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CPSC, DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. Announce Recall to Repair Electric Screwdrivers

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Recall Date:
November 05, 1998

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Company Phone Number: (800) 433-9258 

November 5, 1998

 

Release # 99-015

  

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Hampstead, Md., is recalling to repair about 660,000 corded electric screwdrivers. The screwdrivers' wiring design can result in the user being shocked.

DeWalt has received reports of 40 of these screwdrivers causing shocks during use. There have been three reports of injuries resulting from these shocks.

The screwdrivers were sold under the DeWalt , GRABBER , and Black & Decker Industry & Construction brandnames. The DeWalt , model numbers are DW251, DW252, DW257, DW260K, DW265, DW266, DW267, DW268, DW268G, DW269, DW272, DW274, DW274-220, DW274W, DW275QD (Quik Drive ), DW276, DW281, DW282 and DW284. The GRABBER model numbers are 4060 and 4063. The Black & Decker Industry & Construction model numbers are 2121, 2125 and 2141. Only numeric date codes from 9601 to 9833 are included in this recall. The date code is followed by various letters. Those date codes ending with an "R" have already been repaired. The model number and date code are located on the name plate, which is on the right hand side of the screwdriver when viewed from the back.

The DeWalt and Quik Drive corded screwdrivers have a yellow housing with black accents. The GRABBER models have a black housing. The Black & Decker Industry & Construction models have a charcoal-gray housing.

Major chain home centers and hardware stores, as well as local hardware stores, nationwide sold these screwdrivers from November 1996 through September 1998 for about $69 to $169, depending on the model.

Consumers should stop using these screwdrivers immediately and take them to the nearest DeWalt /Black & Decker service center for a free repair. To find the nearest service center or for more information, consumers should call DeWalt toll-free at (800) 433-9258 between 8 a.m and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

No cordless screwdrivers are affected by this recall.

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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