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Craftsman & RIDGID Wet/Dry Vacuums Recalled

December 15, 2003

Emerson Tool Company is recalling wet/dry vacuums because the exhaust blower ports are large enough for a small child to reach inside and touch the spinning blower wheel. This poses a laceration hazard to small children.

Emerson has received 10 reports of children inserting their arms into the ports and receiving minor cuts and abrasions to their fingertips.

The recall involves Craftsman 16-gallon and RIDGID 12- and 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums. The vacuums are used to pick up wet and dry debris. Another feature of the vacuum is the blower, which provides additional cleaning functions.

The vacuums were sold at Home Depot stores and RIDGE Tool distributors nationwide from March 1999 through October 2002 and Sears Roebuck & Co. stores nationwide from September 1998 through October 2002 for between $70 and $300.

Consumers should contact Emerson toll-free number to request a free insert. The insert is installed inside the blower port to eliminate the hazard. Consumers should call Emerson Tool Company toll-free at (800) 359-0179 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.wetdryvacrecall.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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