The Recall Desk
Our severity: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

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 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
Manufacturer
Ace Hardware Corporation, of Oak Brook, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
74,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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