Recall #06-185 · Published June 9, 2006

Vermont American® 13-inch-Long Masonry Drill Bits

Safety Alert: Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Masonry Drill Bits Lack Safety Warning Label

CPSC published a recall notice for Vermont American® 13-inch-Long Masonry Drill Bits from Vermont American® 13-inch-Long Masonry on June 9, 2006. CPSC identifies this hazard: The drill bit packages are not properly labeled with precautionary information on proper use and operation. These and other manufacturers' 13-inch bits can bend when run at a high speed without being in contact with a work surface, resulting in loss of control of the drill and possible lacerations. The safety label should read: "! WARNING Read, understand and comply with tool manual before use. Wear eye protection. Max operating speed 600 RPM. At higher speeds the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the work. Start drilling at low RPM and with bit tip in contact with work. To avoid bit bowing - Apply pressure only in direct line with bit and do not apply excessive pressure. Bits can bind, causing breakage or loss of control. Do not use in hammer drills or in drill press." The official remedy states: Consumers should make sure that 13-inch masonry drill bits are in contact with a work surface at all times while operating the drill. Consumers with these drill bits that are missing the safety instructions should contact Vermont American Customer Service to obtain safety warning information.

Recalled Masonry Drill Bit
Recalled Masonry Drill Bit
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare every letter, number, space, and suffix. A similar-looking product may not be included in this recall.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Why it was recalled

The drill bit packages are not properly labeled with precautionary information on proper use and operation. These and other manufacturers' 13-inch bits can bend when run at a high speed without being in contact with a work surface, resulting in loss of control of the drill and possible lacerations. The safety label should read: "! WARNING Read, understand and comply with tool manual before use. Wear eye protection. Max operating speed 600 RPM. At higher speeds the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the work. Start drilling at low RPM and with bit tip in contact with work. To avoid bit bowing - Apply pressure only in direct line with bit and do not apply excessive pressure. Bits can bind, causing breakage or loss of control. Do not use in hammer drills or in drill press."

Incidents and injuries

Robert Bosch Tool Corp. received one report of a minor injury.

Official remedy

Consumers should make sure that 13-inch masonry drill bits are in contact with a work surface at all times while operating the drill. Consumers with these drill bits that are missing the safety instructions should contact Vermont American Customer Service to obtain safety warning information.

Product and sales details

Manufacturer
Robert Bosch Tool Corp., Mt. Prospect, Ill.
Recall number
06-185
Units
About 700,000
Manufactured in
United States
Sold at / sales period
Hardware stores and home centers nationwide from January 2001 through April 2004 for between $7 and $10.

Vermont American® 13-inch-Long Masonry Drill Bits

CPSC product type: Drills & Bits

Recall contact information

Call Robert Bosch Tool Corp. at (800) 742-3869 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday thru Friday.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Publication and verification

  1. Recall published

  2. CPSC record last published

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