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Sears 44791 and Red Devil 3401 electric paint removers

CPSC Recall #78-038 - May 21, 1978

Recall Summary

Recall Number78-038
Recall DateMay 21, 1978
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately 3,500 Red Devil units and approximately 5,700 Sears units

Product

Sears 44791 and Red Devil 3401 electric paint removers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 22) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Red Devil, Inc., Union, N.J., and Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago, today announced a recall of electric paint removers distributed nationwide between May 1 and October 31, 1977, because of a potential shock hazard. This recall was first announced by Red Devil and Sears in November 1977. The affected model numbers are Sears 44791 and Red Devil 3401, both retailing for about $24. Red Devil and Sears electric paint removers purchased before May 1, 1977 are not being recalled. Red Devil said that a defect was found in the wiring of the electric paint removers. No injuries have been reported, but sale of the paint removers has been stopped. Anyone who bought the product after May 1, 1977 but before mid-November 1977 should not use it. Red Devil is recalling approximately 3,500 electric paint removers sold under its own name and distributed through hardware and paint stores. Model number 3401 is imprinted on the plastic handle and the metal housing of the removers. Close to 5,700 units sold under the Sears name are being recalled by Sears, Roebuck & Co. The Sears model number 44791 is imprinted on the plastic handle. This is the first potential hazard involving this model number in the 20 years Sears has been selling the unit, the company said. Owners of the affected Red Devil tools can mail them to: Customer Service, Red Devil, Inc., 2400 Vauxhall Rd., Union, N.Y. 07083, (201-688-6900) for repair or replacement and refund of postage. Customers who bought the affected Sears paint removers should contact their nearest Sears outlet for a full refund.

Hazard

A defect was found in the wiring of the electric paint removers, posing a potential shock hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

No injuries have been reported, but sale of the paint removers has been stopped.

Remedy Instructions

Red Devil: Owners of the affected Red Devil tools can mail them to: Customer Service, Red Devil, Inc., 2400 Vauxhall Rd., Union, N.Y. 07083, (201-688-6900) for repair or replacement and refund of postage. Sears: Customers who bought the affected Sears paint removers should contact their nearest Sears outlet for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

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

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