RotoZip Saw Recall

[BB_TX]

If you have a RotoZip type saw, you may want to read this.

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2002
Release # 02-109
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
Roto Zip Recall Hotline: (800) 920-1467

CPSC, Roto Zip Tool Corporation Announce Recall of Handheld Saws

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Roto Zip Tool Corporation, of Cross Plains, Wis., is
voluntarily recalling about 1.9 million handheld saws. The handles on
these saws can separate from the body, causing the operator to be cut.

CPSC and Roto Zip Tool Corp. have received 360 reports of loose or
separating handles on the saws. As a result, there have been 19 reports
of injuries to consumers, including some cuts requiring stitches.

The recall includes Revolution(R), RebelTM and SolarisTM model
Spiral SawTM power tools. The brand name and "ROTOZIP SPIRAL SAW" are
written on the side of the tools. The saws are mostly black or red. The

recalled saws include the serial numbers listed below:

Saw Model: Revolution(R) Serial Number Range01: through 1,145,000
Saw Model: RebelTM Serial Number Range01: through 415,000
Saw Model: SolarisTM Serial Number Range: 01 through 270,000

Home, hardware and department stores, and infomercials sold these
saws nationwide from December 1999 through January 2002 for between $50
and $190.

Consumers should remove the handle from their recalled saw if
there is a loose fit between the tool handle and the tool body, and
contact Roto Zip Tool Corp. to receive a free replacement handle. For
more information, contact the Roto Zip Tool Corp. toll-free at (800)
920-1467 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT any day of the week, or visit the
firm's web site at www.rotozip.com.


To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link
from your
web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following
address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02109.html

 

[beenthere]

Wow, I would never have imagined that a little start-up company like that (a young drywaller with an idea that mushroomed into something big) would have sold that many of those three kinds of units in such a short time. The two that I have (one is before the handle was put on) are not a problem. Sounds like they may get beat around too much and the handle loosens up.
I sure use mine for a lot of unique things, other than cutting holes in drywall and wood panelling.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Hmm, now I don't feel so bad choosing the Dremel Advantage over the Rotozip.

SHF

 

[MarkV]

BB TX, Thanks for the head up. I don’t use mine often because I hate doing drywall, but will check it out. Did I mention that I haaaaaaaaate doing drywall.

MarkV

 

[beenthere]

Does the Dremel Advantage have a handle on it like the RotoZip? I've noticed that several brands are jumping onto the popularity of the RotoZip and putting a handle on theirs too.
Interesting how we "da*n them if they do, and da*n them if they don't" recognize a problem and do the right thing with a recall. I have a handle on mine, but its as solid as a rock, so their must have been an improvement to make it better. The reports read like the ones (.020%) in question were allowed to let the handle get loose from abuse or neglect, and then when they fell off, some (5%) were injured.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Beenthere

Mine does. The handle is detachable but it's stuck on pretty tight and I haven't tried to get it off. The Dremel seems to be slightly "daintier" than the rotozip casewise. In otherwords, the body of the machine is slighly smaller and shaped a little different. There also doesn't appear to be any of the great saw attachments that there are for the rotozip. On the other hand the carrying case has a place for a snake. I haven't tried it yet, but it appears the snake on my standard Dremel will transfer over. Which would mean that all of the regular Dremel tools and attachments should work with it. The advantage also has a hanging loop, which makes sense with a snake since its hard to work the snake and hold the tool. I expect that I'll use it for cutting once in awhile, but mostly I'll probably mount the snake and use it for grinding and shaping where the extra power will be much appreciated.

It's kind of a John Deere/Kubota, HST/GST difference between these two tools, the snake was (obviously) what made the difference for me.

SHF