The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·80014·Announced 1980-04-17

Top Flite Models Recalls Heat Guns Containing Asbestos

Top Flite Models is repairing approximately 20,000 heat guns used by model airplane hobbyists because the asbestos heat shields emit fibers during use.

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 (asbestos exposure) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Top Flite Models, Inc. is conducting a voluntary repair program for approximately 20,000 "T/F Monokote" heat guns used by model airplane hobbyists. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) because the heat guns contain asbestos heat shields in the barrel that emit asbestos fibers during use.

These heat guns, manufactured between June 1974 and December 1977, were sold nationwide in hobby shops and other specialty retail stores for approximately $23 each. The product is used to shrink and mold the outer covering of model airplanes and emits air heated as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The manufacturer has used heat shields made from the mineral "mica" in all heat guns produced since 1977.

Top Flite Models has agreed to replace the asbestos heat shields with mica liners at no cost to consumers. To receive free repairs, consumers should mail their heat guns to Top Flite Models, Inc., at 1901 N. Narragansett Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60639. The firm will reimburse consumers for postage costs.

The recalled product

Product
Heat Guns Recalled By Top Flite Models
Manufacturer
T/F Monokote
Category
Consumer Product — Hobby Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · asbestos exposure

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