Harbor Freight Tools Just Recalled Miter Saw Blade Guards—Here’s What We Know
Updated: Apr. 28, 2023
Harbor Freight Tools just recalled over 7,100 blade guards for some of their 12-inch miter saws. Own one of these saws? Here's what you need to know.
Woodworking power tools like miter saws are great for getting lots of work done fast, but with the massive increase in productivity comes a corresponding increase in danger. You’re not likely to lose a finger crosscutting wood with a hand saw, but when using a power miter saw the possibility is very real. That’s why learning miter saw basics is vital.
It’s also why tool manufacturers have been focusing for many years on design innovations to improve safety. These innovations make it much easier to use woodworking power tools with confidence, trusting that the manufacturer has done their homework when it comes to parts like blades and blade guards. Trouble is, sometimes safety innovations prove unreliable. When this happens, responsible tool manufacturers recall their defective products, redesign parts as needed, then supply their customers with the new version for free. That’s what Harbor Freight Tools has done recently with a certain part on some of its 12-inch Chicago Electric Miter Saws.
What Harbor Freight Tools Product Has Been Recalled, and Why?
On Feb. 23, 2023, Harbor Freight Tools officially recalled 7,175 lower blade guards from its Chicago Electric line of 12-inch miter saws. Made of clear and grey plastic, the blade guards have no model or serial numbers marked on them but are stamped with the words “Chicago Electric” in the grey area.
According to the manufacturer, they received one report of this blade guard breaking during use. The guards also don’t cover the saw blades fully, putting the user at risk of serious injury. No one has been injured to date, but the blade guard has proven unreliable.
How Do I Know If I Have a Recalled Blade Guard?
According to Harbor Freight Tools, blade guards bought for Chicago Electric miter saws with item number 61970 and a serial number lower than 370331931 are included in the recall.
Check the bottom of your saw’s warning label for these numbers. If you have a Chicago Electric blade guard you think may be included, check the date of purchase. Only blade guards bought between August 2019 and September 2022 have been recalled.
What Should I Do If Have a Recalled Blade Guard?
If you determine that you own a saw with a blade guard included in this recall, the first and most important step is to stop using your saw immediately. Even if you’re in the middle of a project and just need to make a few more cuts, the risk outweighs any benefits.
According to Harbor Freight Tools, all customers who bought a recalled blade guard will be contacted directly, and sent a new, safe blade guard for free. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Harbor Freight Tools directly at (800)-444-3353, or email [email protected].
Originally Published: February 28, 2023
