Wards' Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A six-inch bench grinders

CPSC Recall #79-011 - March 9, 1979

Recall Summary

Recall Number79-011
Recall DateMarch 9, 1979
Remedy TypeRepair

Product

Wards' Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A six-inch bench grinders

Hazard

A protective sleeve that insulates an electric lead wire may wear through on some units if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded and the user is grounded or is touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. The repair program applies only to Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A grinders with a "77F" date code embossed on the nameplate and to certain units with the same model number that were purchased after June 1973, but show no date code. Units with the "77F" date code that bear an orange inspection sticker on either the unit or its packing carton have already been inspected and are not subject to this repair program.

Remedy Instructions

The grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. For instructions on having the units checked and repaired free-of-charge, owners of the grinders should write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, C/O National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine Sts., Boonville, MO. 65233. To verify the model number, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.

What Should You Do?

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