The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·85065·Announced 1985-12-10

Clacker Ball Toys Seized for Shattering and Breaking During Use

The CPSC announced the seizure of nearly 4,600 'Ker-Bangers' clacker ball toys in Phoenix. The toys are recalled because the plastic balls shatter or crack and handles break 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 where the plastic balls shatter or crack, posing a risk of injury from fragmentation or part propulsion, but no specific injuries or illnesses are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that the United States Marshal's Office in Phoenix, Arizona, seized almost 4,600 banned "clacker ball" toys on December 6, 1985. The toys, labeled "KER-BANGERS," are hand-held novelty items consisting of two plastic balls connected by a cord to a plastic handle. Although the packaging claimed the toys were "SHATTERPROOF," CPSC testing revealed that the balls either shattered or cracked, and many of the handles broke.

The toys were seized at the premises of Empire Novelty & Concession Supply, Inc., a wholesaler in Phoenix, Arizona. Empire Novelty is voluntarily recalling the toys from its retail customers. The "KER-BANGERS" were shipped from California and manufactured by Chuck Howard Toy Co. of Inglewood, California, which is no longer in business.

Clacker balls are subject to CPSC regulations requiring them to pass specific durability tests to prevent injuries from fragmentation or the propulsion of parts upon sudden disassembly. Consumers who have "KER-BANGERS" should promptly throw them away.

The recalled product

Product
clacker ball toy balls
Manufacturer
Empire Novelty & Concession Supply
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · shattering

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