FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 1999
Release # 99-058
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Company Phone Number: (877) 223-4391
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
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CPSC, Ace Hardware Corp. Announce Recall of Butane Lighters
WASHINGTON D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak
Brook, Ill., is recalling approximately 403,000 Ace butane,
multipurpose lighters. These lighters can leak excess
butane when they are in use, causing an unexpected flashback
or sudden burst of flame. This presents a risk of burns to
consumers and unintentional fires can occur.
Ace Hardware Corp. has received six reports of flame
flashback, one resulting in a small kitchen fire and one
consumer having her hair singed.
The lighter is approximately 9 inches long, has a black
plastic base with red plastic trim and a metal igniter
shaft. The bottom of the handle is marked MADE IN CHINA
and the metal igniter shaft is embossed with GAS TORCH. A
red sticker on the lighter reads, refillable. These
lighters were sold under Ace brand packaging, item number
4100715. The item number is printed on the upper right
corner of the packaging.
Ace Hardware stores nationwide sold the lighters from
March 1997 to May 1998 for between $2 and $3.
Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately
and return them to any independent Ace Hardware Store for a
refund. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Corp.
toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST
Monday through Friday.
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