May 2, 2001                          

Tools Exchange Inc. Announces Recall of Novelty Cigarette Lighters

 

Tools Exchange Inc., of Lynwood, Calif., is recalling about 5,300 novelty cigarette lighters. The lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, presenting fire and burn hazards.

The lighters have two brand names:

 

The "Hotery Pocke Torch" comes in various colors, including red and green, and is shaped like a fire extinguisher. It is a butane-fueled, torch-style lighter with a black plastic cap that fits over the flame port and ignition switch. "HOTERY POCKE TORCH" is written on one side of the lighter, "Made in Taiwan" is written on a sticker on the other side, and "PT-16" is printed on the cap. The cap is attached to the lighter's body by a linked metal chain. These lighters were sold nationwide from January 2000 through December 2000 for about $7.

 

The "Pocket Torch" comes in red and dark gray, and is shaped like a fire hydrant. It is a butane-fueled, torch-style lighter with a black cap that fits over the flame port and ignition switch. The words "Fire Plug" appear in red inside of a black disk on both sides of the lighter. The cap is attached to the lighter's body by a linked metal chain. These lighters were sold nationwide from January 1999 to October 2000 for about $7.

 

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Tools Exchange collect at (310) 604-4444 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.