Black & Decker Bump-Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers
CPSC Recall #88-039 — June 12, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-039 |
| Recall Date | June 12, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 500,000 |
Product
Black & Decker Bump-Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers
Description
Washington, D.C. -- More than half a million Black and Decker weed trimmers that present a potential electrocution hazard are still in consumers' hands, despite an earlier recall in November, 1987, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. A lower than expected return rate has caused the Commission to take the unusual step of re-issuing the warning. The recall includes approximately 500,000 Black and Decker Model 82209 (Type 1 and 2) and Model 82210 (Type 1 and 2) Bump-Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers. Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in an electric shock hazard. This hazard can occur while the units are being operated or when they are simply plugged in but not in use. Four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents in 1986 and 1987, when they grabbed the metal handle tube of their string trimmers. Though none of these incidents was fatal, the Commission staff believes that a defective trimmer would present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard. These Black and Decker brand string trimmers have been sold since October, 1985, by a variety of retailers for about $24.00 to $29.00. The affected trimmers can be identified by a label decal located near the top of the handle, which states "No. 82209 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" or "No. 82210 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" and "Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Easton, MD 21601 U.S.A." Also, the motor housings of the 82209 and 82210 units are labeled 9" cut and 10" cut, respectively. Owners who identify their trimmers as recalled should stop using them immediately and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under (Tool- Electric). Owners who cannot take their trimmers to a Black and Decker Service Center will be able to obtain further assistance by calling Black & Decker toll-free on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at 800-533-4395, or they may write to Black 61 Decker (U.S.) Inc., P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User Services. Black & Decker will inspect all string trimmers subject to this recall, and will repair or replace, at no cost to the owner, any trimmer which is found to have been incorrectly assembled. The Black and Decker contacts for the news media are Barbara Lucas at 301-583-2980 and John Atwood at 301-583-2939. 500,000 Black and Decker Grass/Weed String Trimmers Recalled Do you have either of these Black and Decker grass/weed trimmers? Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in a severe electric shock hazard. Electric shock could occur if the user grabs the metal handle tube.
Hazard
Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in an electric shock hazard. This hazard can occur while the units are being operated or when they are simply plugged in but not in use.
Incidents & Injuries
Four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents in 1986 and 1987, when they grabbed the metal handle tube of their string trimmers. Though none of these incidents was fatal, the Commission staff believes that a defective trimmer would present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard.
Remedy Instructions
Owners who identify their trimmers as recalled should stop using them immediately and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under (Tool- Electric). Owners who cannot take their trimmers to a Black and Decker Service Center will be able to obtain further assistance by calling Black & Decker toll-free on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at 800-533-4395, or they may write to Black 61 Decker (U.S.) Inc., P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User Services. Black & Decker will inspect all string trimmers subject to this recall, and will repair or replace, at no cost to the owner, any trimmer which is found to have been incorrectly assembled.
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.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.