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DeWalt corded electric screwdrivers

CPSC Recall #99-015 - November 4, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-015
Recall DateNovember 4, 1998
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 660,000

Where It Was Sold

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.

Product

DeWalt corded electric screwdrivers

Description

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 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. 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.

Hazard

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

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.

Remedy Instructions

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

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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