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Black & Decker 18-volt Cordless Drill/Drivers

July 24, 2003

Black & Decker Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

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:

The 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.

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.

Consumers should stop using the drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery, and contact Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free repair. For additional information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.blackanddecker.com.

No other models or date codes are affected by this recall to repair.

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