December 19, 2025 – A recent incident report details a serious injury sustained by a consumer while using a Craftsman socket wrench. The individual reported a severe dental injury, including a split lip and a chipped tooth with an exposed nerve, after the wrench slipped during use and struck their mouth.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 2, 2025, a consumer was in the process of installing a TV mount. While tightening one of the bolts or screws using a Craftsman socket wrench, model Cmmt867223e, the tool reportedly slipped from their grasp. The wrench recoiled with force, striking the consumer directly in the mouth. The impact resulted in a split lip and significant damage to the consumer’s right front tooth, which was badly chipped, exposing the nerve. The report indicates the incident nearly resulted in the loss of the tooth.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several significant safety concerns associated with the use of hand tools, specifically socket wrenches, and the potential for severe personal injury.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is blunt force trauma. When a tool slips, the sudden release of built-up torque or the uncontrolled movement of the wrench can cause it to strike the user or bystanders. This can lead to injuries such as lacerations (like the reported split lip), contusions, fractures, or, as in this case, severe dental damage. An exposed nerve in a tooth is excruciatingly painful and requires immediate dental intervention to prevent further complications like infection or tooth loss.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond the immediate pain and injury, long-term risks include chronic dental issues, the need for extensive and costly dental work (root canals, crowns, implants), potential nerve damage, and scarring. Repeated incidents of tools slipping could also lead to cumulative trauma to hands or wrists.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using hand tools, particularly those involving torque application, is at risk. This includes DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, construction workers, and anyone performing maintenance tasks around the home.
- Property Damage Potential: While not the primary focus of this incident, a slipping wrench could also scratch or damage the surface of the item being worked on, or surrounding property. In the context of a TV mount installation, it could have potentially damaged the TV itself or the wall.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers should always prioritize safety when using hand tools. If you own a Craftsman socket wrench, model Cmmt867223e, or any similar tool, please take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps to Take (If an incident occurs):
* If you experience an injury, especially to the mouth or face, seek immediate medical or dental attention.
* Stop using the tool immediately and inspect it for any visible defects or damage that might have contributed to the slippage.
* Document the incident thoroughly with photos of the injury, the tool, and the area where the incident occurred.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Verify the model number on your Craftsman socket wrench. It is typically printed on the handle or the shaft of the tool.
- Prevention Measures:
* Always use the correct size socket: Ensure the socket fits snugly onto the fastener to prevent rounding or slippage.
* Maintain a firm grip: Always hold the wrench firmly, using two hands if possible for better control and stability.
* Position yourself safely: Keep your body, especially your face and hands, out of the line of potential recoil or slippage. Avoid awkward positions that compromise leverage or grip.
* Inspect tools regularly: Check for wear, cracks, or damage to the wrench or socket before each use. Worn tools can be more prone to slipping.
* Wear appropriate safety gear: Consider wearing safety glasses and potentially even a face shield when working with tools that could recoil, especially when applying high torque.
* Apply steady, controlled force: Avoid sudden jerking motions when tightening or loosening fasteners.
* Clean tools and fasteners: Grease or debris on tools or fasteners can reduce grip and increase the risk of slipping.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or believe there is a defect with your tool, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this report, the manufacturer, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., has not yet provided a response to this specific incident.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.