CPSC Recall in 2003: CPSC, Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair 18-volt Cordless Drill/Drivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard to consumers.Black & Decker has received twenty reports of melting, smoking, or fires in the drills, including two minor burn injuries.The recalled 18-volt, cordless drill/drivers are orange or jade and have the words, "Black & Decker" printed on the body of the drill. The drill/drivers have the following model numbers and date codes:Model NumberDate CodesColorCD180020011952 through 20020652OrangePS3700973652 through 983052JadePS372520003852 through 20013652JadePS375020002454 through 20005252JadeThe model number is printed on the nameplate on the side of the drill and the date code is printed on the bottom of the handle where the battery is inserted (remove the battery to locate date code). The recalled units were manufactured in China.No other models or date codes are affected by this recall to repair.

The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard to consumers.

Repair

Black & Decker has received twenty reports of melting, smoking, or fires in the drills, including two minor burn injuries.

Mass merchandisers, home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold the drill/drivers from September 1997 through February 2002 for between $50 and $80. The drill/drivers were sold separately and as part of various tool kits. 

China