Michaels Recalls Tassel Keychain Mobile Power Banks Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

What was recalled

In late October 2019, a specific line of festive accessories sold at one of America’s most popular craft retailers came under scrutiny due to safety concerns. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Michaels, the well-known arts and crafts chain, was recalling its private-label “Bead Landing” tassel keychain mobile power banks. This recall, officially dated October 29, 2019, targets a unique hybrid product that blends everyday utility with decorative charm. These items were marketed as both fashion accessories and practical electronics, designed to allow users to carry a portable charging source for their smartphones or other small devices right on their keyrings.

The recalled products are distinct not just for their function, but for their specific physical characteristics and branding. Each unit measures approximately 7 inches in length by 1.5 inches in width, featuring a decorative tassel that gives it its name. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, these power banks come equipped with essential charging accessories, including USB cables, micro USB cables, and a lightning adapter specifically designed for the micro USB cable. The recall is not broad across all Michaels inventory; it strictly applies to units sold in four specific colors: black, cream, blush pink, and iridescent blue. If your item does not match one of these color descriptions or lacks the Bead Landing branding, it was not part of this specific safety notice.

To help consumers identify whether they own a recalled unit, precise identification numbers are critical. The recall encompasses items with the following Stock Keeping Units (SKU) and Universal Product Codes (UPC). You should check your product packaging or the item itself for these exact codes:

• Black color: SKU 545929, UPC 191518582543
• Cream color: SKU 545930, UPC 191518582550
• Blush Pink color: SKU 545931, UPC 191518582567
• Iridescent Blue color: SKU 545932, UPC 191518582574

While the official recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold nationwide, these items were available for purchase at Michaels retail stores. The combination of the lithium-ion battery technology within such a compact, decorative form factor is what necessitates this careful identification. Consumers who purchased these keychains during the time they were on shelves should verify their item against the list above immediately to determine if it falls under this safety alert.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific type of energy storage device: a lithium-ion battery. To understand why these tassel keychain mobile power banks are dangerous, it helps to look at what happens inside that small cell when things go wrong. Lithium-ion batteries are excellent at storing and releasing energy quickly, which is why they are used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, they operate with a delicate chemical balance. When the battery in these Michaels keychains fails, it typically experiences an event known as "thermal runaway."

Thermal runaway occurs when the internal temperature of the battery rises uncontrollably. This can happen due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or electrical faults within the power bank’s circuitry. As the heat builds up inside the sealed battery cell, it generates more heat, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. The materials inside the battery begin to break down, releasing flammable gases and increasing pressure until the casing can no longer contain them. In the case of these recalled items, the CPSC reports that this process leads to the units overheating significantly while in use.

The danger here is twofold: fire and burns. Because these power banks are designed as keychains, they are often carried close to the body—attached to a bag, a belt loop, or even directly on a person. When the battery overheats and catches fire, it does not just pose a risk to surrounding property. It poses an immediate burn risk to the user. The heat generated during this failure can be intense enough to cause serious skin injuries in seconds, especially if the device is resting against clothing or skin.

It is important to note that these failures are not always predictable. You might not see warning signs like swelling, discoloration, or unusual warmth before a catastrophic failure occurs. The fact that there have already been two reported incidents of these specific keychains catching fire while charging confirms that the defect is active and present in the recalled units. Unlike a standard power bank that sits on a table, a keychain-style power bank moves with you. If it ignites while you are walking, commuting, or simply carrying your belongings, you have very little time to react before injury occurs.

This is why the remedy is so straightforward: stop using them immediately. There is no way to safely "repair" a lithium-ion battery that has demonstrated a tendency toward thermal runaway. The chemical integrity of the cell is compromised, and continuing to charge or discharge it keeps the risk active every time you plug it in. By returning the item, you are removing an unpredictable fire source from your daily life.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing potential danger in this recall consists of individuals who have purchased the specific Bead Landing tassel keychain mobile power banks from Michaels. Because these items are sold as fashionable accessories rather than dedicated electronics, the consumers involved may not view them with the same level of caution typically reserved for standard battery-powered devices. Anyone who owns one of the black, cream, blush pink, or iridescent blue models listed in the recall notice is potentially at risk, regardless of their technical expertise.

