Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
Recall 16050 · Dec 1, 2015 · Harbor Freight Tools
1,700,000
units affected
1,700,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 16050
- Date
- Dec 1, 2015
- Company
- Harbor Freight Tools
- Units affected
- 1,700,000
- Product
- Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drills
- Product type
- Portable Power Drills And Accessories
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item number 68287. The drills are black with a red switch and were sold with an 18-volt rechargeable battery pack. Item number 68239 was sold individually and item number 68287 was sold as part of a kit, which included a flashlight. The flashlight is not included in the recall. The item number is located on a black label on the right side of the drill, just beneath the serial number. Drills with item number 69651 and item number 69652 are not included in the recall.
What can happen
An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Harbor Freight Tools has received 25 reports of the drill switch overheating, including six reports of burns to the hands and fingers, and five reports of minor property damage.
- Sold at
- Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide, Harbor Freight Tools catalog, and online at www.harborfreight.com between May 2011 and September 2015 for about $35 for item number 68239 and $46 for item number 68287.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled drill master 18-volt cordless drills?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.
What is the hazard?
An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.