The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·07234·Announced 2007-07-11

Milwaukee Power Tool Battery Packs Recalled Due to Explosion and Laceration Hazard

Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. is recalling about 1 million 14.4- and 18-Volt NiCd battery packs because they can explode and cause lacerations.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, including 11 injuries from battery explosions, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. is recalling approximately 1 million 14.4- and 18-Volt 2.4Ah NiCd battery packs, including Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic, and Extractor models. The recalled batteries were manufactured between July 1999 and February 2004 and were sold nationwide through home centers, hardware stores, industrial distributors, and vehicle service distributors from July 1999 through 2005. These battery packs are used to power various power tools, including drills, saws, radios, flashlights, wrenches, and windshield glass removers.

The recall is due to a laceration hazard. If a vent on the battery cell is damaged or compromised during use, the battery can explode. Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. has received 35 reports of incidents, including 11 injuries from battery packs exploding while in use. The reported injuries include minor cuts, bruises, and some hearing loss.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs. To determine if they have a recalled unit, consumers should contact Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. The company will provide a free replacement battery pack for consumers with recalled units. For more information, consumers can call (800) 729-3878 between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

The recalled product

Product
Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic 14.4- and 18-Volt 2.4Ah NiCd battery packs
Manufacturer
Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., of Brookfield, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tool Accessories
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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