In a class action lawsuit Sears one of America’s Largest retailers and on of the largest installers of home appliances has agreed to retrofit or install Anti-Tip brackets on their free standing ranges.
The device is a small bracket that attaches to the floor under your range. When the Range is pushed back towards the wall the back foot of the range enters into the clip and secures it.
This is a very simple install but often it goes undone because the installer doesn’t take the extra 5 minutes to read the directions that come with the appliance.
Even if you purchased your range at a different store it is important that you check your range to make sure the bracket has been installed.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE ANTI-TIP BRACKET IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY
There are two methods to check the anti-tip bracket.
Visual Method
This method can be used on 30″ Electric Ranges.
Remove the bottom drawer or look under the range and shine a flashlight into the space. One of the rear legs should be attached to a fork-shaped device, which is anchored to the floor or wall. If it is, your bracket is installed.
If you can not see because of an obstruction then you can pull the range away from the wall about 1 foot or less. The bracket is attached to the rear leg.
Tip Method
This method can be used on all models.
Remove all utensils from the top and inside of the range. Carefully pull on the range from the rear. If the bracket is installed correctly, the range will not tip more than 4″ from the wall. If it tips forward more than 4″, the anti-tip device has not been installed or has not been installed correctly.
CAUTION: DO NOT TIP THE RANGE MORE THAN 4″ FROM THE WALL AS IT COULD TIP OVER AND CAUSE INJURY.
Some Manufacturers use other anti-tip devices and your Range may have a special device. Check your manufacturers literature for more information.
If you purchased your range at Sears back as far as the year 2000 you can apply to get a free install. Sears will also install these clips in all of their new ranges.
For more information visit www.searsrangesettlement.com
If you do not own a Sears Sold range and need one of these devices contact the company that sold you the range or the manufacturer directly and provide them the model of range you own. They will supply you with a part number.