March 10, 2004

Harbor Freight Tools Announces Recall of Heavy Duty Portable Industrial Cord Reel

Name of Product: Heavy Duty Portable Industrial Cord Reel

Units: 9,390

Manufacturer: Harbor Freight Tools of Camarillo, Calif.

Hazard: Electric shock or fire possible because the internal grounding conductor may not be properly secured to the receptacle.

Description: The recalled heavy duty portable industrial cord reels are yellow with a carrying handle, extendable/retractable extension cord and 6 electrical outlets/plugs. The units are marked “Cord Reel Portable Power” and sold as “SKU 42053.” The label on the rear of the unit contains the following information: “Cord Reel, 10 Amps, 125 Volts, 1250 Watts, Caution, Disconnect all plugs inserted into the outlets on this face before winding cord reel in either direction, Made in Taiwan, R.O.C.”

Sold at: Harbor Freight Tools catalogs and website only from January 2000 through the beginning of February 2004 for approximately $10 to $13.

Manufactured In: Taiwan.

Remedy: Stop using the cord and reel immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools at (800) 444-3353 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to obtain a refund. Harbor Freight Tools is contacting owners of affected cord reels by direct mail where the name is known to the firm. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/showpage.taf?pageid=184