CPSC recall 00-104, announced May 3, 2000, covers Weed Wizard trimmer heads (about 2.7 million units). The end link of the trimmer's metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at a high velocity. The notice cites 47 incident reports and 41 injuries. Consumers should stop using the Weed Wizards with metal chains immediately and discard or destroy the product. Recall contact: call 800-638-2772 or 301-595-7054.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
The Weed Wizard being recalled replaces the string trimmer head with a metal chain trimmer head on a gas-powered weed trimmer. Only Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains are part of this recall. They were sold with white replacement heads and black chains, yellow heads with black chains or yellow heads with silver chains. There is no writing on the Weed Wizard trimmer heads, but the packaging reads "Weed Wizard", "The Solution to Trimmer Line Problems", "Fits 99% of All Gas Trimmers" and "MADE IN U.S.A."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The end link of the trimmer's metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at a high velocity. If the metal link strikes the user or a bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone, causing injury or death.
Incidents and injuries
Weed Wizard and CPSC have received 47 reports of metal links detaching from trimmers, resulting in 41 injuries, including the death of a 3-year-old girl in Alabama, who was struck in the head by a metal link. The injuries included users and bystanders being struck by metal links in the head, neck, legs, ankles and feet, resulting in penetration wounds and lacerations.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the Weed Wizards with metal chains immediately and discard or destroy the product. The firm is out of business and a remedy is no longer available. Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Weed Wizard
- Manufacturer
- Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp., of Bradley, Mich.
- Product type
- String trimmers
- Recall number
- 00-104
- Units
- About 2.7 million
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Home centers, mass merchants, discount stores, hardware stores and television advertisements nationwide sold Weed Wizards with metal chains, from May 1987 through April 2000, for between $19 and $25. The replacement chain kits were sold from January 1992 through April 2000 for about $8.
Weed Wizard trimmer heads
CPSC product type: Weed Trimmers
Recall contact information
The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
