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Propane Torches

CPSC Recall #01-139b — May 1, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-139b
Recall DateMay 1, 2001
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 500
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Harbor Freight Tools stores and catalogs nationwide sold these torches from May 2000 through September 2000 for about $20. Similar torches marked "Made in Italy
" are not part of this recall.

Product

Propane Torches

Description

PRODUCT: Propane Torches - Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 500 propane torches. The propane torch, measuring about 22.5 inches long, comes as a "kit" with a wand, flow valve, turbo blast trigger, hard rubber grip and a hose that attaches to propane tanks. Writing on the hose of reads, "IN-8MM OUT-13MM BURST 525 PSI PRESSURE WORK 150 PSI MADE IN CHINA." The propane torch was sold in a clear plastic-wrap package with a white cardboard backing and contained "Harbor Freight Tools Assembly and Operating Instructions." Harbor Freight Tools stores and catalogs nationwide sold these torches from May 2000 through September 2000 for about $20. Similar torches marked "Made in Italy," are not part of this recall.PROBLEM: The hose that comes with the propane torch can crack or burst, presenting a fire and explosion hazard.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: CPSC and Harbor Freight Tools have received two reports of torch hoses cracking and then bursting into a flash flame. One consumer suffered third-degree burns on his legs, and a second consumer suffered first-degree burns to his hand and arm.WHAT TO DO: Stop using the propane torches immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools at (800) 444-3353 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to obtain a refund.

Hazard

The hose that comes with the propane torch can crack or burst, presenting a fire and explosion hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Harbor Freight Tools have received two reports of torch hoses cracking and then bursting into a flash flame. One consumer suffered third-degree burns on his legs, and a second consumer suffered first-degree burns to his hand and arm.

Remedy Instructions

Stop using the propane torches immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools at (800) 444-3353 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to obtain a 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.

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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) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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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