Circular saws, grinders recalled due to risks

WASHINGTON – A power tool company is recalling about 180,000 circular saws because a safety component can jam, posing a risk to users of being seriously cut by the blade.

Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif., has received no injury reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

In a separate case, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. is recalling about 24,000 electric grinders because the switch can stick in the “on” position.

The Brookfield, Wis., company has received a dozen reports of the switch sticking, but no injuries have occurred.

Makita’s recalled saws include model number 5740NB on a silver label. Saws with an “N” prefix in the serial number are fine.

The 15-amp electric grinders from Milwaukee Electric Tool have a 7- or 9-inch disc and bear the following catalog numbers: 6086-20, 6088-20 or 6089-20. Serial numbers are prefaced with 991A, 991B, 994A, 994B or 992A.

The government advised consumers to stop using both products and return them for a free repair. For return information on the saws, Makita can be reached at (800) 462-5482, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. For electric grinder information, consumers can contact Milwaukee Electric Tool at (800) 414-6527, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST weekdays.