Sears: Black & Decker 14 in. Grass Hog XP Trimmer/Edger

We purchased a Black & Decker 14 in. Grass Hog XP Trimmer/Edger (item #07174143000 Mfr. model #GH1000) at Sears in April 2006 and in June, after using it just three times, the end of the trimmer literally broke apart throwing pieces everywhere and wrapping the remaining ling around my legs. I brought the obviously defective trimmer to the Sears store in Manassas, VA and was told, and this is the actual quote "You bought it, it's yours." The Sears lawn and garden clerk suggested I take it to a Sears repair facility. I declined, explaining that the product is obviously defective and I do not want a repaired product, I want something different entirely since that one poses a health and safety risk. The Sears clerk relinquished and gave me a credit and gave me my receipt. It was then that the clerk explained there was a re-stocking fee and a charge for the owner's manual since I did not return it. Although I objected and demanded the full amount of the refund or the trimmer back so I could take it to another Sears that understands customer service, the clerk refused and walked away.

This is appalling for three reasons. First, I am the customer and the trimmer was clearly defective, thus I should have been given the full return. Next, I am not an engineer but it was obvious the trimmer could not be repaired, yet Sears charged a "restocking" fee. This, to me, is fraud. Next, even if Sears attempted to repair the trimmer and put it back on the shelf, doing so endangers the customer who purchased the repaired trimmer.

James Ryan