The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·16056·Announced 2015-12-09

Craftsman Blower/Vacs Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Craftsman recalls about 74,000 electric blower/vacs because the motor can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with seven reports of the product catching fire and one reported injury, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling two models of Craftsman 12-amp electric blower/vacs due to fire and burn hazards. The recalled units have a red motor housing and a black blower tube and restrictor nozzle, measuring 12 inches high by 34 inches long. The specific models involved are 138.74898 and 138.74899. Model 138.74898 features a variable speed switch and serial numbers between SES0100001 and SES1951280, while Model 138.74899 features a two-speed switch and serial numbers between SER3561101 and SES2141280. The model number, serial number, "Craftsman," and "AC BLOWER / VAC" are printed on the side of the motor housing.

The hazard exists because the blower/vac's motor can catch fire. The CPSC has received seven reports of the blower/vacs catching fire, and one injury has been reported. The products were manufactured in China and imported by Ace Hardware Corporation, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Sears, Roebuck & Co.

About 74,000 units were sold nationwide and online at ACE Hardware, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Sears stores from January 2013 through October 2015 for between $50 and $100. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blower/vacs and contact the Craftsman brand hotline toll-free at 888-266-7096 or visit www.craftsman.com to request a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Blower/Vac
Affected units
74,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.