DeWalt DW378G/DW378GT Framing Saws and DC300 Circular Saws
CPSC Recall #07-026 - November 7, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-026 |
| Recall Date | November 7, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 97,000 framing saws and 37,000 circular saws |
| Manufacturer | DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md. |
| Manufactured In | Mexico |
Where It Was Sold
| Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from January 2003 through August 2006 for about $170 for the framing saw. The circular saw was sold from May 2006 through September 2006 for between $380 and $800 |
| depending on the kit. |
Product
DeWalt DW378G/DW378GT Framing Saws and DC300 Circular Saws
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 97,000 framing saws and 37,000 circular saws. The lower blade guard can fail to close, leaving the blade exposed and presenting a laceration hazard to consumers.Name of Product: DeWalt DW378G/DW378GT Framing Saws and DC300 Circular SawsUnits: About 97,000 framing saws and 37,000 circular sawsManufacturer: DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.Hazard: The lower blade guard can fail to close, leaving the blade exposed and presenting a laceration hazard to consumers.Incidents/Injuries: DeWalt has received four reports of the lower guard failing to close, including three reports of lacerations. One consumer received lacerations to the hand and two others received lacerations to the leg, all required medical attention.Description: This recall involves DeWalt DW378G and DW378GT 7 ¼-inch framing saws with date codes 200301-49 through 200637-49. The model numbers for the framing saws are located on the side of the housing. The date code is located either on the name plate or under the handle near the power cord exit. Circular saws involved in this recall have model number DC300 with date codes 200601-49 through 200637-49. The model number on the circular saw is located on the name plate on the top of the motor housing. The date code on the circular saw is located on the underside of the motor housing. Framing saws marked with a "V" on the underside of the handle near the cord set and circular saws marked with a "V" on the underside of the motor housing or under the handle where the battery is inserted have already been repaired and are not involved in this recall.Sold at: Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from January 2003 through August 2006 for about $170 for the framing saw. The circular saw was sold from May 2006 through September 2006 for between $380 and $800, depending on the kit.Manufactured in: MexicoRemedy: Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DeWalt for a free repair.Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact DeWalt toll-free at (866) 854-5214 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.dewalt.com.
Hazard
The lower blade guard can fail to close, leaving the blade exposed and presenting a laceration hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
DeWalt has received four reports of the lower guard failing to close, including three reports of lacerations. One consumer received lacerations to the hand and two others received lacerations to the leg, all required medical attention.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DeWalt for a free repair.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (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.