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58,000 ELECTRIC DRILLS RECALLED DUE TO REPORTED HAND INJURY

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis., and DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Baltimore, Md., are recalling about 58,000 electric drills. The switches on these power tools, which were manufactured by Eaton Corp., of Cleveland, Ohio, can stick. The drills can continue to operate after the trigger is released, posing a risk of injury to consumers.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has received four reports of drill switches sticking in the on position and one report of a hand injury. DEWALT has received three reports of drill switches sticking in the on position but no reported injuries.

The drills were sold under the brand names, Milwaukee Electric Tool 1/2" drills and DEWALT 1/2" Stud & Joist Drills. The following chart lists the 1/2" drills recalled:

Tool Manufacturer: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.; DEWALT Industrial Tool Co.

Model Numbers of Recalled Tools: 1610-1; 1630-1; 1670-1; 1675-1; DW124 or DW124K

Serial Numbers of Recalled Tools: 700B400200013 to 700B400480097; 718B400230057 to 718B400480118; 472B400200061 to 472B400440188; 413B400190567 to 413B400522000

Date Codes of Recalled Tools: 0021 through 0110

Recall Hotline Number: (866) 473-2288; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday; (800) 433-9258; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday

The model number and serial number/date code are written on an identification plate attached to the drill or stamped into the drill body.

Home center and hardware stores, industrial tool distributors, and factory service dealers sold these drills with the Eaton switches nationwide from May 2000 to April 2001 for between $300 and $555.

Consumers should stop using these drills immediately and contact the tool manufacturer to receive a free tool repair.