CPSC, Cooper Hand Tools Announce Recall of Weller® Heating Element used in Soldering Irons

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Weller® Brand Heating Element

Units: About 890

Manufacturer: Cooper Hand Tools, of Apex, N.C.

Hazard: The housing of the heating element can unexpectedly leak hot metal, posing a serious risk of a burn injury to the user.

Incidents/Injuries: Cooper has received four reports of the housing of the heating element leaking hot metal. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The heating elements were sold to be used in soldering irons. Only heating elements with the following model numbers and dates codes from May 2005 through August 2005 are included in this recall: 1140A, 1233S, 1235S, 1236S, 1237S, 1237SBK, 2AC08, 2AC09, 2AC10, 37UG, 37BK, 6A909, 6A910, SL325, SL325BK, SL335, SL345, 360, 361, 362, 363, 4033S, 4033SBK, 4035S, 4035SBK, 4037J, 4037S, 4037SBK, 4039S, 533S, 535S537S, 6A908. These soldering irons are used by stained glass hobbyists.

Sold at: Art supply retail stores nationwide from May 2005 through August 2005 for between $10 and $40.

Manufactured In: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these soldering irons immediately and return the heating element to the store where purchased for a free replacement or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cooper Hand Tools at (800) 476-3030 Ext. 1 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.cooperhandtools.com/recall