While the hazard stems from a mechanical failure—the lithium-ion battery overheating—certain demographics may be more vulnerable to the consequences. The most immediate concern involves users who carry these keychains in close proximity to their bodies, such as in pockets or attached to bags worn against the hip. If the battery fails while being carried, the heat generated can cause severe burns to the skin before the user even realizes something is wrong. This risk is particularly acute for individuals who may be less sensitive to temperature changes or slower to react to physical discomfort.

Elderly consumers and those with reduced sensation in their extremities or torso area are at heightened risk. Conditions such as neuropathy, which can diminish the ability to feel heat or pain, mean that a burning device might not trigger an immediate reflex to remove it. For these individuals, the window of time to escape injury is significantly shorter than for someone with normal sensory perception. Additionally, older adults may have slower reaction times, making it harder to quickly detach and discard a hazardous item once it begins to overheat.

Parents of young children also face a unique set of risks. While the product is not marketed as a toy, its tassel design and compact size might attract curious hands. Children are more likely to hold devices against their skin for extended periods or place them in pockets. Their thinner skin is also more susceptible to thermal injury than adult skin. Furthermore, if a child is using the device to charge a tablet or phone while holding it, the combination of the battery heat and the device’s own warmth could increase the likelihood of accidental contact with hot surfaces.

Another vulnerable group includes people who rely on these power banks for essential communication. If the device fails catastrophically in a critical moment, the user may be left without power during an emergency. While this is not a direct physical injury risk from the fire itself, it creates a secondary safety hazard if the user is stranded or unable to call for help due to the device’s failure. The recall highlights that two incidents have already occurred where these units caught fire, underscoring that the risk is not merely theoretical but has manifested in real-world scenarios.

Ultimately, the risk is not limited by age or ability but by proximity and usage patterns. Anyone who keeps this item on their person, uses it to charge devices while holding it, or stores it in enclosed spaces like bags or pockets shares in the potential danger. The design of a keychain power bank inherently encourages constant physical contact, which amplifies the consequences of any thermal event. Recognizing that these items are not just accessories but active energy sources is crucial for all users to understand why immediate action is necessary.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

• Black Color: SKU 545929 | UPC 191518582543
• Cream Color: SKU 545930 | UPC 191518582550
• Blush Pink Color: SKU 545931 | UPC 191518582567
• Iridescent Blue Color: SKU 545932 | UPC 191518582574

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

In the world of product safety recalls, it is completely understandable to feel a moment of hesitation when you are asked to part with an item that might still look perfectly functional. However, in this specific situation involving the Michaels Bead Landing tassel keychain mobile power banks, the remedy provided by the manufacturer and enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward and consumer-friendly: a full refund. There is no option for repair or store credit for these units because the core component—the lithium-ion battery—is fundamentally unsafe due to overheating risks. Attempting to fix the internal electronics would not resolve the underlying manufacturing defect that caused the fire hazard, making a replacement dangerous. Therefore, the only safe and authorized path forward is to return the product for your money back.

Getting your refund is designed to be as simple as possible. You do not need to go through a complicated mail-in process or wait for shipping labels. Instead, Michaels has arranged for you to take the recalled item directly to any of their retail locations. This in-store return policy is particularly helpful because it allows you to resolve the issue immediately without worrying about package damage during transit or lost tracking numbers. When you visit a store, simply bring the tassel keychain mobile power bank with you. If you have your original receipt, that can be helpful for verification, but typically, the specific SKU and UPC codes listed in the recall notice are sufficient for the associates to identify the item in their system.

To ensure you are returning the correct product, please double-check that your item matches one of the four recalled colors: black, cream, blush pink, or iridescent blue. The keychains measure approximately 7 inches long by 1.5 inches wide and include USB and micro USB charging cables, along with a lightning adapter for the micro USB cable. If you are unsure whether your specific unit is part of this recall, you can verify the SKU numbers (545929, 545930, 545931, or 545932) or the corresponding UPC codes on the packaging or the device itself. Once you are at the store, inform the customer service desk that you are there to return a recalled Bead Landing power bank. The staff will process the refund to your original method of payment.

