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Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

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Medium RiskCPSC
Tools & Hardware

Whalen Recalls Stainless Steel Tool Chests Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Costco (Recall Alert)

Agency Publication Date: April 10, 2014
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Summary

Whalen is recalling about 20,000 stainless steel tool chests because a sharp metal flange on the inside of the right-hand door can cause deep cuts. The company has received 11 reports of injuries, including two instances where consumers required stitches after being cut by the sharp edge. These units were sold exclusively at Costco between March 2010 and October 2013 for about $500 to $550. Whalen is providing a free repair kit that includes a protective cover to eliminate the sharp edge.

Risk

A sharp metal flange or stopper runs the entire length of the inside of the right-side cabinet door. Consumers can accidentally strike this sharp edge while accessing the tool cabinet or pegboard, resulting in severe lacerations.

What You Should Do

  1. Immediately stop using the right-side cabinet portion of the tool chest until the repair is completed.
  2. Check your assembly instructions or purchase records for Whalen item number WSMTB72 or Costco item number 496675 to confirm your unit is part of the recall.
  3. Identify the affected unit by its measurements (72 inches long, 37.5 inches high, and 19 inches deep), stainless steel construction, wooden block top, and its configuration of ten drawers on the left/center and a cabinet on the right.
  4. Contact Whalen toll-free at 866-942-5362 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.whalenstorage.com and click on 'Recalls' to request a free repair kit that includes a protective cover for the sharp flange.
  5. If you were a direct purchaser, watch for communication from Whalen as they are contacting known buyers directly.
  6. For additional questions or to report a safety concern, contact the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Your Remedy Options

🔧Free Repair

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Whalen for a free repair kit that includes a protective cover for the flange. Whalen is contacting all purchasers directly.

Contact: Whalen toll-free at (866) 942-5362 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.whalenstorage.com and click on "Recalls" for more information.

Affected Products

Product: Whalen Stainless Steel Tool Chest (72-inch)
Model:
WSMTB72
496675
Date Ranges: March 2010 through October 2013

Product Images

Whalen 72 inch tool chest

Whalen 72 inch tool chest

Whalen 72 inch tool chest

Whalen 72 inch tool chest

Whalen tool chest with open door

Whalen tool chest with open door

Additional Information

Agency: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Recall ID: 14729
Status: Active
Manufacturer: Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, of San Diego, Calif.
Sold By: Costco Wholesale Corp. from March 2010 through October 2013 for between $500 and $550.
Manufactured In: China
Units Affected: About 20,000
Distributed To: Nationwide
Contact: Whalen toll-free at (866) 942-5362 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.whalenstorage.com and click on "Recalls" for more information.
Agency Last Updated: May 23, 2014

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: CPSC Notice · Raw API Response