CPSC, Swingline Announce Recall of Rechargeable Staplers
Home product recall 03-017. Announced by CPSC on Oct 17, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Oct 17, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 11,100 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
If a consumer inadvertently releases the spring-loaded staple magazine while holding the stapler close to his/her face, there is a risk of injury from a fully loaded magazine striking a consumer in the face.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these staplers immediately and contact Swingline for a free replacement.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Contact Swingline at (800) 820-6220 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled cordless stapler is silver and black and comes with a black charger and charger base. The stapler, charger, and charger base have the name “Swingline” printed on them. The stapler’s model number, 48201, as well as the words “Made in China,” are stamped on the battery cover on the bottom of the stapler. If the battery cover has the letter “S” in the upper right corner, then the stapler is not included in the recall.
About 11,100 units, as CPSC gives them.
Rechargeable Staplers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Swingline, a division, Acco Brands Inc., of Lincolnshire, Ill.
- Office supply retailers nationwide sold the staplers, from June 2002 through September 2002, for about $75.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Swingline has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.