DEWALT DC305 Model Reciprocating Saws
CPSC Recall #07-068 - December 20, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-068 |
| Recall Date | December 20, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 44,000 |
| Manufacturer | DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md. |
| Manufactured In | Mexico |
Where It Was Sold
| Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from May 2006 through November 2006 for between $380 and $800. |
Product
DEWALT DC305 Model Reciprocating Saws
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 44,000 DEWALT DC305 Model Reciprocating Saws. The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.Name of Product: DEWALT DC305 Model Reciprocating SawsUnits: About 44,000Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.Hazard: The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.Incidents/Injuries: DEWALT has received four reports of short circuits in the switch of these saws. One of these incidents was a report of a fire resulting in extensive damage, though the cause of this fire has not been confirmed. Another fire reportedly resulted in minor damage, and the other two incidents resulted in melting damage to the units. No injuries were reported.Description: This recall involves cordless DEWALT DC305 model reciprocating saws with date codes 200601-49 through 200640-49. They are yellow and black and about 18 inches long. The model number is located on the name plate on the side of the housing and the date code is located under the handle where the battery is inserted.Sold at: Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from May 2006 through November 2006 for between $380 and $800.Manufactured in: MexicoRemedy: Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DEWALT for a free repair.Customer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact DEWALT toll-free at (866) 751-9562 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.DEWALT.com.
Hazard
The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
DEWALT has received four reports of short circuits in the switch of these saws. One of these incidents was a report of a fire resulting in extensive damage, though the cause of this fire has not been confirmed. Another fire reportedly resulted in minor damage, and the other two incidents resulted in melting damage to the units. No injuries were reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DEWALT 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.
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.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
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.