Power tool recalls happen more often than most construction professionals realize. When a manufacturer identifies a defect that could cause injury, they issue a recall notice asking users to stop using the tool immediately and return it for inspection or repair. A recent recall involving two models of corded drills affected approximately 122,000 units sold across the United States and another 8,000 sold in Canada. The reason: internal wiring could contact moving parts inside the drill, creating a shock hazard for the operator. The affected drills were sold at major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and other hardware stores between September 2017 and November 2018. This recall, like the earlier miter saw recall covering safety risks, affected models, and repair options, shows how quickly a common tool can become a safety concern.
Understanding Power Tool Recalls and How They Work
When a power tool manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies a defect that poses a risk to users, a recall is the formal process used to remove affected products from use and correct the problem. Recalls are voluntary in most cases, meaning the manufacturer agrees to fix the issue rather than fighting a legal process that could take longer and leave dangerous tools in service. The scope of a recall depends on how many units were sold and how widespread the distribution was.
In this drill recall, the manufacturer identified a specific manufacturing defect where internal wiring could come into contact with moving parts inside the drill housing. This type of defect is particularly concerning because it can develop over time as the tool is used. Wires shift with vibration, insulation wears through, and eventually a live conductor touches a metal component that the operator holds. The FlexVolt system that delivers corded power without the cord represents one direction the industry has taken to reduce reliance on corded tools, but millions of corded drills remain in daily use on job sites and in workshops.
Who Announces Recalls and How Information Spreads
Recalls are typically announced jointly by the manufacturer and the CPSC. The announcement includes the specific model numbers affected, the date codes or serial number ranges involved, and instructions for getting the tool inspected and repaired. The information spreads through CPSC email alerts, manufacturer websites, news outlets, and tool review websites. Many users first learn about a recall from a tool blog or forum rather than from the manufacturer directly, which is why checking for recalls periodically is good practice for anyone who owns multiple corded power tools.
Date Codes and Production Periods
Recalls use date codes to identify which tools are affected. In this case, the date codes ran from 2017-37-FY through 2018-22-FY. The first four digits represent the year and the week of manufacture. 2017-37 means the 37th week of 2017, which falls in September. 2018-22 means the 22nd week of 2018, around late May or early June. The letters after the numbers identify the manufacturing plant. Users can find the date code stamped on the drill’s nameplate or housing and compare it against the recalled range.
Checking Whether Your Drill Is Affected by a Recall
Determining whether a specific power tool is part of a recall requires checking three pieces of information: the model number, the date code or serial number, and the purchase timeframe. Model numbers are usually printed on the tool’s nameplate, which is a metal or plastic plate attached to the drill body. For this recall, the affected models were DWD110 and DWD112, two corded drill models that share a common internal design.
Reviews and coverage of newer cordless drill models often overshadow the corded tool market. The fact that 130,000 corded drills sold in a roughly 14-month period shows that corded tools remain a significant part of the market. Many contractors keep corded drills as backup tools or use them for applications where cordless batteries would drain too quickly. Owners of these models should check their tools regardless of where they bought them, because the recall covers units sold through all major retailers.
Step-by-Step Recall Verification Process
- Locate the model number on the drill nameplate. It is typically printed near the base of the handle or on the side of the motor housing.
- Find the date code, usually stamped into the plastic housing or printed on a label. It may appear as a series of numbers and letters such as 2018-12-FY.
- Compare the model number against the recalled models listed in the recall notice. Only the specific models named in the recall are affected.
- Check whether the date code falls within the recalled range. If the date code falls before 2017-37-FY or after 2018-22-FY, the drill is not part of this recall.
- Contact the manufacturer using the recall hotline or website to confirm the status and arrange a free inspection.
What Causes Shock Hazards in Corded Power Tools
The shock hazard that triggered this recall stems from the relationship between internal wiring and the tool’s moving mechanical parts. Inside a corded drill, the motor spins a rotor connected to a gear train that drives the chuck. Electrical wires carry current from the power cord to the motor windings and switch mechanism. These wires must be routed so they stay clear of rotating parts, gears, and internal components that could wear through the insulation over time.
When internal wires are routed too close to moving parts, the vibration of normal use can cause the insulation to rub against a spinning rotor, a gear tooth, or the edge of a metal housing component. The rubbing wears through the insulation layer and exposes the bare conductor. If that exposed conductor touches a metal part that the operator holds such as the drill handle or housing, current flows through the tool to the user. This type of defect is different from a cord damage issue, where the external power cord develops cuts or fraying. The Harbor Freight cordless drill recall and its power tool safety lessons covered similar ground from the cordless side, reinforcing that internal defects can affect both corded and cordless tools.
