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Garage and Garden

Recall: Fire and Burn Hazards Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores

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Name of Product: Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner Gas Grills

Units: About 24,000

Retailer: Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lowe’s HIW, Inc., of Tukwila, Wash.

Manufacturer: Lucas Innovation Inc., of China

Hazard: The cooking chamber of the grill can melt and/or ignite, posing a risk of fires and burn injuries to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 175 reports of grill fires and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Perfect Flame brand grills, Model GAC3615 four burner LP gas grills. The grill has two lids. “Perfect Flame” is printed on the larger lid. The model number, serial number, and date code are printed on a label on the right side cart frame panel. The following serial numbers and date codes are included in this recall.

Model Number Date Code Serial Number
GAC3615 KU
(July 07)		 000001 – 001278
001282 – 001423
KV
(Aug. 07)		 001424 – 001849
001855 – 005404
KW
(Sept. 07)		 005405 – 006540
006548 – 009671
010299 – 010440
KX
(Oct. 07)		 010005 – 010297
010441 – 014305
014322 – 017164
KY
(Nov. 07)		 017165 – 020714
020715 – 022856
KZ
(Dec. 07)		 022859 – 023284
024301 – 025862

Sold exclusively at: Lowe’s stores nationwide from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills, disconnect the propane tanks, and return the grills without the propane tanks to any Lowe’s store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lucas Innovation toll-free at (877) 385-8226 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.gac3615grillrecall.com

Recall: DEWALT Cordless Brad Nailers Due to Injury Hazard

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Name of Product: DEWALT DC608 Cordless Brad Nailers

Units: About 14,000

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The nailer can operate when the lock-off (safety) is in the locked position. Also, the nailer can operate when the trigger is not pulled and the contact trip is depressed. The unexpected ejection of a nail poses a serious injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: DeWALT has received two reports of nailers operating when the lock-off (safety) was in the locked position. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the DEWALT DC608 18 Volt Cordless 2” 18 Gauge Straight Brad Nailer with date codes 200728 through 200821. “DC608” is located on the right side of the magazine. The date code can be found on the underside of the handle, once the battery pack is removed. Units stamped with an “M” following the date code are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Wholesale distributors and retailers from October 2007 through May 2008 for about $280.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the nailers and contact DEWALT for the location of the nearest service center to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DEWALT toll-free at (866) 220-1481 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.DEWALT.com

Keep Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly

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The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) offers their advice on maintaining your lawn tools for a greener yard and a greener world. Proper maintenance will also extend the life of your mower, trimmer or tiller.

  • Change your equipment’s oil seasonally and be sure to recycle the old oil.
  • Replace the spark plug and air filter, and check for proper carburetor adjustment … a properly tuned engine helps burn fuel more efficiently, thereby reducing emissions.
  • Be sure to use replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Avoid gasoline spillage when you’re refilling the tank. Also, keep fuel tanks and containers sealed tight, leaving room (approx. 3/4 full) for expansion.
  • Tighten loose nuts, bolts and belts so that your mower runs a little quieter, too.
  • For mowers, sharpen cutting blades and keep decks cleared of all grass clippings to further enhance performance.
  • Replace old worn out equipment with the latest models offering low-emission engines that run 70% cleaner than 1990 models. Electric or rechargeable battery power is also available.

Today’s lawn mowers and power equipment are designed for lower emissions, you can help by practicing proper maintenance.

Recall: Log Splitter Engines By American Honda Motor Co. Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Engines used in SpeeCo and Huskee Brand Log Splitters

Units: About 5,600

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The engine’s fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Honda engines (model type GCV160LA N1A) used in Split Master by SpeeCo and Huskee brand log splitters. Only engine serial numbers between 5547012 and 6880908 are included in the recall. The serial number is located below the upper shroud near the oil dip-stick. The following models of log splitters are affected by the recall and are either silver/black or red/black colored.

Huskee Log Splitter SpeeCo Split Masters
LS401227TS (22 Ton)
LS401228NO (27 Ton)		 LS401228SP (22 Ton)
LS401227NO (22 Ton)
LS401225NO (25 Ton)

Sold at: The log splitters with the recalled engines were sold at outdoor power equipment dealers and Tractor Supply stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,150 and $1,500.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the affected log splitters and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer or Honda Engine dealer for a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled log splitters will be mailed a notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com

Recall: Lawn Mowers by American Honda Motor Corp. Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: Honda Lawn Mowers

Units: 20,500

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The lawn mower’s rear shield can break off allowing debris to be thrown toward the operator, which poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: American Honda has received one report of a shield breaking off the lawn mower. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves HRX walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRX217(K)2HXA and HRX217(K)2HMA. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the mower deck. Serial numbers included in the recall are MAGA-1500001 through 1520532. The recalled lawn mowers are red with “HONDA” written on the bag.

