Ryobi Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire Hazard

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Ryobi Model HP 1802M Cordless Power Drills. (Image credit: CPSC.)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Ryobi Technologies Inc., of Anderson, S.C., announced a voluntary recall of about 455,000 Ryobi Model HP 1802M Cordless Power Drills today.

Hazard: The switch on the cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Ryobi has received 47 reports of the drills overheating, smoking, melting or catching fire, including 12 reports of property damage to homes or vehicles. Two of the incidents involved minor burns from touching an overheated switch.

Description: The Ryobi Model HP 1802M cordless drill is powered by an 18 volt rechargeable NiCad battery. The drills are blue and black in color with "Ryobi" appearing in red and white on the left side. The model number can be found on a white label on the right side of the drill.

Ryobi Model HP 1802M Cordless Power Drill label. (Image credit: CPSC.)

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drill, remove the rechargeable battery and contact Ryobi to receive a free replacement drill.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ryobi Customer Service at (800) 597-9624 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at ryobitools.com.

Live Science Staff
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