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Electro-Tek soldering irons

CPSC Recall #99-022b - November 15, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-022b
Recall DateNovember 15, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 20,000

Where It Was Sold

They were sold exclusively in Walmart stores nationwide between October 1998 and November 1998 for about $5.  

Product

Electro-Tek soldering irons

Description

PRODUCT: Soldering Iron - Custom Accessories Inc. of Niles, Ill., is recalling about 20,000 Electro-Tek soldering irons. These soldering irons were sold under the Electro-Tek brand name, and have part number 10764W. Both the brand name and part number are written only on the packaging. The soldering iron has a black plastic handle and is packaged on a white card with black, yellow and red accents. There is a silver label on the soldering irons with "UL" written in red. They were sold exclusively in Walmart stores nationwide between October 1998 and November 1998 for about $5. PROBLEM: The internal connections in the soldering iron are not insulated, presenting a shock and electrocution hazard. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the soldering iron immediately and return it to Walmart for a refund or a replacement soldering iron. For more information, consumers should call Custom Accessories Inc. toll free at (800) 962-6676 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. Electro-Tek soldering irons with different part numbers are not affected by this recall.

Hazard

The internal connections in the soldering iron are not insulated, presenting a shock and electrocution hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

 Consumers should stop using the soldering iron immediately and return it to Walmart for a refund or a replacement soldering iron.

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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