Hazard
The switch on the cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drill, remove the rechargeable battery and contact Ryobi to receive a free replacement drill.
Products
The Ryobi Model HP 1802M cordless drill is powered by an 18 volt rechargeable NiCad battery. The drills are blue and black in color with "Ryobi" appearing in red and white on the left side. The model number can be found on a white label on the right side of the drill.
Incidents and injuries
Ryobi has received 47 reports of the drills overheating, smoking, melting or catching fire, including 12 reports of property damage to homes or vehicles. Two of the incidents involved minor burns from touching an overheated switch.
Text from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice.
Home Depot from January 2001 to July 2003 for about $100.