The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·02234·Announced 2002-08-20

Black & Decker Recalls Firestorm and Quantum Pro Cordless Drills for Fire Risk

Black & Decker is recalling about 950,000 Firestorm and Quantum Pro cordless drill/drivers because the switch can malfunction and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported minor burns but no serious injuries or deaths, fitting the criteria for a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported as severe.

Plain-English summary

Black and Decker (U.S.) Inc. is recalling approximately 950,000 Firestorm and "Quantum Pro" cordless drill/drivers. The recall was initiated because the drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, which poses a possibility of a fire hazard to consumers. Black and Decker has received 45 reports of drill switches overheating, which caused two minor burns.

The recalled products are orange and bear the word "Firestorm" or jade and bear the words "Quantum Pro." They were manufactured in China and sold at home centers and hardware stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada from March 1999 through December 2001 for between $50 and $200. The drills were sold separately and as part of various tool kits. Specific model numbers and date codes are listed on the product name plate and bottom of the handle.

Consumers should stop using their drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery, and call Black & Decker to arrange for a free repair. Consumers may call Black & Decker at (866) 821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for additional information.

The recalled product

Product
Firestorm and "Quantum Pro" cordless drill/drivers
Manufacturer
Black and Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
950,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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