OK, perhaps “fire-breathing” was a bit over the top, but Harbor Freight just issued a recall that affects some of its some cordless drills. Customers are being warned by Harbor Freight and the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) to stop using them immediately because of possible fire and burn hazards. The Fire-Breathing Cordless Drill recall affects about 108,000 drills which were sold at Harbor Freight stores both online and in retail stores between April 2009 and May 2012 for around $30.
That’s a lot of drills.
Specifically, the recall affects Harbor Freight Tools model 96526 cordless drill, a blue and black drill that has a black trigger and a 19.2V rechargeable (NiCad) battery pack. You can see the model number by looking at the yellow label on the left side of the drill (assuming it’s still legible). What happened is that the trigger can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard. Harbor Freight received one report of a drill overheating and burning through the handle of the unit, which resulted in a minor injury.
Consumers are being instructed to stop using the recalled drill, remove the battery, and contact Harbor Freight to receive a free replacement.
Fire-Breathing Cordless Drill Recall Specifics
Tool: Harbor Freight Model 96526 19.2V Cordless Drill
Sold at: Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide, via catalog and online April 2008 – May 2012
Price: $27 – $30
Manufactured in: China
Action: Consumers should stop using the recalled drill immediately, remove the rechargeable battery and contact Harbor Freight Tools to receive a free replacement drill.
Contact: Harbor Freight Tools, 800-444-3353 (8 am – 4:30 PM PT Monday through Friday) or visit harborfreight.com and click on Recall Safety Information under Customer Service. Consumers can also email Harbor Freight at [email protected].
