Recall: Black and Decker Weed Trimmers Recall/Warning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 1988
Release # 88-039

Recall Warning For Black and Decker Weed Trimmers

Washington, D.C. -- More than half a million -Black and Decker weed trimmers that present a potential electrocution hazard are still in consumers' hands, despite an earlier recall in November, 1987, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. A lower than expected return rate has caused the Commission to take the unusual step of re-issuing the warning.

The recall includes approximately 500,000 Black and Decker Model 82209 (Type 1 and 2) and Model 82210 (Type 1 and 2) Bump- Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers.

Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in an electric shock hazard. This hazard can occur while the units 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 of their string trimmers. Though none of these incidents was fatal, the Commission staff believes that a defective trimmer would present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard.

These Black and Decker brand string trimmers have been sold since October, 1985, by a variety of retailers for about $24.00 to $29.00. The affected trimmers can be identified by a label decal located near the top of the handle, which states "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." Also, the motor housings of the 82209 and 82210 units are labeled 9" cut and 10" cut, respectively.

Owners who identify their trimmers as recalled should stop using them immediately and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under (Tool- Electric). Owners who cannot take their trimmers to a Black and Decker Service Center will be able to obtain further assistance by calling Black & Decker toll-free on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at 800-533-4395, or they may write to Black 61 Decker (U.S.) Inc., P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User Services. Black & Decker will inspect all string trimmers subject to this recall, and will repair or replace, at no cost to the owner, any trimmer which is found to have been incorrectly assembled.

The Black and Decker contacts for the news media are Barbara Lucas at 301-583-2980 and John Atwood at 301-583-2939.