & Decker Recalls Grasshog XP Trimmers Due to Laceration Hazard

Black & Decker is recalling GH1000 Grasshog XP string trimmers because loose parts can become projectiles, posing a laceration risk to users and bystanders.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect where parts become projectiles, resulting in reported injuries requiring medical attention and property damage, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. is recalling approximately 202,000 GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers. The recall includes electric-powered trimmers with date codes 200546 through 200645, representing manufacture dates from November 14, 2005, through November 6, 2006. Only units with black spool caps are included in the recall; those with orange spool caps are not. The date code is located on the underside of the trimmer/edger's handle.

The hazard exists because the trimmer/edger's spool, spool cap, and pieces of trimmer string can come loose during use and become airborne projectiles. This poses a laceration hazard to the user as well as bystanders. Black & Decker has received 707 reports of incidents, including 58 reports of injuries. Serious injuries included cuts to two consumers' legs that required medical attention. Minor injuries included bruises, lacerations, and facial injuries such as a welt and broken skin over a consumer's eye. There were also reports of property damage, including two broken windows.

The affected trimmers were sold at major home center and hardware stores nationwide from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $70. Consumers should stop using the string trimmers/edgers immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit. For additional information, consumers can contact Black & Decker at (888) 742-9158 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.blackanddecker.com.

The recalled product

Product
Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers
Manufacturer
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
202,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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