Electric rock polisher
CPSC Recall #77-017 - February 28, 1977
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 77-017 |
| Recall Date | February 28, 1977 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 45,900 |
| Manufacturer | RAPCO, Division of Martin Yale Industries, Chicago, Illinois |
Where It Was Sold
| The toys were distributed nationwide to department stores |
| toy stores |
| discount stores and other retailers. |
Product
Electric rock polisher
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 1) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the recall of two models of an electric rock polisher which pose a possible electric shock to the user. "Tumble Stones, Model #1901 Rock Polisher" and "Deluxe Double Barrel, Tumble Stones, Model #1902 Rock Polisher," both manufactured by RAPCO, Division of Martin Yale Industries, Chicago, Illinois, fail to comply with Federal regulations for electrically-operated toys and are banned from sale. Although no injuries associated with these rock polishers have been reported, both: -- fail to provide protection from moving parts; -- contain live parts which are accessible; -- have electric power cords which are not adequately secured to the unit; and -- the cords are shorter than the minimum required length of 5 feet. Tumble Stones, Model #1901, consists of a yellow plastic tumbling barrel, a red plastic tumbling machine which is labeled in part "***Tumble Stones*** RAPCO Rock Polisher Hobby Equipment ***27 Watts, 120 Volts, 60 Cycle A.C. Motor RAPCO, Division of Martin Yale Industries, Inc., Chicago, Illinois 60624***." Deluxe Double Barrel, Tumble Stones, Model #1902, has two tumbling barrels and is labeled the same as Model #1901. The toys were distributed nationwide to department stores, toy stores, discount stores and other retailers. Model #1901 retailed for $9.50, and Model #1902 retailed for $12.50. In total, approximately 45,900 units are involved in the recall. Electric toys are subject to regulation under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA), which requires banned products to be repurchased by the manufacturer, distributor, and dealer. RAPCO, in compliance with FHSA regulations, is asking consumers to return the toy to the place of purchase or directly to the manufacturer -- RAPCO, 500 North Spaulding Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60624 -- for a full refund. The Commission learned of this product as the result of a nationwide electric toy survey it conducted late last year. The Commission's Chicago Area Office is monitoring the recall.
Hazard
The polishers pose a possible electric shock to the user.
Incidents & Injuries
No injuries reported.
Remedy Instructions
RAPCO, in compliance with FHSA regulations, is asking consumers to return the toy to the place of purchase or directly to the manufacturer 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.
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.
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.