Whalen Recalls Stainless Steel Tool Chests Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Costco (Recall Alert)
Source: CPSC Recall #14729
Recall Date
2014-04-10
Manufacturer
Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, of San Diego, Calif.
Units Affected
About 20,000
Products Involved
Stainless steel tool chests
Hazard
The inside of the right door has a metal stopper or flange with a sharp edge running the length of the door, which poses a laceration hazard.
Remedy
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.
Reported Injuries
Whalen has received 11 reports of injuries, including nine reports of minor cuts caused by the sharp-edged flange and two reports of cuts requiring stitches.
Sold At
Costco Wholesale Corp. from March 2010 through October 2013 for between $500 and $550.
Manufactured In
China
Full Recall Description
The recalled tool chests are about 72 inches long, 37½ inches high and 19 inches deep. They are made of stainless steel with a 1½-inch thick wooden block top and with ten storage drawers on the left and center in a variety of heights. The right side has a cabinet with shelves and peg board to hang tools on the inside of the door. The chest stands on swivel caster wheels and has handles on each end that can be used to move the unit. Whalen item number WSMTB72 and Costco item number 496675 are printed in the assembly instructions.
Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.
For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.
Last verified: 2026-03-28