What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific tip-over restraint kits designed to secure furniture to walls. These kits are branded under the name "American Bolt and Screw" and were not sold directly as standalone products, but rather were distributed inside packaging along with certain clothing storage units manufactured by Canyon Furniture. The primary issue lies in the components provided within these kits, which were intended to prevent heavy dressers or chests from tipping over onto children. If you purchased a chest or dresser from the Canyon Lake, Canyon River, Cottage Colors, Creekside 2.0, Ivy League 2.0, or Modern Colors furniture lines between June 20, 2023, and January 20, 2024, your unit may have been equipped with these recalled restraint kits.
To identify if your product is part of this recall, you need to look at both the packaging that contained the hardware and the furniture itself. The tip-over restraint kits were packaged in a distinctive red plastic bag. Inside this bag, you will find a plastic zip tie, two white plastic brackets, four screws, two white plastic drywall anchors, and an instruction sheet. Printed clearly on both the red bag and the included instruction sheet is the manufacturer information: "American Bolt & Screw MFG CO. LTD," located at 600 S Wanamaker Ave., Ontario, CA 91761. Crucially, you must check for a manufacturing date printed on these items. The affected kits were produced either on June 20, 2023, or January 20, 2024.
In addition to the hardware packaging, you should inspect the clothing storage unit itself. Affected units manufactured by Canyon Furniture Co. feature a white label affixed to the back of the piece. This label displays "Canyon Furniture Co." in black text, along with a model number that begins with the prefix "CANY" and the manufacture date of the furniture unit. These items were sold exclusively through Amazon.com by Shanghai Chushuo Electronic Commerce Co. If you bought a Canyon Furniture dresser or chest from this specific seller during the specified manufacturing window and it came with the red bag containing the American Bolt and Screw hardware, your product is included in this recall.
It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported at this time, the recall is proactive. The concern centers on the durability of the plastic zip tie included in the kit. Over time, or due to material defects, this specific zip tie can become brittle and break. If the zip tie fails during a tip-over event, it may allow the furniture unit to detach from the wall anchor completely, negating the safety feature entirely. Therefore, verifying whether your unit contains these specific components is essential for ensuring the safety of your household.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look past the simple label of "tip-over" and examine the specific mechanical failure involved. The core issue lies not with the furniture itself, which is likely sturdy enough on its own, but with the small plastic component designed to keep it anchored to your wall: a plastic zip tie included in the American Bolt and Screw tip-over restraint kits. These ties are intended to act as a secure bridge between the white plastic brackets attached to the dresser and the anchor point in your wall. However, CPSC testing and investigation have revealed that these specific plastic ties can become unexpectedly brittle over time. This brittleness is not immediately visible; the tie may look perfectly fine on the outside, but its internal structure has degraded, losing the flexibility and tensile strength required to hold heavy furniture in place.
When a piece of furniture like a chest or dresser begins to tip forward—perhaps because a child climbs on it, pulls out multiple drawers at once, or simply bumps into it—the weight shifts rapidly. Under normal circumstances, the restraint kit should absorb this force and keep the unit from falling completely. But if the plastic zip tie has become brittle, it lacks the ability to stretch slightly to absorb shock or withstand sudden tension. Instead of holding firm, the tie can snap or break apart instantly. Once that single point of failure occurs, the entire anchor system is compromised. The clothing storage unit is no longer tethered to the wall and becomes a free-standing, top-heavy object.
This leads directly to the entrapment hazard, which is often more dangerous than the fall itself. When a tall dresser or chest tips over completely, it does not just land on its side; it can crush whatever is underneath it. In homes with young children, this frequently results in the child becoming pinned beneath the heavy furniture. The weight of the unit can compress the chest cavity, making it difficult for the child to breathe, leading to suffocation or serious internal injuries. Because these units are often made of solid wood or dense engineered materials, the force exerted on a small body is immense and can be fatal. The CPSC notes that this specific mechanism—failure of the plastic tie followed by total detachment—has been identified as a direct pathway to death or serious injury, even though no incidents have been formally reported to the agency yet. This is precisely why preventive action is so vital; the hazard is latent until the moment of failure.
