The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·97143·Announced 1997-06-19

Klutz Recalls Chinese Jump Ropes Due to Metal Crimp Failure Risk

Klutz is recalling Chinese jump ropes sold with children's activity books because metal crimps may fail, posing a laceration risk.

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 a minor injury (scratch near the eye) was reported, but no serious injury or hospitalization occurred, fitting the criteria for a High severity rating.

Plain-English summary

Klutz Inc. is recalling Chinese jump ropes sold with approximately 66,000 children's activity books entitled "Chinese Jump Rope" by Anne Akers Johnson. The recall is due to a defect where the metal crimps joining the ends of the elasticized ropes may fail during use. When the crimps fail, the ends of the ropes can snap back and strike children using the ropes or those standing nearby.

Klutz has received 17 reports of the ropes breaking apart and one report of a child being struck and scratched near the eye, though the child did not require medical attention. The products were sold directly through Klutz's catalog and through major retail bookstores, as well as independent gift, toy, and bookstores nationwide, beginning in March 1997 for $10.95.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled jump ropes away from children. To obtain free replacement knotted ropes, consumers should call Klutz Inc. collect at 415-857-0888 or write to Klutz Inc. at 2121 Staunton Court, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Alternatively, consumers can repair the ropes by cutting the ends, removing the metal crimps, and tying the ends together with a square knot.

The recalled product

Product
Chinese Jump Ropes Recall by Klutz
Manufacturer
Klutz
Category
Consumer Product — Toys & Games
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

See all →