Homeowners and professional landscapers across Canada are being urged to check their power tools immediately following a major safety recall issued by Milwaukee Tool. The company has pulled two popular chainsaw models from the market due to a dangerous laceration hazard that could put users at risk of serious injury.
Affected Models Pose Immediate Danger
The recall involves two specific cordless chainsaw models: the M18 FUEL™ 16 cm Hatchet and the M12 FUEL™ 20 cm Pruning Saw. According to Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these tools can unexpectedly continue running after users release the trigger switch, creating a severe laceration hazard.
"When the trigger is released, the chain should stop immediately," explained a product safety expert. "In these recalled models, that crucial safety feature is failing, meaning the chain could keep spinning even when the operator thinks the tool is off."
Recall Statistics and Distribution
The scale of this recall is significant. Health Canada reports that approximately 1,200 of the affected units were sold in Canada, while nearly 385,000 were distributed in the United States. The tools were available at major retailers including The Home Depot Canada, Home Hardware, and other hardware stores nationwide between March 2022 and October 2023.
What Consumers Should Do Immediately
If you own one of these chainsaws, Milwaukee Tool advises you to:
- Stop using the recalled chainsaw immediately
- Contact Milwaukee Tool for a free repair
- Keep the tool away from children and other users
The company is providing free repairs to all affected customers. Consumers should visit Milwaukee Tool's website or call their customer service line to arrange for the necessary safety modifications.
Injury Reports and Safety Timeline
While no injuries have been reported in Canada, the situation in the United States is more concerning. Milwaukee has received 14 reports of the chainsaws failing to stop when the trigger was released, resulting in at least one laceration injury that required medical attention.
The recall comes after months of investigation. The problematic tools were manufactured between January 2022 and September 2023, with specific model numbers and date codes included in the official recall notice.
This safety alert serves as an important reminder for all power tool users to regularly check Health Canada's recall database and register new tools with manufacturers to ensure they receive critical safety updates directly.
