Drill Master power drills
19 reports to CPSC, the latest made Feb 2, 2023. A report isn’t a recall.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.
At a glance
From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 25, 2026.
- 19reports to CPSC
- Feb 2, 2023the latest report was made
- Jul 19, 2012the earliest
- 1with the company’s comments
- Brand
- Drill Master
- Makers
- Harbor Freight Tools and HARBOR FREIGHT SALVAGE CO.Makers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Power drillsPortable, and their accessoriesCPSC’s product type: Portable Power Drills and Accessories (code 855), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Tools & Hardware
Other ways the reports write the brand (7)
“Drillmaster”, “Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drill”, “Drill Master.”, “DrillMaster”, “Drillmasster”, “drillmaster” and “drilmaster”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| February 2023 | 1 |
| July 2018 | 2 |
| May 2018 | 1 |
| October 2017 | 1 |
| July 2017 | 1 |
| April 2017 | 1 |
| December 2016 | 1 |
| March 2016 | 1 |
| January 2016 | 1 |
| December 2015 | 2 |
| October 2015 | 1 |
| June 2015 | 1 |
| December 2014 | 1 |
| October 2014 | 1 |
| July 2014 | 1 |
| April 2014 | 1 |
| July 2012 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Emergency room 1 CPSC: Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
- Seen by a doctor or nurse 1 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
- First aid 1 CPSC: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
- Hurt, no treatment 3 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
- No one hurt 10 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
- Not said 3 CPSC: Unspecified
As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.
The reports, as CPSC published them
Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.
Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.
CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily.
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No one hurt Made Feb 2, 2023, sent to the company Feb 6, 2023, published by CPSC Feb 21, 2023
The product, in the report: From Harbor Freight drillmaster 18v drill driver 3/8” drive. Black with red trigger and red reverse switch. Silver torque setting collar. 900 RPM max
Cordless Drillmaster drill 18volt 3/8” drive, sparking and overheating while using to drill holes and to drive screws. From Harbor Freight, part #62872, serial # 363831611.
- Model
- 62872
- Serial number
- 363831611
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight
- Bought
- Oct 1, 2021, about then
- Where
- VANCOUVER, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 58, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drillmaster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Emergency room Made Jul 30, 2018, sent to the company Aug 7, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 21, 2018
The product, in the report: 18 volt 3/8 inch cordless drill/driver and Flashlight kit Item #69652
I was using the Drill Master drill I purchased from Harbor Freight. I was drilling a hole when the battery exploded. Debris went flying a piece struck me in my stomach and when it exploded it cut my finger. I had to go to the emergency room and have sutures put in my finger. I have contacted Harbor Freights. They requested pictures, sales receipt and hospital bills, which I have provided and as of yet I have not had any communication with the company. I have called and emailed numerous times to no avail.
- Model
- 69652
- Serial number
- 363831609
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight, California
- Bought
- Aug 24, 2016
- Where
- Fremont, Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 69, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
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No one hurt Made Jul 22, 2018, sent to the company Jul 30, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 20, 2018
The product, in the report: Harbor Freight Tools Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drill
After normal charging of the battery, snapped it into the Harbor Freight Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drill, and it started smoking within seconds. Tossed it out of my workshop onto a grassed area where it continued to melt. Managed to detach battery yet it continued to burn. Hosed it down to put it out before the flames started.
Had I not been there doing a few other things and saw the smoking, the potential existed for this thing to have started a fire in my garage/workshop, which is attached to my house.
I videoed the smoldering drill as I couldn’t believe this could happen.
I googled this situation and found there is a recall from Dec 2015 that I was unaware of - despite every purchase I make at HFT using my account with them, where they know my phone number and email address.
Seems to me HFT, who knew I had bought this item, should have informed me and probably many others of this very dangerous problem. I frequently visit the store and saw no notices, nothing in their routine emails to me, nor in their published materials.
I’m disgusted.
