Recall: Electric Screwdrivers Recall by DeWalt Industrial Tool

Note: Phone number change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued November 5, 1998, Revised August 18, 2003 Release # 99-015

Company Phone Number: (800) 433-9258 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

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

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 brandnames. 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 name plate, 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.