Sold by: Authorized American Honda Motor Corp. dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from October 2007 to June 2008 for about $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact their local Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled lawn mowers have been contacted by direct mail notification.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Honda’s Web site at http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/recalls/

       

You can Thank NASA for Your Cordless Drill

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If you plan to give Dad a cordless power tool this Father’s Day, you can thank NASA for the great gift idea.

According to Howstuffworks.com, Black and Decker created the cordless idea back in 1961 with battery operated tools, but NASA helped refine the technology that led to lightweight, cordless medical instruments, hand-held vacuum cleaners and other tools.

In the mid-1960s, to prepare for the Apollo missions to the moon, NASA needed a tool that astronauts could use to obtain samples of rocks and soil. The drill had to be lightweight, compact and powerful enough to dig deep into the surface of the moon. Since rigging up a cord to a drill in outer space would be a difficult feat, NASA and Black & Decker invented a battery-powered, magnet-motor drillWorking in the context of a limited space environment, Black & Decker developed a computer program for the tool that reduced the amount of power expended during use to maximize battery life.

After the NASA project, Black & Decker applied the same principles to make other lightweight, battery-powered tools for everyday consumers.

Recall: Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Hammer Drills Due to Risk of Injury

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Name of Product: Bosch Hammer Drills

Units: About 9,700

Manufacturer: Robert Bosch Tool Corp., of Mount Prospect, Ill.

Hazard: The drill can continue to operate after the trigger has been released, posing a risk of injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled hammer drill is blue with “BOSCH” printed on the side. The model number 1191VSR can be located on the product nameplate mounted on the side of the motor. The product’s packaging will be marked as 1191VSRK (the “K” indicates that the hammer drill was packaged with a case in a kit). Only drills with a serial number that begins with “7” are included in the recall.

Sold at: Menards and other hardware retailers and industrial distributors nationwide from July 2007 through April 2008 for about $100.

Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled hammer drill immediately and contact the firm for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. toll-free at (877) 472-0007 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.boschtools.com

Dacor’s New Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator

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Dacor’s newest addition to its Epicure line is designed to fit neatly under any counter in an outdoor patio or kitchen layout, the unit stands at 33″ tall and 24″ wide and will easily slide into standard cabinetry openings. An innovative digital electronic control panel allows users to adjust the temperature with the simple touch of a button, a charcoal filter removes unwanted odors, keeping contents pure and the unit boasts quiet storage due to a vibration-free compressor.

Available with a stainless steel door with left- or right-hand door swing options, the refrigerator is built to withstand temperatures from 50 degrees to 109 degrees Fahrenheit, is efficient at maintaining internal temperatures and can to be used to store milk and fresh food storage in addition to beverages. The refrigerator is the ideal accessory for any bar or entertainment area and has the capacity to hold 124 cans or 50 bottles.

Recall: Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grills Sold Exclusively at Mills Fleet Farm Stores Due to Fire, Burn Hazard

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Name of Product: Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grills Model 463720108

Units: About 400

Importer: Char-Broil LLC, of Columbus, Ga.

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Jinwoniu Trading Company LTD, China

Hazard: On the recalled grills, the main burner does not fit correctly and does not connect properly to the gas valve which could result in a propane leak. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Char-Broil gas grills with model number 463720108 and serial number ranging from 000001 to 000402. The gas grills have a main burner with two-burner plates, a 170 square inch swing-away rack, two side shelves and a condiment basket. Char-Broil’s logo is on the top of the lid of the grill. The serial and model numbers are located on the white rating label on the back of the horizontal support of the grill.

Sold at: Mills Fleet Farm Stores in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin from February 2008 through April 2008 for about $120.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the grill immediately and contact Char-Broil for a free replacement burner and installation instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Char-Broil at (866) 671-7988 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.charbroil.comchar-broil two-burner recall

Recall: Shindaiwa Corp. Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration and Impact Hazards

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Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Units: About 23,000

Importer: Shindaiwa Corp., of Tualatin, Ore

Manufacturer: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co. Ltd, of Hiroshima, Japan

Hazard: The blower’s impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken impellers. One incident involved a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, “EB8510, Shindaiwa.”

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shindaiwa.com

backpack blower