Ryobi detail sanders
CPSC Recall #98-082 — March 17, 1998
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 98-082 |
| Recall Date | March 17, 1998 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 1.2 million |
Where It Was Sold
| Major chain home centers and hardware stores |
| as well as local hardware stores |
| nationwide sold these sanders from May 1993 through March 1998. They also were sold in catalogs during this period. Sears sold the Craftsman sanders from October 1994 through March 1998. Both brands sold for approximately $35 to $40. |
Product
Ryobi detail sanders
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C.-In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ryobi America Corp. of Anderson, S.C., is recalling about 1.2 million detail sanders for repair or replacement. If the sander is left plugged in and the on/off switch is not fully in the "off" position, pressure from the switch's rubber dust boot can force the switch into the "on" position. As the sander runs unattended, it can generate heat, which can result in a fire. Ryobi has received three reports of these sanders possibly causing fires. One of these fires resulted in substantial property damage. No injuries were reported as a result of these fires. The recall includes the Ryobi model DS 1000, and Craftsman models 315.11639 and 315.11600 sanders. The model numbers and brand name are located on a data plate on the side of the sander. These blue or black oscillating sanders are hand-held tools weighing 1.6 pounds with a sanding arm that extends forward and down from the front end of the sander. They are about 11 inches long and have a triangular sanding head. Only sanders built between May 1993 and April 1997 are being recalled. These sanders have a serial number or date code located along the bottom edge of the data plate on the side of the tool. Model Number Serial Number or Date Code Ranges Ryobi DS1000 last four digits of serial number: 9318 through 9718 Craftsman 315.11600 date code: A4001 through A9717 Craftsman 315.11639 date code: A4001 through A9717 Major chain home centers and hardware stores, as well as local hardware stores, nationwide sold these sanders from May 1993 through March 1998. They also were sold in catalogs during this period. Sears sold the Craftsman sanders from October 1994 through March 1998. Both brands sold for approximately $35 to $40. Consumers should always unplug the sander from its power source when it is not in use. Consumers who own one of these sanders should call Ryobi toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and they will receive information on having their sanders repaired or replaced at no charge. Other model Ryobi and Craftsman detail sanders are not affected by this recall.
Hazard
If the sander is left plugged in and the on/off switch is not fully in the "off" position, pressure from the switch's rubber dust boot can force the switch into the "on" position. As the sander runs unattended, it can generate heat, which can result in a fire.
Incidents & Injuries
Ryobi has received three reports of these sanders possibly causing fires. One of these fires resulted in substantial property damage. No injuries were reported as a result of these fires.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should always unplug the sander from its power source when it is not in use. Consumers who own one of these sanders should call Ryobi toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and they will receive information on having their sanders repaired or replaced at no charge.
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.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
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.