For Immediate Release
August 20, 2002
Release # 02-234
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189
Drill/Driver Recall Hotline: (866) 821-5444
CPSC, Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair Cordless Drill/Drivers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., is
voluntarily recalling about 950,000 cordless drill/drivers. The drill's
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 # / 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.
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.