Complaint Review: Klein Tools - Owners Of Vaco Products Company

My complaint concerns the Klein #76011B Nibbler Cutting Tool (or earlier known as the Vaco Nibbler Cutting Tool #70376).

I was using this tool for the first time on December 28th, 2003 when an injury happened. I was cutting soft Aluminum (less than 1/16th of an inch thick) and was making my third cut when the shaft end broke off and the spring-nut-clip assembly shot upwards hitting me on and below my right eye. This caused bleeding from two cuts, redness, pain and swelling below and around my eye. Naturally, my face was directly above the tool as I observed the cutting.

The package says it will cut Aluminum up to 1/16" thick and mine was less than this. I was not wearing any eye protection because there is no indication on the package that eye protection should be worn. No warnings at all about personal protective devices.

I typed a letter and sent pictures of everything to Klien Tools via certified mail. I was contacted (by telephone) by Russ Goldmann II, Director, Corporate Engineering. Naturally, he wanted me to send the broken tool and the original package to them for their evaluation, but because my injuries were not sever and I had no medical expense's or lost time at work, they wasn't too concerned about the injuries I did incure or possibly could have suffered. The cuts beside my eye were within one inch of my eyeball, and I sent them a picture showing this. How could they not be too concerned about this?

To date, I have not returned the tool or packaging. I sent a email message to Mr Goldmann asking them to present this to their insurance company and let them make a determination of liability. But my message has went unanswered nor has their insurance company contacted me.

They are simply ignoring my concerns for their customers and tool. I offered to send them the tool after they have settled my complaint fairly, but they just don't seem too interested in this possible liability. For the sake of any other consumers going through the pain I incurred, I will continue to pursue this with Klien and continue posting internet complaints until they are ready to react.

Dan
Lebanon, Indiana
U.S.A.