Recall Radar

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Recall 16-050 · December 1, 2015 · Harbor Freight Tools

What to doConsumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
16-050 (CPSC)
Recall date
December 1, 2015
Brand
Harbor Freight Tools
Category
Tools, lawn and garden
Products
Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drills
Hazard
Fire and Burn Hazards
Hazard type
Fire and burn
Remedy
Replace
Units
About 1.7 million units
Made in
China
Last updated by CPSC
December 2, 2015

What was recalled

This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item number 68287. The drills are black with a red switch and were sold with an 18-volt rechargeable battery pack. Item number 68239 was sold individually and item number 68287 was sold as part of a kit, which included a flashlight. The flashlight is not included in the recall. The item number is located on a black label on the right side of the drill, just beneath the serial number. Drills with item number 69651 and item number 69652 are not included in the recall.

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drills · About 1.7 million units units

Photos from the recall notice

Harbor Freight Drill - Item number 68239
Harbor Freight Drill - Item number 68239
Harbor Freight Drill - Item number 68287
Harbor Freight Drill - Item number 68287
Harbor Freight Drill - Location of Item Numbers
Harbor Freight Drill - Location of Item Numbers

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide, Harbor Freight Tools catalog, and online at www.harborfreight.com between May 2011 and September 2015 for about $35 for item number 68239 and $46 for item number 68287.; Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif..

Injuries or incidents reported

Harbor Freight Tools has received 25 reports of the drill switch overheating, including six reports of burns to the hands and fingers, and five reports of minor property damage.

Consumer 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. Consumers can also email Harbor Freight Tools at recalls@harborfreight.com.

Recall history and context

Harbor Freight Tools appears in 16 CPSC recalls on record. See all Harbor Freight Tools recalls.

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 83 recalls in the tools, lawn and garden category, 8 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drills (About 1.7 million units units). This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item number 68287.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Fire and Burn Hazards.

What should I do if I own one?

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.

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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on December 2, 2015. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.