CPSC, Emerson Tool Company Announce Recall of Wet/Dry Vacuums
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2003-12-16). Hazards: laceration.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 04053 |
| Published | 2003-12-16 |
| Last updated | 2025-01-14 |
| Product category | Vacuum Cleaners/Sweepers |
| Products | Craftsman 16-gallon and RIDGID 12- and 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums |
| Firm named in the title | Emerson Tool Company |
| Firms | Emerson Tool Company, a division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo. (manufacturer) |
| Manufactured in | United States |
| Hazard classes | laceration |
| Sold | Home Depot stores and RIDGE Tool distributors nationwide, from March 1999 through October 2002, and Sears Roebuck and. Co. stores nationwide, from September 1998 through October 2002, for between $70 and $300. |
Description
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
Hazard
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.
Remedy
Consumers should contact Emerson toll-free number to request a free insert. The insert is installed inside the blower port, to eliminate the hazard.
Incidents and injuries
Emerson Tool Company has received 10 reports of children inserting their arms into the ports and receiving minor cuts and abrasions to their fingertips.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.