Defective Nail Guns Recalled
DEWALT, a nail gun manufacturer, has recalled about 14,000 DC608 cordless nail guns, which can cause a hazard to nail gun operators by continuing to operate even in a locked position. According to an article in Consumeraffairs.com, the defective product can continue to operate when the trigger is not pulled and the contact trip is depressed. The unexpected ejection of nails could pose a serious injury hazard to consumers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also issued a safety alert about these defective products. No injuries have been reported so far. The recall involves the DEWALT DC608 18 Volt Cordless 2’ 18 Guage Straight Brad Nailer with date codes 200728 through 200821. These nailers, manufactured in Mexico, were reportedly sold from October 2007 through May 2008 for about $280.
Those who own and use these products are asked to immediately stop using the nailers and contact DEWALT for the location of the nearest service center. DEWALT will repair these defective nail guns for free. For more information please contact the manufacturer toll-free at 1-866-220-1481 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or please visit the company’s Web site at www.DEWALT.com.
Nail gun injuries have been increasing at an alarming rate over the last five years. According to a recent investigation by the Sacramento Bee, 42,000 people – more than 100 a day – show up at U.S. hospital emergency departments annually with nail gun injuries. Treating these wounds reportedly costs the United States at least $338 million a year in emergency medical care, rehabilitation and workers’ compensation, according to a CPSC estimate. California companies reported 1,890 nail gun injuries leading to missed work days from 2003 to 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
I commend DEWALT for admitting the product defect and issuing a prompt recall. Nail gun injuries have resulted in major injuries and fatalities. Failing a prompt recall, this product defect could have caused numerous serious injuries.