It is also important to understand that this risk is not limited to only the most dramatic situations. A tip-over does not always require a child to climb on the furniture. In many cases, simply opening several drawers simultaneously can shift the center of gravity enough to cause the unit to lean forward. If the restraint kit fails at that moment due to brittle plastic, the furniture can collapse forward onto anyone standing nearby or interacting with it. The danger is compounded by the fact that these units are often placed in bedrooms where children spend significant time, increasing the likelihood of exposure to this hidden mechanical failure.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing serious danger from this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of six. While the hazard involves a specific component—the plastic zip tie used in the tip-over restraint kit—the consequences of its failure are disproportionately severe for toddlers and preschoolers. These are the children most likely to climb onto chests, dressers, or other clothing storage units. The design of these furniture pieces often includes drawers that can act as steps, inviting curious little ones to scale them to reach toys, books, or higher shelves. When a child climbs on a unit that is supposed to be anchored but becomes detached due to a brittle or broken zip tie, the sheer weight of the furniture can fall directly onto them. Because young children are small and lightweight relative to the mass of a dresser filled with clothes and other items, they have very little ability to move out of the way once the tip-over begins.
The risk is not limited to just the impact of the falling object. The CPSC has identified an entrapment hazard alongside the tip-over danger. When a large furniture unit tips over, it can create spaces between the fallen item and the floor or wall. Small children, due to their size and lack of strength, can become pinned or trapped in these gaps. This entrapment can lead to suffocation or crushing injuries, which are often fatal. The vulnerability of this age group is compounded by their developmental stage; they do not yet have the cognitive awareness to recognize the instability of a piece of furniture or the physical strength to push it back upright if it begins to lean.
While children are the most immediate concern, other household members can also be at risk depending on the location of the furniture. In shared living spaces such as dormitories, multi-generational homes, or apartments where Canyon Furniture units were distributed with clothing storage items from the Canyon Lake, Canyon River, Cottage Colors, Creekside 2.0, Ivy League 2.0, and Modern Colors lines, any adult attempting to access high drawers could be injured if the unit detaches unexpectedly. However, the likelihood of survival and the severity of injury are generally higher for adults due to their greater mass and ability to brace themselves or move away from falling objects more quickly than a small child.
It is also important to note that the risk extends beyond just the occupants of the home. If these units were sold on Amazon.com by Shanghai Chushuo Electronic Commerce Co., they may be in various locations across the country, potentially including guest rooms or nurseries where visitors’ children might play. Anyone who has purchased these specific items and failed to verify their safety status is potentially part of a high-risk group until the free replacement kit is installed. The silence of the current record regarding reported incidents does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that no official reports have been logged yet, which can be misleading. The structural failure of the restraint system creates a latent danger that exists regardless of whether an accident has already occurred.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Determining whether your furniture is part of this recall requires a careful, methodical inspection of both the clothing storage unit itself and the hardware kit that came with it. Because these items were distributed through specific retail channels, knowing where you bought them is your first clue, but physical verification is essential to confirm safety. The affected products are chests and dressers manufactured by Canyon Furniture. These units belong to several specific lines, including Canyon Lake, Canyon River, Cottage Colors, Creekside 2.0, Ivy League 2.0, and Modern Colors. If you purchased your furniture from Rooms to Go, or if it was sold on Amazon.com by Shanghai Chushuo Electronic Commerce Co., you should proceed with a detailed check of the unit’s labels.
Your primary task is to locate the manufacturer’s identification label. This label is typically affixed to the back of the clothing storage unit. You will need to look for a white label that clearly displays "Canyon Furniture Co." printed in black text. Alongside this brand name, you must verify the model number. The affected units have model numbers that begin with the prefix "CANY." Additionally, the label will include a manufacture date. While the recall notice does not list every specific date as excluded, it provides context for the associated hardware dates, so noting the unit's production month and year is important for your records.
Equally critical is inspecting the tip-over restraint kit that was included with the furniture. This hardware is what poses the risk because the plastic zip tie can become brittle or break over time. The recalled kits were packaged in a distinctive red plastic bag. Inside, you should find a plastic zip tie, two white plastic brackets, four screws, two white plastic drywall anchors, and an instruction sheet. Check the exterior of this red bag and the instruction sheet for printed text. You are looking for the manufacturer details: "American Bolt & Screw MFG CO. LTD, ADDRESS: American Bolt & Screw, 600 S WANAMAKER AVE., ONTARIO, CA 91761." Most importantly, look for a manufacturing date of either "JUNE 20, 2023" or "January 20, 2024." If your kit matches this description and date, it is part of the recall.
