The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·07068·Announced 2006-12-21

DEWALT Recalls Cordless Reciprocating Saws for Fire Hazard

DEWALT is recalling about 44,000 cordless reciprocating saws because the switch can short circuit, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the saws and contact DEWALT for a free repair.

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 reports of fires resulting in extensive and minor damage, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

DEWALT Industrial Tool Co. is recalling about 44,000 cordless DEWALT DC305 model reciprocating saws. The recall involves saws with date codes 200601-49 through 200640-49. These saws are yellow and black, about 18 inches long, and were sold at major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from May 2006 through November 2006 for between $380 and $800.

The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard. DEWALT has received four reports of short circuits in the switch. One incident involved a fire resulting in extensive damage, though the cause of this fire has not been confirmed. Another fire reportedly resulted in minor damage, and the other two incidents resulted in melting damage to the units. No injuries were reported.

Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DEWALT for a free repair. For additional information, consumers can contact DEWALT toll-free at (866) 751-9562 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.DEWALT.com.

The recalled product

Product
DEWALT Model DC305 Reciprocating Saws
Manufacturer
DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
44,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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