What was recalled
In a recent safety action announced on September 4, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that Makita U.S.A., Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall affecting specific models of their professional-grade cordless grease guns and associated replacement hoses. This recall is significant because it targets equipment commonly used in automotive repair, heavy machinery maintenance, and industrial settings where high-pressure lubrication is required. If you work with or own these tools, it is important to know exactly which items are involved to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your equipment.
The recall encompasses two distinct categories of products: complete cordless grease gun units and separate replacement hoses. For the grease guns, the affected models are the Makita Professional Cordless Grease Guns identified by model numbers XPG01S1, XPG01SR1, and XPG01Z. These are battery-powered tools designed for convenience and power in demanding environments. Alongside these complete units, the recall also includes standalone Makita Grease Gun Hoses with model numbers 191A79-9, 191A80-4, 191W59-7, and 191W58-9. It is worth noting that all affected grease gun models feature spring ends, a specific design characteristic that helps identify the batch of products in question.
Identifying whether your specific tool is part of this recall requires checking two critical pieces of information: the model number and the serial number. The model number can be found on the manufacturer label located on the right side of the grease gun body. However, because multiple models are affected, you must also verify the serial number to confirm inclusion in the recall. This serial number is located on the battery mounting port of the grease guns. The recall covers specific ranges of serial numbers for each model. For the XPG01Z model, affected serial numbers include ranges such as 1624-2163, 3030-5088, 20459-22582, and several others extending up to 115923. For the XPG01SR1 model, included serial numbers range from 02164-02813, 22583-23113, and continue through higher increments. The XPG01S1 model covers serial numbers such as 0137895-0143614 and 163962-164761. All standalone hoses with the aforementioned model numbers are included regardless of serial number, as the defect lies in the hose construction itself.
While the official recall notice does not specify the exact retail locations or the precise dates of sale for these items, it is understood that these products were distributed through Makita’s professional tool channels. If you purchased these tools recently or have them in your workshop inventory, checking the labels and ports is the most reliable way to determine if they are part of this safety action. The scope of the recall is defined strictly by these model and serial number combinations, ensuring that only units with the potential defect are targeted for remedy.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, a cordless grease gun is one of the most reliable tools in any mechanic’s or homeowner’s toolkit. It is designed to push thick, heavy lubricant through a flexible hose with consistent pressure, allowing you to reach tight spots without manual effort. However, this specific recall highlights a critical failure point within that system: the structural integrity of the flexible hose itself. The issue is not with the power source or the trigger mechanism, but rather with the tube that carries the grease from the gun to the application point.
The physical problem begins with the development of microscopic holes or tears in the inner lining of the flexible hose. Over time, or perhaps due to material defects inherent in certain manufacturing batches, the hose can compromise. When you are operating the tool under normal pressure, this defect remains hidden. But as soon as the high-pressure grease is forced through that weakened spot, the internal pressure causes the hole to expand rapidly. Instead of the grease flowing smoothly out of the nozzle at the end of the line, it bursts outward from the side of the hose.
This sudden ejection is what creates the severe laceration hazard. Grease guns operate at extremely high pressures—often hundreds or even thousands of pounds per square inch—to move thick lubricants. When that pressurized stream escapes through a hole in the hose, it acts like a high-pressure water jet cutter. The force is concentrated and intense enough to slice through skin and soft tissue instantly. This is not a minor splash; it is a violent expulsion of material that can cause deep cuts, requiring medical attention and potentially leading to infection or long-term tissue damage.
It is important to understand that this hazard can occur unexpectedly during routine use. You might be in the middle of lubricating a joint, feeling no difference in the tool’s performance until the moment of failure. The lack of warning makes the risk particularly insidious. While all five reported incidents involving laceration injuries occurred outside the United States, the physics of the hazard remains the same regardless of location. A compromised hose under pressure is a dangerous situation that demands immediate attention. By recognizing that the hose is the weak link in this specific chain of events, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety before an incident occurs.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing potential harm from this recall consists of professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts who rely on Makita cordless grease guns for maintaining heavy machinery, automotive components, or industrial equipment. These tools are not typically found in casual household toolboxes; they are workhorse devices used by mechanics, construction workers, agricultural equipment operators, and facility maintenance staff. If you fall into this category and use a Makita cordless grease gun to apply lubricant to zerk fittings on vehicles, tractors, or factory machinery, you are the specific audience for this safety notice.
