WASHINGTON, D.C., September 3, 2008 - 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: MasterForce 3.6-volt Cordless Screwdrivers
Units: About 42,000
Importer: Menards, of Eau Claire, Wisc.
Manufacturer: Great Star Industry Co., of China
Hazard: The battery can overheat and ignite during charging, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. There is no protective device on the lithium battery to prevent overheating.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm and CPSC have received three reports of fires. One consumer suffered burns to the hand, and another experienced temporary hearing loss.
Description: The recalled cordless screwdrivers are green and gray in color. “MASTERFORCE” is printed on the top of the tool. “LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY” and “241-0717” are printed on the handle.
Sold at: Menards stores from April 2007 through May 2008 for about $30.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the screwdrivers and return them to any Menards store for a free replacement or refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, call toll-free at (866) 458-2472 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.menards.com
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.