The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·19027·Announced 2018-11-01

Black & Decker Recalls Hammer Drills Due to Side Handle Injury Hazard

Black & Decker is recalling specific hammer drills and drill drivers because the side handles can slip or break, posing an injury risk.

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 risk-of-harm product where a specific injury (torn rotator cuff) has been reported, but no fatalities or severe injuries are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for injury hazards without critical outcomes.

Plain-English summary

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. is recalling approximately 641,000 Porter-Cable, Black & Decker, and Bostitch hammer drills and drill drivers sold in the United States. An additional 18,000 units were sold in Canada. The affected models are the Porter-Cable PC70THD, Black & Decker DR560, and Bostitch BTE140 and BTE141. These tools were sold at The Home Depot, Lowe's, major home and hardware stores, and online retailers including Amazon.com from January 2010 through July 2018 for between $50 and $100.

The recall is due to a hazard where the black plastic side handles supplied with the drills can slip or break. This failure can lead to a loss of control of the tool, posing an injury hazard. Black & Decker has received 11 reports of side handles slipping or breaking and one report of a torn rotator cuff injury.

Consumers should immediately stop using the affected drills and contact Black & Decker for a free replacement side handle. The company can be reached at 888-284-3070 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or via email at [email protected]. Information is also available online at portercable.com, blackanddecker.com, or bostitch.com under Safety Notices and Recalls.

The recalled product

Product
Black & Decker, Bostitch and Porter-Cable Hammer Drills and Drill Drivers
Manufacturer
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
641,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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