Safety Alert: Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Masonry Drill Bits Lack Safety Warning Label

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, today issued a Public Safety Notice for the following consumer products. Consumers should review the safety precautions below for long drill bits before further use of the bits.

Name of Product: Vermont American 13-inch-Long Masonry Drill Bits

Units: About 700,000

Manufacturer: Robert Bosch Tool Corp., Mt. Prospect, Ill.

Hazard: The drill bit packages are not properly labeled with precautionary information on proper use and operation. These and other manufacturers' 13-inch bits can bend when run at a high speed without being in contact with a work surface, resulting in loss of control of the drill and possible lacerations.

The safety label should read:

"! WARNING Read, understand and comply with tool manual before use. Wear eye protection. Max operating speed 600 RPM. At higher speeds the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the work. Start drilling at low RPM and with bit tip in contact with work. To avoid bit bowing - Apply pressure only in direct line with bit and do not apply excessive pressure. Bits can bind causing breakage or loss of control. Do not use in hammer drills or in drill press."

Incidents/Injuries: Robert Bosch Tool Corp. received one report of a minor injury.

Description: The drill bits are 1/4-inch by 13-inches long, 5/16-inch by 13-inches long, 3/8-inch by 13-inches long, and 1/2-inch by 13-inches long. They were sold separately as accessories under the "Vermont American" brand name under catalog numbers: 14044, 14045, 14046, and 14048.

Sold at: Hardware stores and home centers nationwide from January 2001 through April 2004 for between $7 and $10.

Manufactured In: USA

Remedy: Consumers should make sure that 13-inch masonry drill bits are in contact with a work surface at all times while operating the drill. Consumers with these drill bits that are missing the safety instructions should contact Vermont American Customer Service to obtain safety warning information.

Consumer Contact: Call Robert Bosch Tool Corp. at (800) 742-3869 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday thru Friday.