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CPSC, Ace Hardware Corp. Announce Recall of Butane Lighters

  • Recalled Ace butane lighter
Name of Product:
Ace butane, multipurpose lighters
Hazard:

These lighters can leak excess butane when they are in use, causing an unexpected flashback or sudden burst of flame. This presents a risk of burns to consumers and unintentional fires can occur.

Remedy:
Refund
Recall Date:
February 09, 1999
Units:

Approximately 403,000

Consumer Contact

For more information, contact Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., is recalling approximately 403,000 Ace butane, multipurpose lighters. These lighters can leak excess butane when they are in use, causing an unexpected flashback or sudden burst of flame. This presents a risk of burns to consumers and unintentional fires can occur.

Ace Hardware Corp. has received six reports of flame flashback, one resulting in a small kitchen fire and one consumer having her hair singed.

The lighter is approximately 9 inches long, has a black plastic base with red plastic trim and a metal igniter shaft. The bottom of the handle is marked MADE IN CHINA and the metal igniter shaft is embossed with GAS TORCH. A red sticker on the lighter reads, refillable. These lighters were sold under Ace brand packaging, item number 4100715. The item number is printed on the upper right corner of the packaging.

Ace Hardware stores nationwide sold the lighters from March 1997 to May 1998 for between $2 and $3.

Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and return them to any independent Ace Hardware Store for a refund. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and return them to any independent Ace Hardware Store for a refund.

Incidents/Injuries:

Ace Hardware Corp. has received six reports of flame flashback, one resulting in a small kitchen fire and one consumer having her hair singed.

Sold At:
Ace Hardware stores nationwide sold the lighters from March 1997 to May 1998 for between $2 and $3.
Manufactured In:
China
Recall number:
99-058

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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