Aluminum Stepladders (Sears) – Structural Failure (1978)

Check Your Product

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

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

July 7, 1978 Release # 78-059 Sears Stepladders Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7) -- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, III. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced the continuing recall of approximately 7,500 five-foot household aluminum stepladders sold in 20 states from January 1977 to March 1978. This second notice of the recall, first announced by Sears on March 14,1978, has been issued in hopes of receiving a better return of the ladders. Sears said that the ladders may pose a potential hazard because under certain conditions the top cap may split, causing the ladder to collapse. No accidents or injuries have been reported, but owners are cautioned against using the affected ladders and are urged to return them to any Sears store for exchange or refund. The ladders being recalled sold for about $13, have green feet and carry either model number 133.42435 or stock number 42435 on the upper end of the side rail. They were sold in Sears retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wyoming and parts of Iowa and Kentucky. Anyone needing to verify model numbers on the recalled ladders should call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772. --

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.