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

Affected

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.

The file

Sold at

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 type

Screwdrivers

Made in

Not stated

Recalled by

DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Hampstead, Md.

Incident log

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

What the notice says to do

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.