Recall: Brave Products Recall of Log Splitters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2005 Release # 05-110

Firm's Hotline: (800) 350-8739 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: This recall has been expanded.

CPSC, Brave Products Inc. Announce Recall of Log Splitters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Log Splitter

Units: About 4,000

Manufacturer: Brave Products Inc., Streator, Ill

Hazard: The log splitter's hydraulic cylinders can have defective rod retention, causing the seals to leak and the rods to detach. This can result in serious injury to the operator, as the rod can rapidly and unexpectedly extend the splitting wedge.

Incidents/Injuries: Brave Products has received 14 reports of leaking cylinders and/or rod retention failure. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The log splitters are made of steel and painted orange and black. They have trailer hitches and rubber tires. Each log splitter has a decal on the side that reads "Brave Products, Inc." and "__ ton" (either 15, 22, 26, or 34). The following models are being recalled:

Brave VH0234 (34 ton) Serial #S012368 through S016976
Brave VH9926 (26 ton) Serial #S014226 through S017534
Brave VH9922 (22 ton) Serial #S011460 through S016862
Brave HB0115 (15 ton) Serial #S013853 through S017534
(Serial number plate is located on the hydraulic tank)

Sold by: Ace, True Value, and Do It Best Hardware stores and independent power equipment dealers nationwide from June 2003 through October 2004 for between $899 and $1,999.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using their log splitter until they have determined if their unit is a part of this recall. Consumers should contact Brave Products Inc. to receive a free replacement cylinder

Consumer Contact: Call Brave Products Inc. at (800) 350-8739 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or write to Brave Products, Inc., P.O. Box 577, Streator, IL 61364-0577. Consumers also can visit the company's web site at http://www.braveproducts.com