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight Tools, California
- Bought
- Jul 22, 2015, about then
- Where
- Petaluma, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master 18-Volt Cordless Drill, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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Seen by a doctor or nurse Made May 7, 2018, sent to the company May 16, 2018, published by CPSC May 31, 2018
The product, in the report: 18 volt Cordless Drill Master
I was using the cordless drill to put in screws in plywood on a outside wall carport. The drill was charged. I picked up the drill and was installing a couple of screws and it was like a gun shot in my face. My brother was behind me picking up a couple things on the ground. He jumped and ask if I was ok, I was in shock, Both of my ears were ringing and my head hurt, I had glasses on. I put the drill down and ask what happened and he said look at the drill. the battery was on the ground in pieces. I still have ringing in my ears and my head still hurts to this day. my brother also had a headache for days but his went away. I waited and thought it would go away, so I went to the doctor.
- Model
- 62872
- UPC
- 7 92363 62872 3
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Jul 12, 2017, about then
- Where
- new castle, United States: Other
- Who was involved
- Age 50, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
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First aid Made Oct 6, 2017, sent to the company Oct 18, 2017, published by CPSC Nov 8, 2017
The product, in the report: Drill Master 18 Volt 3/8 in. Cordless Drill/Driver Color: Black, red, and gray
During normal use, the battery pack on my Drill Master 18volt cordless drill exploded. Fragments of the casing were projected at my body at a velocity too fast to see and produced a noise which was mistaken for a gunshot by my neighbors. Injury resulting from the failure:
1. Pain was experienced as at least one fragment made contact with my groin. 2. When inspecting the battery pack after this incident, my fingers were burned due to overheating of the battery pack. 3. The battery pack contains cadmium, a toxic metal, which was dispersed into the environment and my home resulting in skin contact with and inhalation of cadmium.
- Model
- 18 Volt 3/
8 in. Cordless Drill/ Driver - Bought from
- Harbor Freight Tools
- Bought
- Oct 15, 2015, about then
- Where
- BELLINGHAM, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 29, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
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Hurt, no treatment Made Jul 1, 2017, sent to the company Aug 24, 2017, published by CPSC Sep 11, 2017
The product, in the report: 18 volt battery powered drill
I purchased a battery operated drill from Harbor Freight some months back the cordless drill “Drill Master” serial number 3633831601 drill has been used and battery recharged numerous times. This routine use was no different than several other times, the battery exploded while in use. The percussion from the batteries explosion knock me backwards, the drill from my hand sending debris from the exploding battery case into the wall, across the garage to the far wall into the ceiling. The most dramatic and possible injury was to my left arm where a small piece of plastic was lodged into my arm, of which, I promptly removed, with other pieces striking my upper hand and left arm . Being retired military the sound from the battery explosion was if a grenade went off.
- Model
- Drill Master serial # 3633831601
- Serial number
- 3633831601
- Bought from
- HarborbFreight
- Where
- Springville, Alabama: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 70, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master., made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
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No one hurt Made Apr 5, 2017, sent to the company May 18, 2017, published by CPSC Jun 2, 2017
The product, in the report: Drillmaster 68239 18V Cordless Drill
I was using it to screw two round discs of plexiglass seperated by 2” long wooden dowels. I laid the drill down on the work bench with the battery in the drill and left for an appointment. When I returned the battery had caused a fire in the garage. The total damage to the garage has yet to be decided by my insurance company, however, because of the faulty battery, I was required to pay a deductible to the insurance company of $5000.00. I would like to be reimbursed for the deductible, my time, and whatever the insurance does not cover.
- Model
- 68239
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight, Arizona
- Bought
- Oct 12, 2011
- Where
- Mesa, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drillmaster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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Hurt, no treatment Made Dec 20, 2016, sent to the company Dec 30, 2016, published by CPSC Jan 17, 2017
The product, in the report: Drillmaster 4.8 Cordless Screwdriver Item number 61826 from harbor freight
Charging drillmaster drill item 61826 from Harbour freight The drill was on arm of the chair and caught frire causing damage to the drill as well as starting the chair on fire.
