Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 277,000 chain saws. Heat from the saw's muffler can melt the saw's front hand guard if the removable exhaust deflector is not attached properly.
The hand guard is designed to prevent contact with the chain and can manually activate the chain brake during a kickback. A damaged hand guard exposes consumers to a risk of injury from the chain.Husqvarna has received one report of a death in Canada and one report of a serious hand injury after the base of the saw's hand guard melted.
The recalled chain saws include the Husqvarna models 42, 51, 55, 242, and 254 with serial numbers beginning with 531 and below.
The recalled saws also include models 61 and 257 with serial numbers beginning with 324 and below. The chain saws are orange and have the Husqvarna name printed on both sides of the motor.
The model number is printed on the left side of the motor and on the serial number plate on the left front of the motor.
The hand guard is made of black, gray or orange plastic.
Authorized Husqvarna dealers nationwide sold the chain saws from 1990 through 1995 for about $400 to $600.
You should immediately stop using the chain saw and return it to the nearest authorized dealer for a free replacement muffler, which has a welded deflector. The company will also replace any hand guards that show signs of heat damage.
For more information, call the company at (800) 438-7297.
Food dehydrator recall
K-Tel International Inc. of Plymouth, Mass., announced a replacement program for 75,000 food dehydrators. They can overheat, presenting a fire hazard.
K-Tel is aware of nine incidents resulting in seven fires. One person was injured by smoke inhalation.
The recall involves the Deluxe Dehydrator with Fan, model no. 80043. The round, white plastic appliance measures 13 inches in diameter with a 3-inch thick base and a gray plastic lid. The base is labeled in part, "K-Tel . . . style No. LD 1010 . . . " The base is stacked with five trays with holes in the center. Each contains a gray plastic tray on which fruit, vegetables or meat can be dried.
Retail stores and telemarketers sold the dehydrators nationwide from October 1993 to December 1995 for $30 to $40.
To obtain a free replacement dehydrator without a fan or a comparable product, call the company at (800) 462-5292.
Keep tools on edge
To keep your steel tools sharp and rust-free, line the bottom of your tool box with carpet. As you put tools away, wipe or spray a thin coating of oil on the metal. The carpet helps protect sharp edges, and the oil prevents rust.
- From "Remodeling & Decorating Today" on HGTV
To keep left-over paint from drying out, place waxed paper over the can opening before you replace the lid.
- From: "Remodeling & Decorating Today" on HGTV