Heat Gun Recall: Wagner, ACE and Milwaukee Heat Guns

Approximately 300,000 Wagner Spray Tech heat guns have been recalled due to a risk that they may continue to produce heat even after the power is switched off, posing a potential fire and burn hazard for consumers.

The heat gun recall was announced on June 17, 2009 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Wagner Spray Tech Corp. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. At least nine reports have been received of the heat guns malfunctioning and overheating.

A faulty electrical component has been cited as the cause of the heat gun problems, which can cause them to stay hot after use. This can cause the heat gun’s plastic casing to melt and cause a burn if it is touched or set fire to nearby combustibles.

The heat guns, which are manufactured in China, are designed to emit hot air to strip paint, remove flooring, defrost frozen surfaces and mold plastic. The recalled models are the Milwaukee Heat Gun MHT3300, the ACE HT3500 Heat Gun, and the Wagner Heat Gun HT3500.

The name and model number of the recalled heat guns are printed on a black label on the bottom of the barrel. The guns are made from black or yellow plastic and are 10 inches long, 8 inches tall and 3 inches wide. They were sold at hardware and home improvement stores throughout the United States for about $40 each.

The CPSC advises users to immediately stop using the any recalled heat gun and contact Wagner for a free replacement product. Product liability lawyers recommend that if any burns or fire damage was caused by Wagner heat guns, the product should be preserved in a manner designed to avoid future use until appropriate testing can be completed.