Black & Decker Trimmer/Edger Recall Reannounced After More Injuries

After continuing to receive injury reports from consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Black & Decker reannounced that about 200,000 GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers have been recalled due to a defect that could cause pieces of the trimmer to suddenly explode outward at a high speed.

The Black & Decker Grasshog Trimmer/Edger recall was initially issued in July 2007, but the company has received so many additional injury reports that a follow up announcement of the recall was issued on August 4, 2009, hoping to reach consumers who may still be using the devices.

The Grasshog’s spool, cap and pieces of the trimmer string can detach during use and suddenly fly out from the trimmer at high speed, creating a “serious laceration hazard” to both users and bystanders, the CPSC has stated. The Grasshog can also overheat, creating a burn hazard for users.

At the time of the initial recall, Black & Decker was aware of more than 700 incidents, including 58 injury reports. Since the recall, the company has received more than 100 additional injury reports, as well as property damage reports such as broken windows.

The electric-powered trimmers, made in China, included in the recall have date codes of 200546 through 200645, which are located on the underside of the trimmer’s handle. The recall only affects GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers with black spool caps.

Versions of the same device with orange spool caps are not subject to the recall.

The recalled Black & Decker edgers were sold at major home improvement retailers and appliance stores throughout the United States between November 2005 and January 2007.

The CPSC and Black & Decker recommend consumers immediately stop using the recalled trimmers and contact the company for a free repair kit.