Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws

CPSC Recall #80-027 - July 20, 1980

Recall Summary

Recall Number80-027
Recall DateJuly 20, 1980
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 55,000

Where It Was Sold

The saws have been sold by Sears nationwide from July 1978
through June
1980
for approximately $200.

Product

Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 1980) -- A program to repair approximately 55,000 "Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws" which may pose a laceration hazard to consumers is being conducted by Sears, Roebuck & Company. Sears is conducting the program voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The saws can accommodate several types of blades, including a carbide-tipped blade often used to cut soft metals. Because a carbide-tipped blade is thicker than the original blade provided with the saw, consumers may improperly fasten the carbide blade to the motor shaft, creating the possibility that the saw blade may spin off the saw while in use. CPSC has been informed of three instances in 1980 in which carbide-tipped blades being used on the saws disengaged while still spinning. One incident resulted in severe facial lacerations to the consumer. No injuries were reported in the other two cases. The repair program applies to the model 315.23730 and the 315.23731 "Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws." The model numbers can be found on a plate on the saw motor. The saws have been sold by Sears nationwide from July 1978, through June, 1980, for approximately $200. Consumers immediately should stop using carbide-tipped blades with these saws. To obtain a free repair kit, complete with installation instructions, consumers should contact their local Sears retail store or call toll-free 800-845-4781. Anyone wishing to verify the brand name or the model numbers should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Hazard

The saws can accommodate several types of blades, including a carbide-tipped blade often used to cut soft metals. Because a carbide-tipped blade is thicker than the original blade provided with the saw, consumers may improperly fasten the carbide blade to the motor shaft, creating the possibility that the saw blade may spin off the saw while in use.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC has been informed of three instances in 1980 in which carbide-tipped blades being used on the saws disengaged while still spinning. One incident resulted in severe facial lacerations to the consumer. No injuries were reported in the other two cases.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers immediately should stop using carbide-tipped blades with these saws. To obtain a free repair kit, complete with installation instructions, consumers should contact their local Sears retail store or call toll-free 800-845-4781.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, 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 (New Instructions, Repair) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

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.