Black & Decker recalls cordless drills because they may pose fire risk

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Black & Decker Inc. is recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drills and screwdrivers because the switch on the power tools may malfunction, causing the devices to overheat and

Thursday, July 24th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Black & Decker Inc. is recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drills and screwdrivers because the switch on the power tools may malfunction, causing the devices to overheat and possibly catch fire.

The Towson, Md., company has received 20 reports of melting, smoking or fires in the drills, including two minor burn injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The recalled tools were sold by mass merchandisers, home centers and hardware stores nationwide between September 1997 and February 2002 for between $50 and $80. They may have been sold separately or as part of a kit.

The recalled tools are orange or jade colored and have the words ``Black and Decker'' printed on the body of the drill. They have the following model numbers and date codes:

_ Model number CD1800, Date Code 20011952 through 20020652 (Orange)

_ Model number PS3700, Date Code 973652 through 983052 (Jade)

_ Model number PS3725, Date Code 20003852 through 20013652 (Jade)

_ Model number PS3750, Date Code 20002454 through 20005252 (Jade)

The model number is printed on the nameplate side of the tool and the date codes are printed in the battery chamber.

Consumers should stop using the recalled tools immediately and remove the battery. For a free repair, contact Black & Decker toll-free at 1-866-821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT. Additional information is available at the company's Web site, www.blackanddecker.com.