The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·78059·Announced 1978-07-07

Sears Aluminum Stepladders Recalled Due to Potential Collapse Hazard

Sears is recalling approximately 7,500 five-foot aluminum stepladders sold in 20 states because the top cap may split, causing the ladder to collapse.

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 (ladder collapse) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is recalling approximately 7,500 five-foot household aluminum stepladders sold in 20 states from January 1977 to March 1978. This second notice of the recall, first announced on March 14, 1978, was issued to encourage the return of the affected units.

The ladders may pose a potential hazard because under certain conditions the top cap may split, causing the ladder to collapse. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

The recalled ladders sold for about $13, have green feet, and carry either model number 133.42435 or stock number 42435 on the upper end of the side rail. They were sold in Sears retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wyoming, and parts of Iowa and Kentucky. Owners are cautioned against using the affected ladders and are urged to return them to any Sears store for exchange or refund.

The recalled product

Product
Sears five-foot household aluminum stepladders
Manufacturer
Sears
Category
Consumer Product — Ladders
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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