If you cannot find the original packaging or are unsure if your specific dresser came with this particular hardware set, do not guess. The CPSC advises that you can contact Rooms to Go for assistance in determining whether your chest or dresser came with the affected tip-over restraint kit. They can help you verify your unit’s history and confirm if it requires a remedy. Until you have confirmed the status of your furniture and installed a safe replacement, keep children away from the unit to prevent any potential tip-over or entrapment hazards.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect your furniture is part of this recall, the most critical action you can take right now is to prioritize immediate safety over convenience. The hazard here involves a subtle failure in the plastic zip tie that secures the unit to the wall. Because this component can become brittle and break without warning, you must treat the current restraint as non-functional. Please keep children away from the clothing storage unit entirely while you arrange for a fix. Do not allow them to climb on it, hang off its drawers, or lean against it. The risk of tip-over is real, and until the new kit is installed, the anchor point is compromised.
Once the area is secured, your next step is to verify whether your specific unit was affected by this recall. The kits in question were distributed with clothing storage units manufactured by Canyon Furniture, including models from the Canyon Lake, Canyon River, Cottage Colors, Creekside 2.0, Ivy League 2.0, and Modern Colors lines. To confirm if your piece is part of this specific recall, check for a white label on the back of the unit. You are looking for "Canyon Furniture Co." printed in black text, along with a model number that begins with "CANY" and a manufacture date. Additionally, look at the packaging or instruction sheet for the original restraint kit; it should be inside a red plastic bag and bear the manufacturing date of either June 20, 2023, or January 20, 2024.
If you are unsure whether your chest or dresser came with the affected tip-over restraint kit, do not guess. Contact Rooms to Go for assistance in determining if your unit is included. You can reach them toll-free at 855-688-0919 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or via email at productcare@roomstogo.com. This step ensures you are not unnecessarily replacing parts on an unaffected unit, nor leaving a hazardous one unaddressed.
If your unit is confirmed to be part of the recall, you will receive a free replacement tip-over restraint kit. All known purchasers are being contacted directly by American Bolt and Screw, but if you have not heard from them, you should proactively reach out. You can contact American Bolt and Screw by email at recall@absfasteners.com or visit their dedicated recall page at www.ABStipoverecall.com. Alternatively, you can go to https://absfasteners.com/ and click on "ABS Recalls" at the bottom of the page to initiate the process. Once you have received and installed the new, safer restraint kit, dispose of the recalled tip-over restraint in your household trash. Do not attempt to reuse the old zip tie or brackets, as they are no longer reliable for preventing serious injury or death.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled tip-over restraint kits distributed with your Canyon Furniture clothing storage unit, please take a moment to breathe. This is a serious safety matter, but it is also a manageable problem with a clear path forward. The good news is that American Bolt and Screw MFG CO. LTD has established a straightforward remedy for this situation: they are providing free replacement tip-over restraint kits to all affected consumers. You do not need to pay for new hardware, shipping, or installation assistance. The company is treating this as a full warranty obligation, meaning the burden of getting you safe equipment falls entirely on them, not on you.
The most critical step in securing your replacement is understanding who is handling the process. American Bolt and Screw is taking the proactive approach by contacting all known purchasers directly. This means that if you bought the furniture through a channel where they have your information, you may already be receiving communication from them regarding your specific unit. However, because supply chains can be complex and records vary, you should not wait passively if you do not hear from them soon. It is entirely appropriate to reach out to initiate the process yourself.
To obtain your free replacement kit, you have several direct avenues for contact. You can email American Bolt and Screw at recall@absfasteners.com. For a more detailed guide or to track the status of your request, visit their dedicated recall page at www.ABStipoverecall.com. Alternatively, you may go to their main website at https://absfasteners.com/ and look for the "ABS Recalls" link located at the very bottom of the page. These digital options are available around the clock, allowing you to start the process on your own time without waiting for business hours.
If you purchased your chest or dresser through Rooms to Go, they can also assist you in determining whether your specific model came with the affected restraint kit and may help facilitate the replacement. You can reach their customer care team toll-free at 855-688-0919 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. They are also available via email at productcare@roomstogo.com. Whether you contact the manufacturer directly or go through the retailer, the outcome is the same: you will receive a new, compliant tip-over restraint kit at no cost to you.
