Fence wire stretcher

CPSC Recall #16-244 — August 11, 2016

Recall Summary

Recall Number16-244
Recall DateAugust 11, 2016
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 60,000 (in addition, 1,800 were sold in Canada)
ImporterSpeeCo Inc., of Golden, Colo.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Ace and True Value hardware stores and other supply and farm ranch stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from April 2015 through August 2016 from about $40.

Product

Fence wire stretcher

Description

A recoiling wire can be released from the stretcher unexpectedly and strike bystanders.

Hazard

A recoiling wire can be released from the fence wire stretcher unexpectedly and strike bystanders, posing a laceration hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received two reports of a recoiling wire releasing from the stretcher unexpectedly, which caused cuts, abrasions and scratches to the user.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fence wire stretchers and contact SpeeCo to receive 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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.