Bench Grinders Repaired by Montgomery Ward

WASHINGTON, D. C. (March 9) -- Montgomery Ward & Co., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced that it is continuing a voluntary repair program to correct a potential shock hazard in certain Wards' Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A six-inch bench grinders. This additional notice of the voluntary repair program is being issued in hopes of receiving a better consumer response. The program was first announced by the manufacturer, McGraw-Edison Co., on August 29, 1978.

A protective sleeve that insulates an electric lead wire may wear through on some units if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded and the user is grounded or is touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe.

The repair program applies only to Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A grinders with a "77F" date code embossed on the nameplate and to certain units with the same model number that were purchased after June 1, 1973, but show no date code. Units with the "77F" date code that bear an orange inspection sticker on either the unit or its packing carton have already been inspected and are not subject to this repair program.

The grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. For instructions on having the units checked and repaired free-of-charge, owners of the grinders should write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, C/O National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine Sts., Boonville, MO. 65233.

To verify the model number, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.