Once you have successfully installed the new replacement kit, there is one final administrative step to complete regarding the old hardware. You should dispose of the recalled tip-over restraint in your regular household trash. It is important that this defective plastic zip tie and its associated components are removed from your home entirely to prevent any confusion or accidental reuse. By following these steps, you ensure that your child’s safety is restored immediately while adhering to the official recall instructions.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with a product recall, especially one that requires taking apart furniture or waiting for a replacement part. The convenience of ignoring the issue might seem appealing in the short term, but doing so leaves your home in a state of preventable vulnerability. The core danger here is not merely that the furniture might fall; it is that the specific mechanism designed to keep it safe—the plastic zip tie—has been identified as fundamentally unreliable. When you continue to use the clothing storage unit without installing the free replacement restraint kit, you are relying on a component that can become brittle or break unexpectedly. This means the anchor point between the wall and the dresser is compromised, effectively turning the piece of furniture back into an unsecured object.
The consequences of this failure are severe and immediate. If the unit tips over while a child is nearby, the risk is not limited to minor scrapes or bruises. The recall notice explicitly warns of entrapment hazards alongside tip-over risks. In a real-world scenario, a tipped chest or dresser can pin a small child underneath its weight. Because children have delicate bodies and developing respiratory systems, even a moderate amount of pressure from wooden furniture can cause suffocation or crushing injuries. These are not theoretical possibilities; they are the specific reasons the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this as a serious injury or death hazard. The plastic zip tie’s inability to maintain a secure hold during a tip-over event removes the last line of defense that keeps the heavy unit stationary.
While there have been no reported incidents at this time, the absence of current reports does not guarantee future safety. Relying on luck is not a safety strategy. The hazard exists regardless of whether a child has interacted with the furniture recently. If a child climbs into the drawers, their weight shifts the center of gravity, making a tip-over more likely. Without the proper, non-brittle replacement kit to firmly anchor the unit to the wall, that shift in weight can result in the entire structure collapsing forward or sideways. The danger is silent and sudden. By waiting for the free replacement kit, you are actively choosing to leave this risk in place. Ignoring the recall does not make the plastic degrade more slowly; it simply means you are betting that a brittle tie will hold up under stress when it has already been proven not to. Protecting your family requires acting before a tip-over event turns a piece of furniture into a trap.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical failure in one brand’s tip-over restraint kit, the underlying principle applies to every piece of furniture in your home that can tip. Furniture tip-overs are a persistent and serious hazard for young children, who naturally climb on drawers, shelves, and dressers to reach toys or explore their environment. When a child pulls themselves up on an unsecured unit, the center of gravity shifts rapidly. If the furniture is not firmly anchored to the wall stud, it will pivot forward, potentially crushing the child underneath. This risk does not disappear as children grow; toddlers are just one part of the demographic that interacts with furniture in unpredictable ways. Therefore, treating every tall storage unit as a potential hazard and proactively securing it is the most effective way to prevent tragedy.
First, never rely solely on the hardware provided with the furniture manufacturer’s kit without verifying its integrity. As seen in recent recalls, plastic components like zip ties or thin brackets can degrade over time due to temperature changes, humidity, or simple wear and tear. Instead of assuming your current anchors are sufficient, inspect them regularly. Look for cracks in plastic brackets, fraying in metal straps, or loose screws. If you are unsure about the condition of your existing hardware, replace it immediately with a high-quality, UL-listed anti-tip kit from a reputable retailer. These kits often use more durable materials and provide clearer installation instructions than generic manufacturer inserts.
Second, proper installation is just as important as having the kit itself. Many people make the mistake of anchoring furniture to drywall alone. Drywall is not a structural support; it can pull out of the wall under significant weight. You must locate the wooden or metal studs behind your drywall using a stud finder and anchor your brackets directly into these studs with the provided long screws. If you cannot find a stud in the ideal location, use heavy-duty toggle bolts designed for drywall, but know that direct stud anchoring is always superior. Ensure the bracket is tight against the wall and the furniture leg or frame is securely attached to the bracket with no wiggle room.
Finally, adopt a habit of checking your home’s safety protocols during seasonal changes or after moving. Keep heavy items on lower shelves to lower the center of gravity of the unit itself. Avoid placing tempting toys or electronics on top of dressers or bookcases, which might encourage climbing. Additionally, stay informed about product recalls by signing up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and checking their database regularly. Products are recalled not because they are inherently evil, but because manufacturing defects or material failures can emerge over time. Being proactive about these checks transforms a passive risk into a managed safety routine, giving you peace of mind that your home is secure for everyone in it.