The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·88039·Announced 1988-06-13

Black and Decker Weed Trimmers Recalled for Electric Shock Hazard

Black and Decker is recalling approximately 500,000 Bump-Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers due to a potential electrocution hazard caused by improper assembly.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the Commission staff believes the defective trimmers present a severe electric shock or electrocution hazard, and four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating involving significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Black and Decker are recalling approximately 500,000 Bump-Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers, specifically Model 82209 (Type 1 and 2) and Model 82210 (Type 1 and 2). This action is a re-issued warning following an earlier recall in November 1987, prompted by a lower-than-expected return rate that left more than half a million units in consumers' hands.

The recall is due to improper assembly in some units, which may cause the wiring to be cut by the end of the handle tube. This defect creates an electric shock hazard that can occur while the trimmers are being operated or when they are simply plugged in but not in use. Four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents in 1986 and 1987 when they grabbed the metal handle tube. Although none of these incidents were fatal, CPSC staff believes the defective trimmers present a severe electric shock or electrocution hazard.

These trimmers were sold since October 1985 by various retailers for approximately $24.00 to $29.00. Affected units can be identified by a label decal near the top of the handle stating "No. 82209 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" or "No. 82210 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" and "Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Easton, MD 21601 U.S.A." Additionally, the motor housings are labeled 9" cut (Model 82209) and 10" cut (Model 82210).

Owners should stop using the trimmers immediately and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under "Tool- Electric." Black & Decker will inspect the units and repair or replace, at no cost, any trimmer found to be incorrectly assembled. Consumers who cannot visit a service center may call Black & Decker toll-free at 800-533-4395 on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, or write to Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User Services.

The recalled product

Product
Black & Decker Bump- Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers
Manufacturer
Black & Decker
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Black & Decker

See all →

Same hazard · electric shock

See all →