December 19, 2002
Makita U.S.A. Inc. Announces Recall to Repair Circular Saws

Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif., is recalling about 180,000 circular saws. The lower blade guard of the saw can become jammed, which can result in the consumer coming in contact with the blade and suffering a serious injury. Makita U.S.A. Inc. has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recall involves 7 1/4-inch circular saws with the model number 5740NB. The model number is located on the silver nameplate next to the name "Makita." The saw's housing is blue-green and the name "Makita" appears on the metal blade guard and silver nameplate on the motor housing. The recalled saws were manufactured in China. Home centers, hardware stores and industrial suppliers nationwide sold the circular saws from April 1998 to November 2002 for between $99 and $119.

Consumers should stop using the circular saws immediately and return them to the nearest Makita factory service center for a free repair. For more information on how to return the saw or to locate the nearest Makita factory service center, consumers should contact Makita U.S.A. Inc. at (800) 462-5482 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Any 5740NB circular saws with an "N" preceding the serial number on the nameplate and a blue dot on the shipping carton are not involved in this recall.