May 13, 2002
Milwaukee Tool Corp. Announces Recall of Automotive Chargers

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette lighters. The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard. Milwaukee Electric Tool has received six reports of the chargers overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported involving these chargers.

The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers and Impact wrench kits containing these chargers. A label on the front of the charger reads, "Milwaukee...POWER-PLUS 9.6 Volt - 18 Volt AUTOMOTIVE CHARGERS." A nameplate on the back of the charger lists the catalog number. Impact wrench kits containing these chargers have serial numbers within the range listed below. The serial number is located on the side of the Impact wrench kit. Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors sold these chargers and wrench kits containing these chargers nationwide from March 2000 through April 2002. The chargers sold for about $115. The Impact wrench kits containing these chargers sold for about $325.

Catalog Numbers Serial Numbers

Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range

Wrench Kit 9079-23 241A401520001 through 241A402080126

Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options, an exchange for a 12, 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack, a replacement charger or a refund. For further details about options, consumers can contact Milwaukee Electric Tool at (800) 414-6527 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers can locate the nearest service center by visiting the firm's web site at http://www.mil-electric-tool.com/pdfs/ac-recall.pdf