Black & Decker Recalls 18-volt Cordless Drills Due to Fire Hazard
Black & Decker is recalling approximately 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers because the switch can malfunction and overheat, posing a fire risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported injuries (two minor burns) and property damage (fires/melting), which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports.
Plain-English summary
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. is recalling approximately 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers sold in the United States. The recall involves specific models (CD1800, PS3700, PS3725, and PS3750) with certain date codes, which were sold at mass merchandisers, home centers, and hardware stores nationwide from September 1997 through February 2002 for between $50 and $80. The affected units were manufactured in China and are orange or jade in color.
The recall is being conducted because the drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Black & Decker has received twenty reports of melting, smoking, or fires in the drills, including two minor burn injuries.
Consumers should stop using the drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery, and contact Black & Decker to receive a free repair. The model number is printed on the nameplate on the side of the drill, and the date code is printed on the bottom of the handle where the battery is inserted. Consumers can contact Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.blackanddecker.com for additional information.
The recalled product
- Product
- Black & Decker 18-volt cordless drill/drivers
- Manufacturer
- Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Power Tools
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 265,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same manufacturer · Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
See all →- High
- High
- High
- SevereBlack & Decker Recalls Random Orbit Sanders Due to Laceration Hazard
CPSC · 2010-09-09
- Severe
Same hazard · fire
See all →- SevereVQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-22
- HighForest River Recalls 2023-2026 Pause Travel Trailers for Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- SevereForest River Recalls 2026-2027 Cedar Creek Trailers for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereAlliance RV Recalls Valor and Delta Trailers Due to Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereSpartan RV Chassis K2 Recalled for Fuel Hose Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-15
Similar recalls
- High
- HighDeWALT Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Trigger Switch Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2007-12-20
- Severe
- HighHarbor Freight Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire and Burn Hazard
CPSC · 2012-11-27
- Severe
- Severe