If for some reason you cannot visit a Michaels store in person, or if you need more detailed information before proceeding, you can contact Michaels directly. They have established specific channels to assist customers with this recall. You may call their dedicated support line at 800-642-4235. Please note that these lines are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit the Michaels website at www.michaels.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page to click on “Product Recalls.” This section will provide official documentation and any updates regarding the return process. Remember, your safety is the priority here, and getting a full refund allows you to replace this unsafe item with a different, certified charging solution that does not pose a fire or burn risk.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel reluctant to part with a product that looks harmless on the surface. The Bead Landing tassel keychain mobile power banks from Michaels may appear to be just another cute accessory, blending utility with fashion in black, cream, blush pink, or iridescent blue. However, ignoring a recall notice for an electrical device is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is a gamble with your personal safety and property. When you continue to use this recalled item, you are allowing a known defect to remain active in your daily life, turning a simple charging cable into a potential ignition source.

The core danger lies in the lithium-ion battery housed within the keychain’s compact body. Lithium-ion cells are powerful but sensitive; when they malfunction or overheat, they can enter a state known as thermal runaway. This is not just a minor glitch where a device gets warm to the touch. In the case of this specific recall, the manufacturer has already documented two separate incidents where the units caught on fire while in use. While no injuries have been reported so far, that statistic offers little comfort when considering what could happen next time. A fire starting from a keychain attached to your bag, pocket, or desk is unpredictable and rapid. It can ignite nearby flammable materials such as fabric, paper, or plastic, leading to significant property damage before you even realize the severity of the situation.

Beyond the immediate risk of flame, there is the direct threat of severe burns. The recall hazard specifically cites burn risks, which means the external casing of the device can become hot enough to cause tissue damage upon contact. Since this product is designed to be carried on your person—attached to keys or clipped to a bag—the likelihood of accidental skin contact is high. If the unit overheats while you are walking, driving, or simply sitting in your home, you could suffer painful second- or third-degree burns without warning. Unlike a phone that might just shut down, an overheating power bank in this configuration has no automatic "safe mode" to protect your body.

Furthermore, dismissing the recall ignores the broader safety network designed to protect consumers. These reports are not isolated complaints; they are data points indicating a systemic failure in the manufacturing or quality control process. By continuing to use the device, you are also keeping a defective unit in circulation, which increases the statistical probability that others may encounter the same hazard. The consequences of ignoring this warning range from minor anxiety and wasted time to serious injury or home damage. The remedy offered by Michaels is simple and generous—a full refund—but the cost of ignoring it is far too high to justify waiting. Please prioritize your physical safety over the convenience of keeping a faulty gadget.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in a particular batch of keychain power banks, the underlying issue—thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries—is a common concern for anyone who carries portable electronics. Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly convenient because they pack so much energy into such a small space, but that density also means they require careful handling to remain safe. When these cells fail, they can generate significant heat very quickly. Understanding how to live with these devices safely can help you prevent similar incidents with other products in your home or on the go.

First, always be mindful of where and how you charge your portable power sources. Never leave a charging device unattended for long periods, especially overnight or while you are away from home. If a battery feels unusually warm to the touch during charging, disconnect it immediately. Heat is the primary enemy of battery longevity and safety; exposing lithium-ion batteries to high temperatures, such as leaving them in a hot car on a sunny day or near a direct heat source, can degrade the internal components and increase the risk of failure. Additionally, avoid dropping or puncturing these devices, as physical damage can compromise the internal separators between the anode and cathode, leading to short circuits.

Using the correct charging equipment is equally critical. Always use chargers and cables that are certified by recognized safety laboratories and match the specifications recommended by the manufacturer. Cheap, uncertified third-party chargers may not regulate voltage and current properly, which can force too much energy into the battery faster than it can dissipate heat, leading to overheating. If a cable is frayed or the connector is loose, replace it right away. Poor connections create resistance, which generates unnecessary heat.

Finally, make it a habit to check for recalls regularly. Manufacturers and government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue recalls when they discover defects that could pose a safety risk. These notices often contain life-saving information about specific models or batches. You can sign up for email alerts on the CPSC website or follow trusted consumer advocacy groups on social media. By staying informed and treating every battery-powered device with respect, you protect not only yourself but also your family and friends from preventable accidents.

• Inspect regularly: Check your power banks for swelling, leaking, or unusual heat. If the casing looks deformed, stop using it immediately.
• Charge in safe locations: Never charge devices on beds, sofas, or other flammable surfaces. Use a hard, non-flammable surface like a tile floor or a desk.
• Dispose of old batteries properly: Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash. Take them to designated recycling centers to prevent fire hazards in waste trucks.