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Ratchet Tie-Downs

CPSC Recall #96-185 - August 28, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-185
Recall DateAugust 28, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 7,200

Where It Was Sold

Eagle Hardware & Garden sold the tie-downs nationwide from August 1995 to July 1996 for $4. Some of the tie-downs may have been resold at other stores.

Product

Ratchet Tie-Downs

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Collins International, of Fair Lawn, N.J., and Eagle Hardware & Garden of Renton, Wash., are voluntarily recalling approximately 7,200 Ratchet Tie-Downs. The tie-downs are used to secure heavy items or oversize loads to trailers or trucks, or to secure furniture to hand trolleys. However, the Ratchet Tie-Downs may break even if the weight placed on them is significantly less than the 750-pound limit stated on the package. If the tie-downs break, the secured load may pull free, resulting in injury or property damage. Collins International has received three reports of the tie-downs breaking. Although the company is not aware of any injuries, Collins International has received reports of property damage. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries. The tie-down consists of four pieces: a black, nylon mesh strap; two black, vinyl-coated "S" hooks; and a brass, L-shaped rachet hook. Consumers operate the tie-down by inserting the strap through the ratchet hook, locking the strap in place, and securing the load by attaching the "S" hooks to the vehicle or hand trolley. The tie-down is packaged in clear plastic attached to a red, white, and blue cardboard backing which reads in part, "Professional Style Ratchet Tie Down ... Adjustable Length 4 ft. to 15 ft. ... Safe-Secure-Tight! ..." Eagle Hardware & Garden sold the tie-downs nationwide from August 1995 to July 1996 for $4. Some of the tie-downs may have been resold at other stores. Consumers should stop using the Ratchet Tie-Downs immediately and return them to the nearest Eagle Hardware & Garden store for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Collins International toll-free at (888) 968-0070.

Hazard

The Ratchet Tie-Downs may break even if the weight placed on them is significantly less than the 750-pound limit stated on the package. If the tie-downs break, the secured load may pull free, resulting in injury or property damage.

Incidents & Injuries

Collins International has received three reports of the tie-downs breaking. Although the company is not aware of any injuries, Collins International has received reports of property damage. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the Ratchet Tie-Downs immediately and return them to the nearest Eagle Hardware & Garden store for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) 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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