Torcofix/Torcoflex and Mountz Torque Wrenches
CPSC Recall #09-212 — May 5, 2009
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 09-212 |
| Recall Date | May 5, 2009 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 670 |
| Manufacturer | Richard Abraham Herder KG, of Solingen, Germany |
| Importer | Mountz Inc., of San Jose, Calif. |
| Manufactured In | Solingen, Germany |
Where It Was Sold
| Mountz Inc. through wholesale catalog sales and wholesale through industrial distributors |
| private label (Erico) and direct to OEM's mostly in North |
Product
Torcofix/Torcoflex and Mountz Torque Wrenches
Description
The wrenches were sold under three styles names: Richard Abraham Herder KG "Gedore/Rahsol" label, the Mountz "Titan" label, and the Mountz "Erico" label. Only wrenches with the serial numbers within the following ranges are included in the recall:From serial no.To serial no.12683681341104A003977A039760B000493B032301C000001C017795E000001E020205F000001F013249H000001H00012821743402230753Recalled wrenches include the following product/brand names and model numbers:Product/Brand NameModel Nos.GEDORE/RAHSOL TORCOFIX K with Ratchet4550-10; 4550-20; 4550-30; 4550-40GEDORE/RAHSOL TORCOFLEX K with Ratchet3550-07; 3550-10; 3550-20; 3550-30; 3550-2006GEDORE/RAHSOL TORCOFIX Z with Spigot4410-01; 4420-01; 4430-01; 4440-01GEDORE/RAHSOL TORCOFIX SE with rectangle holder4100-01; 4200-02; 4201-01; 4300-01; 4301-01GEDORE/RAHSOL TORCOFIX K US with Ratchet6550-15; 6551-07; 6551-10; 6551-30; 6551-60MOUNTZ TITAN with Ratchet280012; 280013; 280014MOUNTZ TITAN with Spigot280022; 280023; 280024MOUNTZ ERICO ELT110D with RatchetELT110DThe serial number is printed on the side of every torque wrench and the model number is printed on the label on the front and the back of the steel tube.
Hazard
The internal spring mechanism on the wrench can fail or break, allowing bolts or screws to break or become unscrewed, posing a risk of injury to the user or bystander.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled wrenches and contact Richard Abraham Herder KG to receive a repair or replacement wrench. Recalled wrenches can be sent to:KLANN Tools, Inc.7187 Bryhawke Circle, Suite 700North Charleston, SC 29418Mountz, Inc.19051 Underwood RoadFoley, AL 36535
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.