Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. recalls batteries used with power tools

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

Name of Product: Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic, and Extractor 14.4 and 18 volt 2.4 Ah NiCd battery packs

Units: About 1 million

Manufacturer/Importer: Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., of Brookfield, Wis.

Hazard: If a vent on the battery cell is damaged or compromised during use, the battery can explode and pose a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. has received 35 reports of incidents, including 11 injuries from battery packs exploding while in use. Injuries include minor cuts, bruises and some hearing loss.

Description: The recalled batteries are used to power drills, saws, radios, flashlights, wrenches and Extractor windshield glass removers. The recall includes 14.4 and 18 volt 2.4 Ah NiCd Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic, and Extractor battery packs manufactured between July 1999 and February 2004. The brand name can be found on a label on most battery packs. However, some 14.4 Volt 2.4Ah packs did not have “Power Plus” on the label. The battery packs were sold both with tool kits and as individual battery packs. Battery packs manufactured after February 2004 are not included in this recall.

Sold by: Home centers, hardware stores, industrial distributors and vehicle service distributors nationwide from July 1999 through 2005.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs. Consumers should contact the Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. to determine if they have one of the recalled batteries. The company will provide a free replacement battery pack for consumers with recalled units.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. at (800) 729-3878 between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site.