Sears Warns Consumers to Remove Label from Craftsman Circular Saws, Obstructed Blade Guard Poses Laceration Hazard

Name of product: Craftsman Circular Saws

Units: About 308,000

Retailer: Sears, of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Manufacturer: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The "Craftsman" logo label located on the upper blade guard can become partially detached and interfere with the proper operation of the lower blade guard, exposing the saw's blade and posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Sears has received two reports of the blade guard catching on the label with one incident resulting in an injury to the user that required 12 stitches.

Description: The recall involves a 7-1/4-inch circular saw. The model numbers included are: 172.108550, 172.108560, 172.108650, and 172.108660. The model number is located on the circular saw's upper motor housing. Model numbers 172.108560 and 172.108650 have a gray body housing and a gray blade guard. Model numbers 172.108550 and 172.108660 have a black body housing and a gray blade guard. "Craftsman" is written on the label on the upper blade guard.

Sold at: Sears, Kmart, and Orchard Supply Hardware stores nationwide and online through these stores from November 2004 through February 2007 for between $40 and $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the Craftsman label from the upper blade guard, according to the instructions. Instructions are available online at Sears.com (under the Product Recalls page) or at OSH.com (under the Product Safety page), or by contacting Sears at the number below.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to their Web site at www.Sears.com