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Rechargeable Staplers

CPSC Recall #03-017 - October 16, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-017
Recall DateOctober 16, 2002
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 11,100
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Office supply retailers nationwide sold the staplers from June 2002 through September 2002 for about $75.

Product

Rechargeable Staplers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Swingline, a division of Acco Brands Inc., of Lincolnshire, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 11,100 cordless, rechargeable staplers. If a consumer inadvertently releases the spring- loaded staple magazine while holding the stapler close to his/her face, there is a risk of injury from a fully loaded magazine striking a consumer in the face. Swingline has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.The recalled cordless stapler is silver and black and comes with a black charger and charger base. The stapler, charger, and charger base have the name "Swingline" printed on them. The stapler's model number, 48201, as well as the words "Made in China," are stamped on the battery cover on the bottom of the stapler. If the battery cover has the letter "S" in the upper right corner, then the stapler is not included in the recall.Office supply retailers nationwide sold the staplers from June 2002 through September 2002 for about $75.Consumers should stop using these staplers immediately and contact Swingline at (800) 820-6220 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free replacement.

Incidents & Injuries

Swingline has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these staplers immediately and contact Swingline at (800) 820-6220 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free replacement.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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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) 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.

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