Why Internal Wiring Defects Are Hard to Detect
An internal wiring defect does not produce obvious warning signs until the insulation has worn through and the wire contacts a conductive surface. The tool may operate normally right up until the moment the electrical path completes and the operator receives a shock. This is why recalls focus on catching the defect before injury occurs rather than waiting for user reports. The manufacturer’s inspection process involves opening the tool housing and examining the wire routing to see whether it meets the corrected specification.
| Hazard Type | Cause | How to Detect | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal wire contact | Wires rub moving parts | Disassembly inspection | Proper wire routing in manufacturing |
| Power cord damage | Cuts, abrasion, crushing | Visual inspection of cord | Use cord protectors, replace damaged cords |
| Switch failure | Worn contacts, arcing | Intermittent operation, sparks | Replace switch assembly |
| Moisture ingress | Water in motor housing | Tool feels damp, rust forms | Store dry, avoid wet cutting |
| Ground pin damage | Broken or bent ground pin | Visual inspection of plug | Replace damaged cord and plug |
The Recall Response Process: Inspection, Repair, and Replacement
When a manufacturer announces a recall, they are required to provide a free remedy for affected tool owners. The remedy can take one of three forms: inspection and repair, replacement with a new unit, or a refund. In this drill recall, the remedy was a free inspection and repair. Owners contact the manufacturer, schedule the service, and send the tool in for evaluation. If the wiring defect is found, the manufacturer corrects it and returns the tool to the owner at no charge.
The recall contact information is included in every CPSC recall notice. For this recall, the manufacturer set up a dedicated phone line at 855-752-5259 available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. An email address and a website were also provided. The first step for owners of potentially affected drills is to call or visit the website to begin the recall process. The available corded impact driver options for workshop and job site duty show that corded tools still have a place in professional tool kits, which makes recall awareness for these tools just as important as for cordless models.
What to Expect During the Inspection Process
Sending a tool in for a recall inspection involves packing the drill securely, including proof of the date code or model information, and shipping it to the address provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer inspects the wiring routing and corrects any issues. If the wiring is found to meet the safety specification, the tool is returned without modification. The turnaround time varies by manufacturer and the volume of tools being processed, but most recalls aim to return repaired tools within two to four weeks.
Continuing to Work While the Tool Is Out for Service
For contractors who rely on their tools daily, sending a drill in for recall inspection creates a gap in their toolkit. Having backup tools or borrowing from a colleague are practical options during the turnaround period. Some manufacturers offer loaner programs for larger tools, though this is less common for smaller tools like drills. Planning ahead and sending the tool in during a slow work period minimizes disruption while ensuring safety.
Broader Safety Lessons from Power Tool Recalls
Power tool recalls serve as reminders that even well-established tool designs can have defects that only appear after thousands of units have been manufactured and sold. The scale of this recall, affecting 122,000 drills in the United States alone, suggests that the wiring defect was not an isolated incident but affected a meaningful percentage of the production run. For tool owners, the lesson is straightforward: register tools with the manufacturer, watch for recall announcements, and act quickly when a recall is issued.
The same attention to safety applies when choosing between corded and cordless tool systems. Cordless tools eliminate cord-related hazards like tripping, cutting the power cord, and ground faults, but they introduce battery-related safety considerations. The comparison of cordless chainsaws across brands shows how different manufacturers approach safety in their tool designs, with features like chain brakes, low-kickback bars, and trigger locks becoming standard on newer models.
Building a Tool Safety Checklist for Your Crew
- Register every new power tool with the manufacturer. Registration makes it easier to receive recall notifications directly.
- Inspect power cords before each use. Look for cuts, exposed wires, and damaged plugs. Replace damaged cords immediately.
- Check the CPSC website periodically for new power tool recalls. A quick search every few months catches announcements you might have missed.
- Keep purchase receipts and note the date codes on new tools. This information is essential when checking recall eligibility.
- Stop using any tool that is part of an active recall. Continuing to use a recalled tool puts you and your crew at risk.
- Maintain a log of tool serial numbers and date codes for your entire inventory. This makes recall checking a fast lookup rather than a tool-by-tool inspection.
The broader story behind cordless tool voltage ratings and platform naming sheds light on why manufacturers make the design choices they do. The true story behind cordless power tool voltage ratings explains how marketing voltages relate to actual operating voltages and why different platforms use different ratings for similar technology. Understanding these details helps tool owners make informed decisions whether they are buying new tools, evaluating recall notices, or building a safe and efficient tool inventory for their crew.