CPSC, Emerson Tool Company Announce Recall of Wet/Dry Vacuums

The recall involves Craftsman 16-gallon and RIDGID 12- and 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums. The vacuums are used to pick up wet and dry debris. Another feature of the vacuum is the blower, which provides additional cleaning functions. Product Description Retail Price* Model Number Serial Number** RIDGID 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac $74.00 WD12450 01310-02193 RIDGID 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac $94.00$119.00$119.00$139.00$139.00 WD16350 WD16600 WD16650 WD17350 WD17351 01309-02168 99168-02155 01311-02162 01313-0204 502043-02178 Craftsman 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac $139.00 $139.00 $119.00 $293.00 $293.00 113.170250 113.170260 113.17033 113.292670C 113.295670C 02049-02210 98240-00236 02156-02219 99281C-00319C 00227C-02122C * Retail price listed in U.S. Dollars. ** Serial Number Range provides the first five characters of the serial number/date code listed on the product's data plate. Recalled by Emerson Tool Company, a division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo..

The exhaust blower ports on the wet/dry vacuums are large enough for a small child to reach inside and touch the spinning blower wheel. This poses a laceration hazard to small children.

Consumers should contact Emerson toll-free number to request a free insert. The insert is installed inside the blower port, to eliminate the hazard.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on December 16, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 04053.