Black & Decker Weed Trimmers Recalled for Electrical Shock Risk

Plain-English summary

Black and Decker Manufacturing Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of approximately 40,000 No. 8209 Type 1 weed and grass trimmers. These orange-colored trimmers, which use nylon line to cut weeds and grass, were produced in the spring and summer of 1977 and distributed nationwide. The suggested retail price was $59.99.

The recall is due to a potential safety hazard identified during engineering tests. Consumers are required to assemble a two-part handle before using the trimmer. The tests indicated that this assembly process could damage the insulation surrounding the electrical cord. Such damage could result in serious electrical shock.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the No. 8209 Type 1 trimmer. They should return the product to a Black and Decker service center or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the Yellow Pages. The product will be modified to a No. 8209 Type 2 trimmer at no cost to the consumer, which incorporates an additional safety feature to prevent electrical shock from this specific issue. Black and Decker mailed certified letters with recall instructions to consumers who had registered their products.

The recalled product

Product

Black & Decker weed and grass trimmers

Manufacturer

Black & Decker

Category

Consumer Product — Power Tools

Hazard

• electrical-shock

Distribution

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