If you have this drill on your Christmas list (or it’s already wrapped and under the tree for your favorite DIYer), you will definitely need to check out this recall.
Tools are a popular Christmas list item, so make sure that this one didn’t make it into your shopping cart — and if it did, take the steps below to return the recalled drill for a replacement.
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Harbor Freight Tools has issued a recall for 1.7 million drills because the device is a potential fire hazard. An internal switching mechanism can get stuck in the “on” position, which can cause it to overheat, cause burns or catch on fire.
This recall concerns Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills that have either item number 68239 or item number 68287. They were sold between May 2011 and September 2015 for about $35 and $46 respectively. The drills are black and feature a red switch, and were sold with an 18-volt rechargeable battery pack.
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Item number 68239 was sold individually, and item number 68287 was sold as part of a kit, which included a flashlight (which is not included in the recall). You’ll find the item number on a black label on the right side of the drill, which is just beneath the serial number. Drills with item number 69651 and item number 69652 are not included in the recall.
The company has received 25 reports of the drill switch overheating, which includes six reports of burned hands or fingers, and five reports of minor property damage.
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If you have one of these recalled drills, you should contact Harbor Freight Tools at 800-444-3353 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.harborfreight.com and click on “Recall Safety Information” under “Customer Service” for more information. You are also welcome to email Harbor Freight Tools at recalls@harborfreight.com.
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