Recall: Shingling Hatchets Recalled by Ace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2000 Release # 00-128

Ace Recall Hotline: (877) 223-4391 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Ace Hardware Corp. Announce Recall of Shingling Hatchets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., is recalling about 22,000 Ace-brand shingling hatchets. The heads on these tools can detach when in use, striking the user or a bystander and causing serious injury.

Ace Hardware Corp. has received two reports of hatchet heads detaching, one of which struck a bystander in the head, resulting in a cut requiring 32 stitches.

The hatchet, used to remove and hammer on roof shingles, is about 13-inches long. It has a hickory handle with a leather strap on the end and a forged steel head with a hatchet on one side and a hammering face on the other. The word "ACE" is etched on one side of the tool head and "TAIWAN" is on the other side. These hatchets have item number 2014710, which is printed on a label on the hatchet's handle.

Ace Hardware Stores nationwide sold the hatchets from March 1994 through April 2000 for about $18.

Consumers should stop using the hatchets immediately and return them to any Ace Hardware Store for a refund. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.