The nature of the hazard—a high-pressure hose failure that can eject grease with significant force—creates a laceration risk that is particularly dangerous for individuals engaged in close-quarters maintenance work. When using these tools, users often position their hands and arms directly in line with the hose or near the nozzle to ensure proper attachment to hard-to-reach fittings. This proximity means that if the flexible hose develops a hole and fails under pressure, the sudden burst of grease can strike the skin with enough velocity to cut or tear tissue. Unlike a simple slip of the hand, this injury is caused by the tool itself malfunctioning while under load, leaving little time for reaction.
While the CPSC reports that all five documented incidents occurred outside the United States, the physical mechanism of injury does not change based on geography. The risk is inherent to the mechanical failure of the hose component. This makes the hazard relevant to any user, regardless of their location, who possesses one of the affected models. The vulnerability is not limited by age or demographic in a traditional sense; rather, it is determined by exposure. Anyone who handles these specific Makita Professional Cordless Grease Guns (models XPG01S1, XPG01SR1, and XPG01Z) or the standalone Makita Grease Gun Hoses (models 191A79-9, 191A80-4, 191W59-7, and 191W58-9) is at risk of injury if they continue to use them.
Furthermore, the risk extends slightly beyond just the primary operator. In workshop environments where multiple people may be nearby, a sudden hose failure can cause secondary injuries through flying debris or grease spray reaching bystanders. However, the most significant danger remains with the person holding the tool, as they are the ones applying the pressure and managing the device when the failure occurs. It is crucial to remember that this risk applies to both brand-new units and those that have been in service for some time, as the defect involves the potential development of holes in the flexible hose material over the course of use.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Because this recall affects specific manufacturing batches rather than every Makita tool ever produced, checking your equipment carefully is essential. The recall covers two distinct types of products: complete cordless grease guns and separate replacement hoses. If you own a Makita Professional Cordless Grease Gun, you need to verify both the model number and the serial number. The model numbers for the affected guns are XPG01S1, XPG01SR1, and XPG01Z. All of these models feature spring ends, so if your tool does not have a spring end, it is likely not part of this specific safety notice. However, you must still check the serial number to be absolutely sure.
To find the model number, look at the manufacturer label located on the right side of the grease gun body. This label is usually printed clearly and should be easy to read. Once you have confirmed the model number matches one of the three listed above, you must locate the serial number. The serial number is found on the battery mounting port of the grease gun. This is the area where you insert or remove the battery pack. Compare the numbers on your label against the specific ranges provided in the recall details. Because the affected serial numbers are grouped in several different blocks (for example, for the XPG01Z model, ranges include 1624 to 2163, 3030 to 5088, and others), a single mismatching number means your specific unit is safe from this recall.
If you have purchased Makita Grease Gun Hoses separately, the identification process is simpler but just as important. The recall includes hoses with model numbers 191A79-9, 191A80-4, 191W58-9, and 191W59-7. Check the packaging or the label on the hose itself for these specific codes. Since all affected grease guns have spring ends, if you are using a hose that attaches to a gun with a different type of connector, it is likely not part of this recall, but verifying the hose model number directly is the most reliable method.
