Product Safety Recalls

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2003 Release # 03-135

CMD Recall Hotline: (800) 210-9949 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Conceptual Marketing & Development, Inc., Announce Recall of Weed Cutting Attachment Blades

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Conceptual Marketing & Development Inc., of Lincoln, Calif., is voluntarily recalling approximately 1.1 million metal blades for their model 4650 weed cutting attachment. The blades can break off and hit consumers causing severe impact and laceration injuries.

CMD and the commission are aware of 16 reports of blades breaking, resulting in 12 injuries. Injuries have ranged from lacerations requiring stitches to tendon and bone injuries.

Only cast aluminum metal alloy blades are included in the recall. The blades measure 1/4 inch thick, 1 inch wide and 4 inches long, and are a dull silver color. Blades that are either smooth on the bottom or have ridges are included in the recall. All of the blades were made in the U.S.A.

Home improvement and hardware stores nationwide sold the blades with the weed cutting attachments, or separately as replacements, from November 1999 through December 2001.The model 4650 weed cutter with blades sold for about $15 and a set of three replacement blades sold for about $6.

Consumers should stop using the recalled blades immediately and contact CMD for free replacements. Consumers can contact CMD at (800) 210-9949 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.