Recall Of Weed And Grass Trimmers Announced

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 17) -- Black & Decker Manufacturing Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 40,000 No. 8209 Type 1 weed and grass trimmers. The trimmers were produced in the spring and summer of 1977 and distributed nationwide.

The orange-colored trimmer has a suggested retail price of $59.99 and uses nylon line to cut weeds and grass. It is sold with an unassembled two-part handle that consumers must assemble prior to use.

According to Black & Decker, engineering tests have indicated that consumers could damage the insulation surrounding the electrical cord when assembling the handle. Such damage could result in serious electrical shock.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the No. 8209 Type 1 trimmer and to return it to only a Black & Decker service center or a Black & Decker-authorized service center listed in the Yellow Pages. Products subject to the recall will be modified to a No. 8209 Type 2 trimmer at no cost to the consumer.

All No. 8209 Type 2 trimmers incorporate an additional safety feature to safeguard against any future possibility of electrical shock from this problem. Black & Decker, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on August 1, has mailed certified letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the trimmer.

Consumers who require additional information should place a collect call to Black & Decker, 301/828-2955, between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time.