CPSC, DEWALT Recalls Cordless Reciprocating Saws for Fire Hazard

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Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Summary Statement

The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
December 21, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2006
Release #07-068

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 751-9562
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: DEWALT DC305 Model Reciprocating Saws

Units: About 44,000

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The switch on these saws can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: DEWALT has received four reports of short circuits in the switch of these saws. One of these incidents was a report of 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.

Description: This recall involves cordless DEWALT DC305 model reciprocating saws with date codes 200601-49 through 200640-49. They are yellow and black and about 18 inches long. The model number is located on the name plate on the side of the housing and the date code is located under the handle where the battery is inserted.

Sold at: Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from May 2006 through November 2006 for between $380 and $800.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the saws immediately and contact DEWALT for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: 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

Illustration showing location of model number, additional rib and date code for DC305

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638- 8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Subscribe. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.