Lebanon, IN-based Festool USA is recalling the TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Circular Saws due to a flaw in the plunge lock that poses a potential laceration hazard.
According to the report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the plunge lock can engage when not intended, causing the saw blade to remain exposed from the housing after a plunge cut.
Manufactured in Germany by parent company Festool Group GmbH & Co. KG., the TS 55 REQ is a small, portable circular saw used in woodworking. It features a 160-mm saw blade, aluminum guide rails, and a plunge cut feature.
Festool USA hasn’t received any reports of personal injury, however the company did note one instance of property damage. If customers exchange or repair the saw, the company does encourage users to hold on to the aluminum guide rails, as those components are actually compatible many other products in the company’s portfolio.
The saw is 12 inches long and has a gray blade housing. It also includes a blue motor housing with a soft hand grip and green accents.
According to the CPSC, consumers can find the date code and serial number on a rating plate located on the saw’s motor housing, underneath the main handle. The recalled saws include serial numbers 40033594 through 40074108.
The voluntary recall affects about 5,200 units sold in the U.S., and another 500 sold in Canada from May 2013 to July 2013. Health Canada is also involved in the joint recall with Festool and the CSPC.
Available in hardware stores, woodworking stores, independent retailers, and online retailers, the circular saws retailed for about $585.
According to the CPSC, consumers should stop using the recalled saws immediately and contact Festool USA for details on how to get a free repair or replacement product — or receive a refund.
According to a statement issued by Festool, “affected customers may opt to send their TS 55 REQ in for repair, exchange their TS 55 REQ for the TS 75 at no additional cost, or have Festool issue a refund for the purchase price of the TS 55 REQ at no cost to the consumer.”
The CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. To report your experience with the product, visit SaferProducts.gov.