Radial Arm Saws Are Recalled

A Missouri company is recalling about 3.7 million Craftsman brand radial arm saws sold in the last 40 years because of about 300 reports of severe injuries caused by incompletely guarded blades.

Emerson Tool Co., of St. Louis, is recalling the saws because they were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday. Injuries caused by contact with the blade or by wood kicked back by the saw include hand and finger amputations; cut and broken hands and fingers; and facial injuries.

The recalled Craftsman 8-, 8 1/4-, 9- and 10-inch radial arm saws have a model number beginning with 113, usually located on the base of the saw. The brand name “Craftsman” and the store name “Sears” are written on the saws.

Sears stores and catalogs sold the 8-, 9- and 10-inch saws from 1958 through 1992. The 8 1/4-inch saws were sold from 1990 through 1995. The saws sold for $100 to $700, depending on the model, year purchased and accessories.

The safety commission began an investigation in late 1999 after noticing a pattern of injuries related to the saws, said spokesman Mark Ross.

Emerson is offering a free repair kit that provides a complete blade guard, which the safety commission called a substantial improvement over guards manufactured before 1993. Even if consumers have purchased a lower guard for their saw, they should still replace it with the new guard system.

For older model saws and others that cannot accept the new guard, Emerson will provide $100 for the return of the saw carriage. Consumers must contact Emerson to receive a free repair kit or to return their saw carriage. Saws should not be returned to Sears.

The safety commission advises consumers to stop using their Craftsman radial arm saws immediately and call Emerson at (800) 511-2628 or visit its Web site at https://www.radialarmsawrecall.com to determine whether a saw is recalled, or to ensure they have proper instructions for safe use.