If you cannot find a label, check your purchase records. The recall does not specify a date range for purchase, so any unit bought previously could be affected if it falls within the serial number ranges. If you have lost the labels or cannot read them clearly, do not guess. Contact Makita directly using the information provided in the remedy section to confirm whether your specific item is included. It is always better to be cautious with tools that can cause laceration injuries.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Makita Cordless Grease Guns or Grease Gun Hoses, your immediate priority is safety, not convenience. The very first and most critical action you must take is to stop using the equipment immediately. Do not attempt to patch the hose, try to force it to work again, or assume that because it hasn’t failed yet, it is safe to continue. The hazard described by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involves the flexible hose developing a hole that allows high-pressure grease to eject unexpectedly. This isn’t a minor leak; it is a laceration hazard capable of causing serious injury. By putting the tool down now, you are removing yourself from potential harm before an incident occurs. Treat this pause as non-negotiable until you have resolved the issue through the official remedy process. Once you have secured the tool in a safe location where no one will accidentally use it, you need to initiate contact with Makita U.S.A., Inc. to arrange for your free replacement hose. You have two primary ways to reach them. The most direct method is to call their dedicated toll-free number at 800-462-5482. When you call, be prepared to speak with a representative during their operating hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or want to keep a record of your inquiry, you can send an email to greasegunrecall@makitausa.com. Whether you call or email, have your model number and serial number ready, as this will help them verify your product’s eligibility for the recall remedy quickly. Alternatively, you can access detailed instructions and initiate the process through their website. Visit www.makitatools.com/recall directly, or go to the main site at www.makitatools.com and look for the "Important Safety Notice/Recall" link located in the top right corner under the "Support" menu. This digital path allows you to review specific details about the recall and follow their online guidance for obtaining your replacement parts. It is important to remember that Makita is providing a free replacement hose as the remedy. You should not expect to pay for this service, nor should you be directed to purchase new tools or unrelated accessories to resolve this safety issue. After you have contacted Makita and received confirmation of your remedy, follow their specific instructions for returning the defective item or receiving the new hose. Do not discard the recalled hose until you have been explicitly told to do so by the manufacturer, as it may be needed for their quality control analysis. Keep a record of your communication, including case numbers or email confirmations, until the process is fully complete. By following these steps diligently, you ensure that your workshop remains safe and that you are protected under the company’s warranty for this specific defect.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Makita Cordless Grease Guns or Grease Gun Hoses, you do not need to worry about bearing the cost of fixing this safety issue. The remedy provided by Makita U.S.A., Inc. is straightforward and entirely free for consumers. Specifically, the company has arranged to provide a replacement hose at no charge. This means that if your specific unit is part of the recall, you will receive a new, safe hose to install on your existing tool, effectively resolving the laceration hazard without requiring you to purchase a brand-new grease gun.
To initiate this process, you must contact Makita directly. The company has established dedicated channels to handle these claims efficiently. You can reach their support team by calling their toll-free number at 800-462-5482. It is important to note the hours of operation: they are available from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a record of your inquiry, you may also email them directly at greasegunrecall@makitausa.com.
In addition to calling or emailing, Makita offers several online resources where you can find detailed recall information and potentially start the remediation process. You can visit their dedicated recall page at www.makitatools.com/recall. Alternatively, if you are on their main website at www.makitatools.com, look for the "Support" section located in the top right corner of the page. Click on "Important Safety Notice/Recall" to access the necessary details and instructions for obtaining your free replacement hose.
When you contact Makita, be prepared to provide specific information to verify that your product is included in this recall. Have your model number and serial number ready. Remember, the model number is found on the manufacturer label on the right side of the grease gun, while the serial number is located on the battery mounting port. Providing these details accurately will help the support team quickly confirm your eligibility for the free replacement hose and expedite the shipping process to you.
It is crucial to understand that this remedy is limited to the provision of a new hose. The recall notice does not mention full refunds or replacements of the entire grease gun unit itself, only the faulty component. Therefore, if your primary goal is simply to continue using your current tool safely, obtaining the free replacement hose is the correct and intended path. Do not attempt to repair the old hose yourself or use it in any way, as the risk of laceration remains until the new part is installed.
Please act promptly to secure your free replacement. The recall was announced on September 4, 2025, and five laceration injuries have already been reported worldwide due to hose failure. By contacting Makita today, you ensure that your tool is safe for future use and that you are protected from the hazard described in this notice. There are no costs associated with this remedy, so there is no financial barrier to resolving the issue.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a product recall and think of it as an inconvenience—a bureaucratic hurdle that slows down your work or requires extra time on the phone. However, in the case of the Makita Cordless Grease Guns and associated hoses recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ignoring the notice carries immediate and tangible physical risks. The core issue is not a minor malfunction that might just stop the tool from working; it is a structural failure of the hose material itself. When the flexible hose develops a hole, it loses its ability to contain high-pressure grease. This turns a standard maintenance task into a dangerous situation where the equipment actively works against your safety.
