CPSC recall 08-513, announced October 25, 2007, covers Battery Chargers supplied with certain Kawasaki branded Power Tool Kits (about 800,000 units). When used with an incompatible charger, the battery pack can overheat and melt during charging, or can explode during use, posing burn, laceration and bruise hazards to consumers. The notice cites 30 incident reports and 8 injuries. Consumers should stop using the recalled battery chargers immediately and register at www.alltradetools.com to receive a free compatible battery charger. Recall contact: call (800) 590-3723, or go to www.alltradetools.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Affected model numbers
The battery model number is located on a label on the bottom of the battery pack.
Which products are included?
The recall includes battery chargers sold with certain model numbers of both 19.2 and 21.6 volt NiCad battery packs. The battery model number is located on a label on the bottom of the battery pack. The power tool's model number is stamped onto the inside lid of the tool set's plastic carrying case. Power Tool Power Tool Model Battery Pack Model KW Black 19.2V Cordless Drill 840128 691034 KW Black 19.2V 26 PC Drill Set 840135 KW Black 4 PC Power Tool Combo 840338 KW Black 2 PC Power Tool Combo 840339 KW Black 19.2V 26 PC Drill Set 840135A 691240 KW Black 21.6V Cordless Drill 840266 691221 KW Black 21.6V Cordless Drill 840267
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
When used with an incompatible charger, the battery pack can overheat and melt during charging, or can explode during use, posing burn, laceration and bruise hazards to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Alltrade Tools has received 30 reports of incidents, including eight injuries from the battery packs melting or forcefully expelling plastic shards while in use. Injuries include minor acid burns from handling fractured battery packs, cuts, bruises and some temporary hearing loss from a loud noise that can occur if an internal battery cell ruptures.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the recalled battery chargers immediately and register at www.alltradetools.com to receive a free compatible battery charger. Alltrade Tools LLC is directly contacting consumers who purchased the power tools containing the recalled chargers. Consumers should not return the battery chargers to the store where purchased.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Battery Chargers supplied with Kawasaki
- Product type
- Battery chargers
- Recall number
- 08-513
- Units
- About 800,000
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- National wholesale club retailers nationwide from September 2005 through September 2007 for between $40 and $100.
- Distributor
- Alltrade Tools LLC, of Long Beach, Calif.
Battery Chargers supplied with certain Kawasaki branded Power Tool Kits
CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery
Recall contact information
For additional information, please contact Alltrade Tools LLC at (800) 590-3723 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.alltradetools.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
