Weed and Grass Trimmers (Black & Decker) – product safety (1977)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

August 17, 1977 Release # 77-086 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 17) -- Black and Decker Manufacturing Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 40,000 No. 8209 Type 1 weed and grass trimmers. The trimmers were produced in the spring and summer of 1977 and distributed nationwide. The orange-colored trimmer has a suggested retail price of $59.99 and uses nylon line to cut weeds and grass. It is sold with an unassembled two-part handle that consumers must assemble prior to use. According to Black and Decker, engineering tests have indicated that consumers could damage the insulation surrounding the electrical cord when assembling the handle. Such damage could result in serious electrical shock. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the No. 8209 Type 1 trimmer and to return it to only a Black and Decker service center or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the Yellow Pages. Products subject to the recall will be modified to a No. 8209 Type 2 trimmer at no cost to the consumer. All No. 8209 Type 2 trimmers incorporate an additional safety feature to safeguard against any future possibility of electrical shock from this problem. Black and Decker, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on August 1, has mailed certified letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the trimmer. Consumers who require additional information should place a collect call to Black and Decker, 301/828-2955, between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.