| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Ken Giles |
| March 20, 1997 | (301) 504-7052 |
| Release # 97-084 |
CPSC and Hitachi Koki U.S.A. Ltd. Announce Recall to Replace Battery Packs on Cordless Drills
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hitachi Koki U.S.A. Ltd. of Norcross, Ga., is recalling 9.6 volt battery packs on about 20,000 cordless drills. The battery could overheat and melt while being recharged. If consumers touch the overheated battery, their skin could be burned.CPSC and Hitachi are not aware of any injuries involving these drills. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The Hitachi cordless drill is green with a black chuck and carrying strap, and an orange trigger switch. There are two stickers on the drill and both read in part, "HITACHI FDS 10DVA 9.6V." The drill comes with two 9.6 volt battery packs, one of which is already attached to the drill. The drill uses FEB9 series batteries, and are so labeled. The batteries involved in this recall have serial number 06, 16, 36, 56, 76, 86, or 96. The serial number is located on a black and silver sticker on the side of the battery.
The drill comes in a green plastic carrying case. "HITACHI" is imprinted on one side of the case. Inside of the carrying case, there is an extra battery pack and a black battery charger. Some cases also come with a 9.6 volt torchlight.
Independent retailers, tool distributors, lumber yards, and woodworking and industrial tool catalogs nationwide sold the drills from September through December 1996 for about $99 to $139.
Consumers should immediately stop using Hitachi drills with FEB9 series batteries involved in this recall. Consumers should call Hitachi at (800) 706-7337 for instructions on receiving free replacement batteries.
