LOS ANGELES – Thousands of electric chainsaws and pole saws sold at major retailers are being recalled due to a potentially dangerous malfunction that could lead to serious injuries.

The recall, announced Thursday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), affects about 49,000 saws manufactured by Positec Tool Corporation. The company said the tools’ main power switch may fail, causing the blade to continue running even after the user lets go of the trigger.

What chainsaws and pole saws are affected?

The backstory:

The recall includes four types of electric corded saws sold under the Hyper Tough, Worx, and Portland brands. Affected models are:

• Hyper Tough 9 Amp Electric Corded 14-inch Chainsaw (sold at Walmart)
• Worx 8 Amp 14-inch Electric Chainsaw
• Worx 8 Amp Electric Pole Saw
• Portland 9 Amp 14-inch Chainsaw (sold at Harbor Freight)

According to the CPSC, the saws were sold between September 2023 and March 2024 at Walmart, Harbor Freight, and through Worx and Amazon websites. Another 3,000 units were recalled in Canada.

What we know:

The saws’ main switch can malfunction, causing the blades to keep running even after the trigger is released—creating what the CPSC describes as a “laceration hazard.” While no injuries have been reported so far, Positec said it is issuing the recall proactively to prevent harm.

Positec is offering affected customers a free replacement. To qualify, customers must contact the company for a pre-paid shipping label and, if needed, a return box to send back the recalled unit.

In the meantime, consumers are urged not to use the recalled saws.

What we don’t know:

It’s unclear how many of the recalled saws are still in use. The company and CPSC have not released detailed production figures by model or retailer. There have also been no reports of property damage or malfunction-related incidents to date.

What to do if you own a recalled saw

What you can do:

Customers who believe they have a recalled model should check the CPSC recall notice for identifying information, including item numbers, SKUs, UPCs, and serial numbers.

To request a shipping label and begin the return process, consumers can contact Positec directly through the recall page on its website. The company will provide a free replacement saw once the original is returned.