Sanders Recalled by Ryobi America Corp.

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 1998
Release # 98- 082

Company Phone Number: (800) 867-9624
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC and Ryobi America Corp. Announce Recall of Detail Sanders

WASHINGTON, D.C.-In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ryobi America Corp. of Anderson, S.C., is recalling about 1.2 million detail sanders for repair or replacement. If the sander is left plugged in and the on/off switch is not fully in the "off" position, pressure from the switch's rubber dust boot can force the switch into the "on" position. As the sander runs unattended, it can generate heat, which can result in a fire.

Ryobi has received three reports of these sanders possibly causing fires. One of these fires resulted in substantial property damage. No injuries were reported as a result of these fires.

The recall includes the Ryobi model DS 1000, and Craftsman models 315.11639 and 315.11600 sanders. The model numbers and brandname are located on a data plate on the side of the sander. These blue or black oscillating sanders are hand-held tools weighing 1.6 pounds with a sanding arm that extends forward and down from the front end of the sander. They are about 11 inches long and have a triangular sanding head.

Only sanders built between May 1993 and April 1997 are being recalled. These sanders have a serial number or date code located along the bottom edge of the data plate on the side of the tool.

Model Number	Serial Number or Date Code Ranges
Ryobi DS1000	last four digits of serial number: 9318 through 9718
Craftsman 315.11600	date code: A4001 through A9717
Craftsman 315.11639	date code: A4001 through A9717

Major chain home centers and hardware stores, as well as local hardware stores, nationwide sold these sanders from May 1993 through March 1998. They also were sold in catalogs during this period. Sears sold the Craftsman sanders from October 1994 through March 1998. Both brands sold for approximately $35 to $40.

Consumers should always unplug the sander from its power source when it is not in use. Consumers who own one of these sanders should call Ryobi toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and they will receive information on having their sanders repaired or replaced at no charge.

Other model Ryobi and Craftsman detail sanders are not affected by this recall.