The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·08388·Announced 2008-09-03

Menards Recalls MasterForce Cordless Screwdrivers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Menards is recalling MasterForce 3.6-volt cordless screwdrivers because the batteries can overheat and ignite during charging, posing fire and burn risks.

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 a fire hazard with reported injuries, including burns to a consumer's hand, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Menards is recalling approximately 42,000 MasterForce 3.6-volt cordless screwdrivers sold in its stores from April 2007 through May 2008 for about $30. The recalled tools are green and gray, with "MASTERFORCE" printed on the top and "LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY" and "241-0717" printed on the handle. The products were manufactured by Great Star Industry Co. of China.

The recall was issued because the lithium-ion batteries lack a protective device to prevent overheating. This defect can cause the battery to overheat and ignite during charging, creating a fire and burn hazard for consumers. The company and the CPSC have received three reports of fires associated with the product. One consumer suffered burns to the hand, and another experienced temporary hearing loss.

Consumers should immediately stop using the screwdrivers and return them to any Menards store for a free replacement or refund. For additional information, consumers can call toll-free at (866) 458-2472 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.menards.com.

The recalled product

Product
MasterForce 3.6-volt Cordless Screwdrivers
Manufacturer
Great Star Industry Co., of China
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
42,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

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