Electric Chainsaw Recall: 49K Hyper Tough, Worx, Portland Saws for Switch Failure & Laceration Hazard

Key Takeaways

Recall Scope: About 49,000 electric chainsaws and pole saws sold in the U.S. (plus 3,028 in Canada) are affected due to switch failures .
Brands/Models: Includes Hyper Tough (14" chainsaw), Worx (14" chainsaw/8" pole saw), and Portland (14" chainsaw) .
Hazard: Faulty switches cause blades to keep running after release, posing laceration risks .
Remedy: Stop using saws immediately; contact Positec for a free prepaid return label and replacement .
Sales Period: Sold at Walmart, Harbor Freight, Amazon, and Worx.com from September 2024–March 2025 .

The Chainsaw Recall: What’s Happening and Why

So Positec Tool Corporation announced this big recall on July 3, 2025, covering near ’bout 49,000 electric corded chainsaws and pole saws in the U.S. alone. Another 3,000 units got pulled in Canada too, which makes it one of the larger power tool recalls this year . The core problem? A defective main switch that might not shut off the blade when released. Yeah, you heard right—the saw could just keep running even after you let go of the switch. Scary stuff, honestly, ’specially when you’re handling something as sharp as a chainsaw .

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is overseeing this recall, labeling it a "laceration hazard." What’s kinda surprisin’ is that despite the clear risk, there’ve been zero reported injuries so far. Positec’s being proactive here, tryin’ to get ahead of any accidents . But still, if you’ve got one of these saws, you’d wanna act fast—better safe than stitches, right?

Which Models Are Under Recall?

Alright, let’s get specific. The recall targets four models across three brands. Here’s the breakdown so you can check yours:

Hyper Tough 9 Amp Electric Corded 14” Chainsaw: Black with red trim, sold exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com. Look for item number HT21-401-002-01. If you bought it between October–December 2024, it’s likely included .
Worx 8 Amp 14" Electric Chainsaw: Orange and black, model WG305. Sold via Worx.com and Amazon. Serial numbers startin’ with 202408 to 202501 are affected .
Worx 8 Amp Electric Pole Saw: Also orange/black, model WG309 (includes an 8-foot pole). Same serial number range as above. Sold on Worx’s site and Amazon .
Portland 9 Amp 14" Chainsaw: Green with a black bar, SKU 58949 or UPC 193175451774. Exclusively at Harbor Freight stores and HarborFreight.com .

Table: Identifying Recalled Saws

Why These Saws Are Considered Unsafe

The issue’s all about the main power switch failing—kinda like a stuck accelerator but for chainsaws. Normally when you release the trigger, the blade should stop immediately. But in these units, the switch can malfunction, lettin’ the chain keep spinning even after your finger’s off the trigger . That’s what the CPSC calls a "laceration hazard," which is just a fancy way of saying it could cut you or someone nearby real bad .

What’s tricky is the problem might not show up every time. Your saw could work fine 9 times outta 10, but on that 10th use... it jams. And since there’s no external sign the switch is faulty, you won’t know till it happens. Positec’s engineers traced it back to a component flaw in switches made between August 2024–January 2025 .

How to Get Your Chainsaw Replaced

If your saw’s on the list, here’s exactly what to do—don’t put it off, yeah?

Stop using it immediately. Seriously, even if it seems fine today .
Contact Positec:
- Call ’em toll-free: 888-997-8871 (9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, Mon–Fri).
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Worx’s recall page and click "Chainsaw Recall" at the bottom .
Return it: They’ll send a prepaid shipping label and a box if needed. No receipt? No problem—just send back the saw .
Get your replacement: Once they receive your old unit, Positec ships a new (safe) saw within 3–4 weeks. All free—you ain’t payin’ a dime .

Where These Saws Were Sold and For How Much

Most folks bought these at big retailers between late 2024 and early 2025. Prices ranged pretty reasonable—$50 for basic chainsaws up to $120 for pole saws. Here’s where they were sold:

Hyper Tough: Only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com .
Portland: Exclusively through Harbor Freight’s site and stores .
Worx models: Direct from Worx.com or Amazon .

Sales started September 2024 and ran through March 2025. So if you picked one up last fall or winter, double-check your model against the list .

Canada’s Recall: Yardworks and Worx Models

Yeah, our neighbors up north are part of this too. Health Canada recalled 3,028 units under the Yardworks and Worx brands—same switch issue . Affected models include:

Yardworks 2-in-1 Electric Pole Saw (model 0545757)
Yardworks Electric Corded Chainsaw (model 0545763)
Worx chainsaw/pole saw (WG305/WG309, same as U.S. units)

Canadians should stop using these immediately and contact Positec Canada. Selling or even givin’ these away’s illegal under Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Act now .

Why No Injuries Doesn’t Mean “No Risk”

Some folks might think, "Well, no one’s been hurt yet—maybe it’s not urgent." But that’s a gamble you really don’t wanna take. Laceration hazards with power tools ain’t like a paper cut; we’re talkin’ serious injury potential .

Positec’s doin’ this recall before any incidents ’cause they know how quickly a malfunction could turn dangerous. Imagine pruning a tree, the saw jams on, and now you’re tryna wrestle a live blade—no thanks .

What to Do While Waiting for Your Replacement

Got a project halfway done? Yeah, it’s frustrating havin’ to stop mid-job. But don’t risk using the recalled saw. Here’s what you can do instead:

Rent a saw: Most Home Depot or Lowes locations rent tools by the day.
Manual tools: For small branches, a hand saw or loppers work fine.
Borrow safely: If a friend loans you a saw, triple-check it’s not on the recall list.

And hey—while you’re waitin’ for your replacement (takes 3–4 weeks), maybe tackle that garage cleanout you’ve been postponing? Silver linings, right ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is my chainsaw safe if it’s not one of the listed brands?

A: This recall only covers Hyper Tough, Worx, and Portland models made between specific dates. If you’ve got a different brand (like DeWalt or Ryobi), you’re fine—but always check your model’s recall status at CPSC.gov .

Q2: Do I need a receipt to return my saw?

A: Nope! Positec doesn’t require proof of purchase. Just the saw itself .

Q3: Can I fix the switch myself instead of returning it?

A: Positec explicitly says not to try DIY repairs. The replacement’s free—just send it back .

Q4: Are battery-powered chainsaws included?

A: No. This recall’s only for corded electric models. Battery-operated saws aren’t affected .

Q5: How do I find my chainsaw’s serial number?

A: Usually on a label on the saw body or bar. Worx models have it near the handle; Hyper Tough/Portland’s is on the motor housing. Photos on Worx’s recall page show exact spots .

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