The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·98082·Announced 1998-03-18

Ryobi and Craftsman Detail Sanders Recalled Due to Fire Risk

Ryobi America Corp. is recalling about 1.2 million detail sanders because the switch can be forced into the 'on' position, potentially causing a fire.

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 recall involves a fire hazard with reports of substantial property damage, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe (4) classification.

Plain-English summary

Ryobi America Corp. is recalling approximately 1.2 million detail sanders in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected products include the Ryobi model DS 1000 and Craftsman models 315.11639 and 315.11600. These blue or black oscillating sanders were manufactured between May 1993 and April 1997 and sold nationwide at major chain home centers, hardware stores, and in catalogs from May 1993 through March 1998. Sears sold the Craftsman models from October 1994 through March 1998. The sanders typically sold for approximately $35 to $40.

The recall is due to a defect where pressure from the switch's rubber dust boot can force the on/off switch into the "on" position if the tool is left plugged in and the switch is not fully in the "off" position. This can cause the sander to run unattended, generating heat that may result in a fire. Ryobi has received three reports of these sanders possibly causing fires, with one incident resulting in substantial property damage. No injuries were reported.

Consumers should immediately unplug the sander from its power source when not in use. To determine if their specific unit is affected, consumers should check the data plate on the side of the sander for the model number and serial number or date code. Affected Ryobi DS1000 units have the last four digits of the serial number ranging from 9318 through 9718. Affected Craftsman 315.11600 and 315.11639 units have date codes ranging from A4001 through A9717. Consumers can call Ryobi toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, to receive information on having their sanders repaired or replaced at no charge.

The recalled product

Product
Sanders Recalled by Ryobi America Corp.
Manufacturer
Ryobi

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Ryobi

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