From the scary recall files

Published 3/23/07

I was looking through some old product recalls for a story I’m working on, when I came across this one that struck me as A) particularly scary, and B) quite understated when you consider what would happen.

On February 15, 2005 Brave Products recalled about 4000 log splitters because “The log splitter’s hydraulic cylinders can have defective rod retention, causing the seals to leak and the rods to detach. This can result in serious injury to the operator, as the rod can rapidly and unexpectedly extend the splitting wedge.”

I think the word “extend” is what makes it sound almost benign. It sound like the splitter could slowly start moving, which would be annoying but only dangerous to the very slow. But that’s not the case — the wedge can rapidly and unexpectedly extend.

Ever used a log splitter? I have. I wouldn’t want the wedge to rapidly or unexpectedly do anything.

The Fray

3 responses (add yours)

Dorene says:

I shudder to think that someone must have alerted them to this problem. I sure hope they’re okay.

March 23rd, 2007 at 10:35 AM

Leland says:

Yes Dorene, a man now known as “Lefty” and his lawyer brought the matter to the attention of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Actually, the process of alerting the CPSC to potentially lethal problems is an inefficient patch work of different procedures (depending on who is making the report) apparently designed to frustrate those trying to make a report. Just ask any ER doctor.

I personally know one incident one from years ago. The ER doc saw a string of injuries from an infant swing that turned over. After a number of these, all consistent stories, he checks back and found out they were all the same make and model sold at several big box discount chains. The good doctor spent two months making phone calls and writing letters before someone at the CPSA finally took notice.

March 24th, 2007 at 12:34 PM