The primary consequence of continuing to use these recalled items is the risk of laceration injuries. The CPSC reports that this specific failure mode allows pressurized grease to be ejected forcefully from the hose rather than flowing smoothly through the intended nozzle. Because the hose is flexible and under significant pressure, a rupture can cause the line to whip or spray its contents with considerable force. Grease guns operate at high pressures to overcome friction in lubrication points, meaning that when a hole forms, the escaping substance acts like a high-pressure jet. This can easily cut or tear skin, leading to painful lacerations that may require medical attention, stitches, or even surgical intervention depending on the depth and location of the injury.
We must also look at the data provided in the recall notice to understand the severity. The manufacturer has received five reports of incidents worldwide involving these specific models. While five might seem like a small number in the context of millions of tools sold, it is critically important to note that all five reported incidents resulted in actual laceration injuries. Furthermore, because these reports are from outside the United States, we do not have a complete picture of how often this failure occurs in domestic use. Assuming that no harm will come to you because "it hasn't happened here yet" is a dangerous gamble. The potential for injury exists whenever the hose develops a hole, which can happen without obvious warning signs until the moment of failure.
Beyond the immediate risk of cuts and tears, there are secondary dangers associated with ignoring this recall. High-pressure grease injection injuries are notoriously difficult to treat and can lead to severe complications, including infection or tissue damage that affects long-term mobility. Additionally, using a compromised tool can lead to unpredictable behavior during operation. If the hose fails while you are trying to lubricate a heavy piece of machinery or a vehicle component, you may lose control of the gun, potentially striking yourself or others nearby with the tool itself. The fatigue and frustration of working with a defective product can also lead to errors in judgment, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents unrelated to the grease ejection itself.
Finally, consider the ethical and practical implications of using a known defective product. Makita is offering a free replacement hose specifically because they have identified this flaw as a significant safety risk. By choosing not to act on this information, you are disregarding the manufacturer’s commitment to rectify a dangerous defect. You are essentially betting your physical health against the convenience of continuing to use the current hose. Given that the remedy is simple—contacting Makita for a free replacement—and the stakes involve preventing serious bodily harm, the rational choice is to stop using the recalled items immediately and secure the safe, repaired version. Your safety is not worth the risk of ignoring a verified hazard.
Staying safe: broader tips
Purchasing high-quality power tools and maintenance equipment is an investment in your productivity and home improvement projects, but true safety extends well beyond the moment you unbox a new device. One of the most effective ways to stay protected is by cultivating a habit of proactive vigilance. This means regularly checking official consumer safety databases, such as those maintained by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), for updates on your specific tools and household items. Recalls are not signs that a product is inherently dangerous; rather, they are evidence that manufacturers and regulators are working together to correct rare manufacturing flaws before they cause harm. By subscribing to email alerts or bookmarking the CPSC website, you ensure that you are among the first to know if a component you own has been identified for a potential issue, allowing you to address it calmly and quickly.
When it comes to mechanical tools like grease guns, drills, or saws, proper maintenance is your first line of defense against injury. Over time, flexible hoses, seals, and moving parts can wear down due to friction, pressure, and environmental factors. Regularly inspecting these components for cracks, bulges, or signs of leakage can help you identify problems before they escalate into hazardous failures. Never attempt to repair high-pressure hydraulic or pneumatic lines with makeshift fixes like tape or temporary clamps; if a part shows signs of wear, replace it with the manufacturer’s approved parts immediately. Using tools exactly as they were designed for their intended purpose also prevents undue stress on components that might otherwise fail under unexpected loads.
Beyond the tool itself, your workspace environment plays a critical role in preventing injuries. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses to protect against flying debris and gloves that offer grip without compromising dexterity. Keep your work area clean, well-lit, and free of tripping hazards so that you can maintain focus on the task at hand. Fatigue and distraction are common contributors to accidents, so take regular breaks during intensive projects to stay alert. Finally, always read and understand the owner’s manual before using a new tool. These guides contain specific instructions on safe operating procedures, load limits, and maintenance schedules that are tailored to the engineering of that specific model, providing you with the knowledge needed to use your equipment confidently and safely.