Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Announces Masonry Drill Bits Lack Safety Warning Label

June 9, 2006

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Robert Bosch Tool Corporation have issued a Public Safety Notice for Vermont American® 13-inch-Long Masonry Drill Bits.

The drill bit packages are not properly labeled with precautionary information on proper use and operation. These and other manufacturers' 13-inch bits can bend when run at a high speed without being in contact with a work surface, resulting in loss of control of the drill and possible lacerations. The safety label should read:

"! WARNING Read, understand and comply with tool manual before use. Wear eye protection. Max operating speed 600 RPM. At higher speeds the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the work. Start drilling at low RPM and with bit tip in contact with work. To avoid bit bowing - Apply pressure only in direct line with bit and do not apply excessive pressure. Bits can bind causing breakage or loss of control. Do not use in hammer drills or in drill press."

Robert Bosch Tool Corp. has received one report of a minor injury. About 700,000 units were sold.

The drill bits are 1/4-inch by 13-inches long, 5/16-inch by 13-inches long, 3/8-inch by 13-inches long, and 1/2-inch by 13-inches long. They were sold separately as accessories under the “Vermont American” brand name under catalog numbers: 14044, 14045, 14046, and 14048.

They were sold at hardware stores and home centers from January 2001 through April 2004.

Consumers should make sure that 13-inch masonry drill bits are in contact with a work surface at all times while operating the drill. Consumers with these drill bits that are missing the safety instructions should contact Vermont American Customer Service to obtain safety warning information. Call Robert Bosch Tool Corp. at (800) 742-3869 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday-Friday.