Recall: Festool Recalls Plunge Cut Circular Saw Due to Laceration Hazard

Description: The TS 55 REQ is a small, portable, circular saw for woodcutting with a 160 mm saw blade, aluminum guide rails and a plunge cut feature. It is 12 inches long and has a gray blade housing and a midnight blue motor housing with a soft hand grip and green accents. The date code and serial number are found on a rating plate on the saw's motor housing under the main handle. Recalled saws include date codes ranging from 02/13 to 05/13 and serial numbers 40033594 through 40074108.

Name of product: TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw

Units: About 5,200 in the U.S. and 500 in Canada

Manufacturer: Festool Group GmbH & Co. KG, of Neidlingen, Germany

Hazard: The plunge lock can engage when not intended, causing the saw blade to remain exposed from the housing following completion of the plunge cut and posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled saws and contact Festool USA for details on how to get a free repair or replacement product, or how to receive a refund.

Recall date: September 30, 2013

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received no reports of injuries and one report of property damage.

Sold At: Hardware stores, woodworking stores and other independent retailers, as well as online retailers such as www.amazon.com from May 2013 to July 2013 for approximately $585.

Importers: Festool USA, of Lebanon, Ind.

Manufactured in: Germany

Consumer contact: Festool USA toll-free at (855) 784-9727 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.festoolusa.com and click on the “TS 55 REQ Recall” link for more information.

Recall number: 13-293