October 25, 2007
Alltrade Tools is recalling about 800,000 battery chargers supplied with some Kawasaki power tool kits.
When used with an incompatible charger, the battery pack can overheat and melt during charging, or can explode during use, posing burn, laceration and bruise hazards to consumers.
Alltrade Tools has received 30 reports of incidents, including eight injuries from the battery packs melting or forcefully expelling plastic shards while in use. Injuries include minor acid burns from handling fractured battery packs, cuts, bruises and some temporary hearing loss from a loud noise that can occur if an internal battery cell ruptures.
The recall includes battery chargers sold with certain model numbers of both 19.2 and 21.6 volt NiCad battery packs. The battery model number is located on a label on the bottom of the battery pack. The power tool's model number is stamped onto the inside lid of the tool set's plastic carrying case.
| Power Tool | Power Tool Model | Battery Pack Model |
|---|---|---|
| KW Black 19.2V Cordless Drill | 840128 | 691034 |
| KW Black 19.2V 26 PC Drill Set | 840135 | |
| KW Black 4 PC Power Tool Combo | 840338 | |
| KW Black 2 PC Power Tool Combo | 840339 | |
| KW Black 19.2V 26 PC Drill Set | 840135A | 691240 |
| KW Black 21.6V Cordless Drill | 840266 | 691221 |
| KW Black 21.6V Cordless Drill | 840267 |
The chargers, made in China, were sold by national wholesale club retailers nationwide from September 2005 through September 2007 for between $40 and $100.
Consumers should stop using the recalled battery chargers immediately and register at www.alltradetools.com to receive a free compatible battery charger. Alltrade Tools LLC is directly contacting consumers who purchased the power tools containing the recalled chargers. Consumers should not return the battery chargers to the store where purchased.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Alltrade Tools LLC at (877) 231-9239 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.alltradetools.com (pdf)
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
