Harbor Freight Tools recalls propane portable heaters

Photo source: CPSC

The heater may leak propane gas, posing a fire hazard

Harbor Freight Tools of Calabasas, Calif., is recalling about 19,000 Bauer Forced Air Propane Portable Heaters.

The fitting at the back of the heater can fail to be sufficiently tight, causing the heater to leak propane gas, posing a fire hazard.

The firm has received 13 reports of propane gas leaking, including one report of a fire. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Bauer Forced Air Propane portable heaters, a forced air heater powered by propane gas.

The unit is red, and measures 13 inches long, 9 inches high and 17 inches wide. The name “Bauer” is printed on the side of the heater in white letters.

The heater has item number 57176 printed on the ratings label at the rear of the unit located next to the gas inlet.

The heaters, manufactured in China, was sold at Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide and online at www.harborfreight.com from November 2020, until March 5, 2021, for about $100.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled propane portable heaters and inspect the heaters with a soapy water leak test found in these instructions from Harbor Freight to determine that the fitting at the back of the unit is not leaking.

Harbor Freight is contacting all known purchasers directly with updated instructions for use and detailed instructions on how to inspect and tighten the fittings on the heaters if necessary, using the wrench supplied with the product.

If leaks persist, after self-inspection and appropriate tightening as needed, contact Harbor Freight Tools for more information.

Consumers may contact Harbor Freight Tools at (800) 444-3353 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday, by email at productcompliance@harborfreight.com or online at www.harborfreight.com and click on “Recall & Safety” at the bottom of the page for more information.