On August 4, 2022, DeWalt announced the immediate recall of three of its popular miter saws. Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including how to determine if it impacts you, and what steps to take to initiate a repair claim.

Why Were They Recalled?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), the rear safety guard on three models of DeWalt miter saws may “break or detach, posing an injury hazard due to projectiles that can strike the user and bystanders and a laceration hazard to the user who could come into direct contact with the saw blade.”

DeWalt says it’s received more than 500 reports of the safety guard breaking or coming loose, and nine reports of laceration injuries. This is a serious safety hazard. If your saw is affected, you should take immediate action.

Which DeWalt Miter Saws Were Recalled?

The recalled models are the DWS779, DWS780 and DHS790 sliding compound miter saws. (The DHS790 saw is labelled DHS790AB or DHS790AT2 on its packing carton.)

This recall impacts an estimated 1.4 million units sold in the U.S. and 120,000 sold in Canada. They were sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, retailing between $600 and $820. The affected models were manufactured between April 2019 and May 2022.

How To Tell if Your Miter Saw Has Been Recalled

To determine if your saw is part of the recall, check its model number and date code. The model number can be found on the saw nameplate on the underside of the motor housing. If it’s not one of the model numbers listed above, you’re fine.

Then check the date stamp. It’s printed on the black motor cap beside the nameplate on models DWS779 and DWS780, and on the yellow plastic housing next to the batteries on the DHS790 model. Look for a date stamp between 2019-04 and 2022-04, formatted as YYYY-MM.

Some saws made in this date range have a green or black dot next to the serial number or on the underside of the saw arm. This indicates it’s already been inspected and is not part of the recall. (For photos showing the location and style of the nameplate and date stamp, see the official DeWalt safety notice.)

If your model and date stamp match the recall, get it repaired before using the saw again.

What To Do If Your Miter Saw Was Recalled

DeWalt is providing a free repair kit to impacted owners. Or you may take the saw to a DeWalt service center for a free repair.

To begin the process, fill out this form on the manufacturer’s site. (The form is about halfway down the page.) You’ll also find additional instructions on how to identify your saw model number and date stamp, as well as a how-to video for the repair kit installation.

DeWalt has begun to contact all known purchasers as well, though you shouldn’t wait to hear from them if you know your saw has been recalled.

If you have further questions, contact DeWalt at (800) 990-6421 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.