Ridgid® 16-Gallon, Model WD16650 2-In-1 Blower Vac
CPSC Recall #05-084 — January 12, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-084 |
| Recall Date | January 12, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 6,500 |
| Manufacturer | Emerson Tool Co., of St. Louis, Mo. |
| Manufactured In | Canada |
Where It Was Sold
| Home Depot stores and by RIDGE TOOL distributors nationwide from April 2004 through January 2005 for about $100. |
Product
Ridgid® 16-Gallon, Model WD16650 2-In-1 Blower Vac
Description
The Ridgid® 16-gallon 2-In-1 Blower Vac, Model WD16650, have light gray drums with orange lids, gray power heads, and black wheels. The recalled units have the model number and a serial number from 04104C through 04114C located on a label on the side of the power head. "Ridgid® 2 In 1 Blower Vac" is written on the front of the units.
Hazard
The air intake shield may be missing. Consumers can suffer lacerations if they come into contact with the intake blower wheel.
Incidents & Injuries
Emerson Tool Co. has received two reports of consumers who suffered lacerations to finger tips while using these vacuums.
Remedy Instructions
If the air intake shield is missing, consumers should stop using their vacuum and contact the firm for a free repair kit.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) 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.