The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·99015·Announced 1998-11-05

DeWalt, Grabber, and Black & Decker Electric Screwdrivers Recalled for Shock Risk

DeWalt is recalling about 660,000 corded electric screwdrivers sold under DeWalt, Grabber, and Black & Decker brands because their wiring design can cause electric shock.

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 structural defect (wiring design) that has resulted in reported injuries, meeting the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. is recalling approximately 660,000 corded electric screwdrivers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall covers models sold under the DeWalt, GRABBER, and Black & Decker Industry & Construction brandnames. The specific model numbers included in the recall are DeWalt DW251, DW252, DW257, DW260K, DW265, DW266, DW267, DW268, DW268G, DW269, DW272, DW274, DW274-220, DW274W, DW275QD, DW276, DW281, DW282, and DW284; GRABBER 4060 and 4063; and Black & Decker Industry & Construction 2121, 2125, and 2141. Only units with numeric date codes from 9601 to 9833 are affected, excluding those ending in the letter "R" which have already been repaired. The model number and date code are located on the name plate on the right-hand side of the screwdriver when viewed from the back.

The recall is being issued because the screwdrivers' wiring design can result in the user being shocked. DeWalt has received reports of 40 of these screwdrivers causing shocks during use, and there have been three reports of injuries resulting from these shocks. The affected screwdrivers were sold nationwide at major chain home centers, hardware stores, and local hardware stores from November 1996 through September 1998 for approximately $69 to $169, depending on the model. No cordless screwdrivers are affected by this recall.

Consumers should stop using these screwdrivers immediately and take them to the nearest DeWalt/Black & Decker service center for a free repair. To find the nearest service center or for more information, consumers can call DeWalt toll-free at (800) 433-9258 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Black & Decker Industry & Construction corded electric screwdrivers
Manufacturer
Grabber
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electric shock

See all →