Sure-Pik Bowling Ball Returns Recall/Repair by AMF Bowling Products
Kids’ product recall 98-144. Announced by CPSC on Jul 20, 1998.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Jul 20, 1998. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Entrapment
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Which ones are recalled?
Sure-Pik Bowling Ball Returns Recall/Repair by AMF Bowling Products NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 1998 Release # 98-144 Company Phone Number: (800) 342-5263 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 CPSC, AMF Bowling Products Announce Recall to Repair or Replace Bowling Ball Returns WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AMF Bowling Products of Mechanicsville, Va., is announcing a program to repair or replace Sure-Pik bowling ball returns. Consumers’ fingers can become entrapped and injured in the ball return’s belt. CPSC and AMF have received 14 reports of children’s fingers becoming entrapped in these ball returns. Injuries range from bruises and lacerations, to partial amputations and fractures. Sure-Pik ball returns were manufactured by AMF Inc. between 1973 and 1980 and are in approximately 238 bowling establishments, including military installations, nationwide. Sure-Pik is written on the side of the ball returns. For AMF-owned establishments, AMF will install plastic guards on either side of the Sure-Pik ball returns to raise the sides around the moving belt. Large warning labels will be placed on the guards. These labels are colorful pictographs warning children to keep their hands and fingers out of the ball return. For non-AMF-owned establishments, AMF will offer each owner the option of either obtaining the repair kit at cost, plus shipping and handling, or receiving a trade-in allowance of $900 toward the purchase of a new AMF C-90 ball return. AMF also will make special lease financing available for qualified owners. For all establishments using Sure-Pik ball returns, AMF will provide, free of charge, warning labels and a safety pamphlet on children’s bowling. Owners of bowling establishments using Sure-Pik ball returns should contact AMF at (800) 342-5263 for information on participating in this recall program. Consumers should look for the plastic guards and warning labels on all Sure-Pik ball returns. If consumers don’t see this, they should contact the establishment’s manager.
Sure-Pik bowling ball returns.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by AMF.
- Made by Sure-Pik.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The notice doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
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.