CPSC, Makita Announce Random Orbit Sander Recall

Washington, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Makita U.S.A. Inc. of La Mirada, Calif., is recalling about 130,000 units of its 5-inch Random Orbit Finishing Sanders, model B05000. The metal fan inside the sander can fracture during use, causing pieces of the broken fan to break through the motor cover, possibly injuring the operator.

Makita has received approximately 10 reports of the fan breaking, including two injuries that occurred when fan pieces struck the operators of the sander. The sanders were sold through various hardware stores, tool dealers, and home centers nationwide from April 1992 through June 1994 for about $125.00 each. This recall applies to Makita Random Orbit Sanders that are identified with the sticker. 

Makita previously repaired a number of orbit sanders prior to sale. Sanders that were already repaired before sale have the letter "N" stamped on the top left side of the identification sticker and printed before the serial number. This recall does not apply to the model B05001 sander.

To avoid possible risk of personal injury or permanent damage to the sander, consumers who own the model B05000 sander without the "N" stamp should return the sander for repair to the nearest Makita Factory or Authorized Service Center, listed in the phonebook. Consumers who have any questions should call a Makita ServiceCenter for assistance.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

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