WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2002 -- Black & Decker is voluntarily recalling about 950,000 cordless drill/drivers. The drills switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard to consumers.
Black & Decker has received 45 reports of drill switches overheating, causing two minor burns.
The recalled cordless drill/drivers are orange and bear the word "Firestorm" or jade and bear the words "Quantum Pro." The drill/drivers have the following model numbers and date codes:
| Description | Model Number | Date Code Ranges |
|---|---|---|
| 14.4 volt Firestorm | CD632 | 990852 thru 20005052 |
| 14.4 volt Firestorm | HP532 | 990152 thru 20001652 |
| 14.4 volt Firestorm | FS1442 | 20002252 thru 20011852 |
| 14.4 volt Quantum Pro | Q145 | 990252 thru 20001152 |
| 15.6 volt Firestorm | FS1560 | 993752 thru 20000752 |
| 18 volt Firestorm | FS1802 | 20002452 thru 20010652 |
| 18 volt Firestorm | HP932 | 990152 thru 20012452 |
| 18 volt Quantum Pro | Q185 | 990252 thru 20011052 |
The model numbers are located on the name plate on the side of the drill and the dates codes are located on the bottom of the handle where the battery is inserted (remove battery to locate date code). These drill/drivers were manufactured in China.
Home centers and hardware stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada sold the drill/drivers from March 1999 through December 2001 for between $50 and $200. The drill/drivers were sold separately and as part of various tool kits.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Consumers should stop using their drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery, and call Black & Decker at (866) 821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free repair. For additional information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.blackanddecker.com.
