Milwaukee Tool Battery Recall

[fastleft]

I am not sure if this was posted here before... if so sorry, but its worth mentioning.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is recalling all 14.4V 2.4 Ah and 18V 2.4 Ah NiCd Battery Packs manufactured between 1999 and February 2004 because the battery packs could explode if an over-pressure vent inside the battery pack becomes damaged during use. Also included are some batteries sold labeled as Central Pneumatic and Crystal Glass Extractor.

One thing to note from the document is that:
The Date Code is made up of the week and year of manufacture. The “S” indicates the location of manufacture and is irrelevant to the recall. Example: 3703S was made in the 37th week of 2003. (I didn't see it at first and it made figuring out which batteries were included difficult.)

If you have any of these batteries you just call them and they will send you a shipping label... send the old ones back (no matter what condition they are in) and get brand new ones free. I have 7 new ones on their way.

Tommy

 

[ImportTuner]

Thanks for the heads up ...

 

[chevy302dz]

Milwaukee makes batteries for Central Pneumatic aka Harbor Freight? Wow, I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

 

[TxDoc]

Thanks fastleft. Will check mine and will pass the info on.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Milwaukee makes batteries for Central Pneumatic aka Harbor Freight? Wow, I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

Yea, don't you know revealing that to the world had to be a bitter pill to swallow for Milwaukee!

 

[rambler]

Thanks Fastleft, I've just checked mines and they are fine 4704S & 4804S with the newer red/black decals. But thanks for sharing the recall information.

 

[wilbilt]

Milwaukee makes batteries for Central Pneumatic aka Harbor Freight? Wow, I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

I think it's the other way around...i.e.,"Harbor Freight" makes batteries for Milwaukee. It's much the same as any other manufacturer (or should I say "marketer") these days.

 

[MarkH]

I think it's the other way around...i.e.,"Harbor Freight" makes batteries for Milwaukee. It's much the same as any other manufacturer (or should I say "marketer") these days.

Since most companies outsource parts of production, most likely it is some company you have not heard of that makes parts that are used by products of both companies. That is the frustration of buying today, who the ($&%($*& is making what you use.

 

[kythri]

I think it's the other way around...i.e.,"Harbor Freight" makes batteries for Milwaukee. It's much the same as any other manufacturer (or should I say "marketer") these days.

I doubt that very much.

If Milwaukee sourced their batteries from a third party who also provides the batteries to the cheapo brands, then Milwaukee's recall would only be for Milwaukee branded batteries.

The fact that Milwaukee themselves are recalling multiple brands indicates that Milwaukee provides the batteries to the cheapo's.

 

[wilbilt]

I doubt that very much.

If Milwaukee sourced their batteries from a third party who also provides the batteries to the cheapo brands, then Milwaukee's recall would only be for Milwaukee branded batteries.

The fact that Milwaukee themselves are recalling multiple brands indicates that Milwaukee provides the batteries to the cheapo's.

Good points.

The recall document states these batteries were made in Mexico. I have never seen Mexican batteries in a HF tool, but I guess you learn something new every day.

 

[kythri]

Aren't most of the "good" brands of cordless power tools (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita) Hecho en Mexico these days?

 

[NSXSOON]

Milwaukee is owned by the China company known as TTI. They also own the Ryobe and Ridged brands that we are so used to seeing at the home centers. TTI has owned all three of these companies/brands for several years now but sure doesn't advertise it!!! Milwaaukee tools are still some of the best out there but not as good as when the Germans owned them 3 years ago in my opinion.

 

[TxDoc]

I was surprised to see that at the bottom of the Makita page on their recip saw that is stated "Made in China".

 

[kythri]

Milwaukee is owned by the China company known as TTI. They also own the Ryobe and Ridged brands that we are so used to seeing at the home centers. TTI has owned all three of these companies/brands for several years now but sure doesn't advertise it!!! Milwaaukee tools are still some of the best out there but not as good as when the Germans owned them 3 years ago in my opinion.

Seriously?

I knew that TTI owned the Ryobi name, and built the tools for Ridgid and Craftsman, but I was under the impression that Milwaukee was it's own beast.

 

[NSXSOON]

Seriously?

I knew that TTI owned the Ryobi name, and built the tools for Ridgid and Craftsman, but I was under the impression that Milwaukee was it's own beast.

Yes very seriously. My good friend is Milwaukee's largest East Coast distributor and also sells on Ebay (m3nuts). They were sold well over a year ago and now almost all of there tools come from the China TTI corp. He is also the largest East Coast distributor for Metabo tools that are all made in Germany. They are a little more expensive than the rest but if you want the best there is Metabo is it hands down for the lines they make. angle grinders, sanders and power drivers. Check out the specs on the METABO POWER GRIP II 7.2V LITHIUM-ION SCREWDRIVER KIT he sells on Ebay (170134307867). I just got one and it is truly impressive.

 

[wilbilt]

Seriously?

I knew that TTI owned the Ryobi name, and built the tools for Ridgid and Craftsman, but I was under the impression that Milwaukee was it's own beast.

I can't find a country of origin listed on my 14.4V Milwaukee drill, but the flashlight that came in the kit is made in China and the batteries are made in Mexico.

Some of the German AEG tools that shared heritage with Milwaukee are actually made by Panasonic in Japan.

 

[TxDoc]

Milwuakee's email regarding where their tools are made:

Thank you for your e-mail to Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.

Many Milwaukee tools are still made in the United States, and the majority are assembled in the United States. We have manufacturing plants in Blytheville, Arkansas and Jackson, Greenwood and Kosciusko, Mississippi. Because of the global marketplace, some Milwaukee items are sourced overseas, as are parts in just about every item you purchase today, from automobiles to consumer electronics.

Selective outsourcing helps to bring more products to market faster. As a result, we are able to serve our customers with a strong, comprehensive product line at competitive prices.

Keep in mind these tools are still designed by our engineers to Milwaukee’s exacting standards. When we do manufacture a product overseas, be it at a sister company in Europe or elsewhere, we do so to the highest standards of quality. These tools are backed by our Five Year Limited-Warranty that is second to none. We clearly mark each tool and package with the country of origin.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
** Sam **
Global Customer Service
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
Phone: 1-800-729-3878
[email protected]

 

[malibu101]

The Milwaukee 18V cordless I bought about a year ago has the batteries made in Japan and the drill made in the Czech Republic. I'm not near the charger now to see where it was made.