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

U.S. CPSCInjuriesNov 5, 1998
DeWalt corded electric screwdriver
DeWalt corded electric screwdriver

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

Hazard

The screwdrivers' wiring design can result in the user being shocked.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using these screwdrivers immediately and take them to the nearest DeWalt/Black & Decker service center for a free repair.

Incidents & injuries

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

Product description

The screwdrivers were sold under the DeWalt, GRABBER, and Black & Decker Industry & Construction brand names. 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 nameplate, 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.

Sold on

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.

Contact the company

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.

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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