- Model
- 61826
- Bought from
- Harbour freight
- Bought
- Dec 12, 2016
- Where
- Saginaw, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drillmasster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
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Not said Made Mar 11, 2016, sent to the company Mar 21, 2016, published by CPSC Apr 4, 2016
The product, in the report: rechargeable drill #68239
had used Cordless drill 68239 laid it on washer went to eat, came back house full of smoke and drill had melted and heavy smoke
- Model
- 3704 #68239
- Bought from
- Cargo Largo, Missouri
- Where
- Odessa, Missouri: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand drill master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
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Hurt, no treatment Made Jan 14, 2016, sent to the company Jan 27, 2016, published by CPSC Feb 11, 2016
The product, in the report: Drill Master 18Volt Cordless Drill Black with a red trigger switch
I given as a gift a 18 Voly Cordless Drill from Harbor Frieght last spring, last night 1/6/2016 the drill caught on fire.
- Model
- 68239
- Serial number
- 370471503
- Bought from
- Harbor Frieght
- Bought
- Apr 11, 2015, about then
- Where
- Hinesville, Georgia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 51, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
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No one hurt Made Dec 18, 2015, sent to the company Dec 29, 2015, published by CPSC Jan 13, 2016
The product, in the report: 18 volt cordless drill
I purchased a “Drill Master” 18 volt cordless drill from Harbor Freight about 8 months ago. I was using it yesterday (12-17-15). I set it down to do something else and the drill started running and smoking. The plastic started melting just below the motor. I knocked it over and it quit running but continued to smoke. I removed the battery and it finally quite smoking. The tool information is as follows.
Brand: Drill Master Description: 18 volt cordless drill Item number: 69651 Serial number: 363831504
- UPC
- 69651
- Serial number
- 363831504
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight, Arkansas
- Bought
- Mar 5, 2015
- Where
- bono, Arkansas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Dec 10, 2015, sent to the company Dec 18, 2015, published by CPSC Jan 5, 2016
The product, in the report: 18 volt 3/4 inch drill
I finished charging the battery and inserted it into the fitting on the drill. I pushed the trigger twice to make sure the battery charged. I walked away for a couple of minutes. When I returned a coworker had seen smoke and fire coming from the pistol grip part of the drill by the trigger the drill had turned itself on. He ran it outside our building where it continued to burn until we smothered the fire. If not for his quick thinking we could have had a serious fire in the building.
- Model
- 68287
- Serial number
- 370471340
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight, Ohio
- Bought
- Dec 2, 2013
- Where
- Tipp City, Ohio: Industrial
- Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Oct 23, 2015, sent to the company Nov 2, 2015, published by CPSC Nov 17, 2015
The product, in the report: drillmaster 18 volt Cordless 3/8” Drill/Driver with keyless chuck. Item #68239, and Serial number is 370471352. This item was purchased at Harbor Freight Tools in March 2015.
When I got this drillmaster 18 volt cordless 3/8” Drill/Driver out of my tool box to use, I felt the handle was hot. I did not understand this. I then began to use the drill/driver, unscrewed 1 screw with it and then I put the drill/driver down into my tool box again. 15 seconds later, the drill/driver was excessively smoking and I couldn’t touch the handle due to the heat. It was smoking, black and white smoke mixed together and had the smell of burning wires. I managed to pull out the battery. After pulling the battery out the drill/driver stopped smoking approximately 3 minutes later. The handle of the drill is melted where the switch is located.
This drill/driver item number is 68239 from Harbor Freight Tools.
- Model
- Item #68239
- UPC
- 792363682398
- Serial number
- 370471352
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight Tools, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Mar 7, 2015
- Where
- Camp Hill, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 70, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand drilmaster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Jun 3, 2015, sent to the company Jun 11, 2015, published by CPSC Jun 25, 2015
The product, in the report: 18V 3/8” drill battery and charger. serial number of drill [REDACTED], item number 68239. No serial number on Battery. Transformer/charger is Model SH-DC240400 and it has a UL sticker.
Dril Master 18Volt Drill 18V cordless - Item number 68239. I have had two incidents where the transformer for the battery chargers melted in the outlet. The explaination from Harbor freight was that the chargers will overcharge the battery (they are not smart chargers and will continue to over charge the battery. You should plug the battery charger in for no more than 4 hours whith the battery dead. A little forgetfullness did and will overheat the transformer (exterior plastic distorted) and damage the battery.
