Black & Decker recalls 950,000 cordless drills that pose fire hazards

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Black & Decker is recalling about 950,000 cordless drills because the switches can overheat and create a fire hazard. <br><br>The company has received 45 reports of overheated drill switches,

Tuesday, August 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Black & Decker is recalling about 950,000 cordless drills because the switches can overheat and create a fire hazard.

The company has received 45 reports of overheated drill switches, and two people have suffered minor burns, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The drills, orange with the word ``Firestorm'' or jade with ``Quantum Pro'' printed on them, were sold nationwide from March 1999 through December 2001 for between $50 and $200 each. Model numbers for the recalled drills, found on the side of the tool, are CD632, HP532, FS1442, Q145, FS1560, FS1802, HP932 and Q185.

The government advised owners to stop using the drills and remove their batteries. For free repair, owners can call the company at 1-866-821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

Black & Decker also is recalling about 6,100 table saws because part of the saws can crack and possibly cause electric shock.

The 10-inch table saws, sold nationwide from August 2001 through April 2002 for about $400 each, have the model number BT2500 on a plate on the front panel above the power switch.

The government said owners should stop using the table saws and unplug them. For free repair, owners can call Black & Decker at 1-866-357-0324 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.