For Immediate Release
July 24, 2003
Release # 03-164
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-7051
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Black & Decker Recall Hotline: (866) 821-5444
CPSC, Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair 18-volt 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 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The
drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a
fire hazard to consumers.
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:
MODEL NUMBER:CD1800
DATE CODES: 20011952 through 20020652
COLOR:Orange
MODEL NUMBER:PS3700
DATE CODES: 973652 through 983052
COLOR:Jade
MODEL NUMBER:PS3725
DATE CODES: 20003852 through 20013652
COLOR:Jade
MODEL NUMBER:PS3750
DATE CODES: 20002454 through 20005252
COLOR:Jade
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.