Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported December 1, 2015
Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
The CPSC recalled This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item… - a moderate-severity action.
Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Cordless Drills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards was recalled and listed by the CPSC in December 1, 2015. Reason: An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn haza…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the ne…. Verify recall #16050 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn haza….
- Moderate
- severity level
- December 1, 2015
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #16050 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #16050) was formally reported on December 1, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 1.7 million units.
The documented reason for this recall is: An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 609 electronics recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 1.7 million units
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item number 68287. The drills are black with a red switch and were sold with an 18-volt rechargeable battery pack. Item number 68239 was sold individually and item number 68287 was sold as part of a kit, which included a flashlight. The flashlight is not included in the recall. The item number is located on a black label on the right side of the drill, just beneath the serial number. Drills with item number 69651 and item number 69652 are not included in the recall.
Reason for recall
An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 16050 |
| Date reported | December 1, 2015 |
| Date initiated | December 1, 2015 |
| Recalling firm | Not disclosed |
| Affected scope | About 1.7 million units |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to rece…
- Check the recall number (16050) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
This recall involves Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills with item number 68239 and item number 68287. The drills are black with a red switch and were sold with an 18-volt rechargeable battery pack. Item number 68239 was sold individually and item number 68287 was sold as part of a kit, which included a flashlight. The flashlight is not included in the recall. The item number is located on a black label on the right side of the drill, just beneath the serial number. Drills with item number 69651 and item number 69652 are not included in the recall.. Units affected: About 1.7 million units.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
An internal switching mechanism can become stuck in the "on" position and overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and return the unit to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store to receive a replacement drill.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on December 1, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 16050.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (16050) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
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Shenzhen Bopu Product Design Co., Ltd., dba POPOOO, of China · 2026-07-02
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CPSC Moderate
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CPSC Moderate
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School Specialty, LLC, of Greenville, Wisconsin · 2026-06-11
Compare this recall with Projecting LED Finger Light Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Se… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported December 1, 2015. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.