This is my third battery from Harbor freight (and second battery charger. A few minutes ago, I heard a hiss and smelled steam. I just happened to be near the battery which was on charge. The battery was too hot to touch, and the case had distorted a little and was pushed open at the seam. I have not had these kind of issues with a cordless product before. I am an engineer and I feel that this battery/charger combination is inherently dangerous. The product could easily cause a burn, and may be a fire hazard.
- Model
- 18V 3/
8” drill - Serial number
- 370471116
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight
- Bought
- Aug 1, 2014, about then
- Where
- Garden City, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand drillmaster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Dec 8, 2014, sent to the company Dec 16, 2014, published by CPSC Jan 2, 2015
The product, in the report: Blue Harbor Freight 18 Volt 3/8” Cordless DrillMaster Drill/Driver with keyless chuck I can not find the receipt but I know I purchased the drill sometime earlier this year, may be toward the beginning of the year.
On Friday, Dec 5, 2014, I used my Harbor Freight 18 Volt 3/8” Cordless Drillmaster to screw in 4 screws for a shelve on my tool cart. I then placed the drill on the shelf of my cart. A couple of hours later, I went back into my garage and noticed a strong smell of electrical and rubber burning. My wife and I started checking all the wiring in the garage to no avail. So we thought maybe the smell was coming from the outside. That evening my wife and I started feeling sick with headaches, nausea, chest pains and feeling lightheaded. The next day, when I went back into my garage the smell was still there. The smell seemed to be stronger around my tool cart. That is when I noticed that the drill had melted and the trigger was hanging out of it burnt. Also the drill even warped out of shape. So I picked it up quickly and removed the battery, noticing that it also noticed it had scorched the shelf it was laying on. Again, my wife and I started getting the same symptoms from the night before from the smell.
- Model
- Item #68239
- Serial number
- 370471328
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight
- Where
- PORT RICHEY, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 49, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand DrillMaster, made or sold by HARBOR FREIGHT SALVAGE CO.
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Oct 15, 2014, sent to the company Oct 23, 2014, published by CPSC Nov 6, 2014
The product, in the report: “drillmaster” Cordless Drill 3/8 “ 18v Ser. # 370471327 Item #68239 made in China, Sold by Harbor Freight Inc.
I had been using my cordless drill for 45 Mins. or so at my camp in Maine. I set the drill on a counter and left the room for 5-7 Mins. when I returned I could smell smoke and found the the cordless drill was billowing smoke and melting. I took the drill outside and disconnected the battery and the drill cooled down. The trigger was melted and the grip was melted. I’m sure if I had not returned when I did the drill would have caused a fire. I do have pictures of the drill and I have contacted the store where I bought the drill.
- Model
- Item # 68239
- Serial number
- 370471327
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight Inc., New Hampshire
- Bought
- Jun 13, 2012
- Where
- Embden, Maine: Other Public Property/
Office - Who was involved
- Age 67, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Drillmaster, made or sold by HARBOR FREIGHT SALVAGE CO.
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Not said Made Jul 21, 2014, sent to the company Jul 29, 2014, published by CPSC Aug 12, 2014
The product, in the report: Drillmater cordless drill#68239.3/8 Harbor freight
In small open toolbox in car was corless drill .i did several hrs work then returned and found drill speed control power button had melted off with big hole.and battery warped and was hot.now car stinks of the burnt smell.i seperated battery from drill.
- Model
- 68239
- Serial number
- 370471331
- Bought from
- harbor freight, Connecticut
- Bought
- May 21, 2014, about then
- Where
- carmel, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drillmaster, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
Not said Made Apr 10, 2014, sent to the company Apr 18, 2014, published by CPSC May 2, 2014
The product, in the report: Drill Master #96526, sold By Harbor Freight Corp.
Charger overheated, melted- (2) units, same part number.
- Model
- 96526
- Bought from
- Harbor Freight Corp.
- Bought
- Jan 1, 2011, about then
- Where
- Lake Stevens, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
No one hurt Made Jul 19, 2012, sent to the company Aug 7, 2012, published by CPSC Aug 21, 2012
The product, in the report: Drill Master 19.2Volt 1/2” Battery Powered Drill
I am the administrative fire chief for a fire district. One of my retired volunteer firefighters has a Drill Master 19.2V 1/2” battery powered drill. It was lying on his workbench when it began to smoke, and melted a hole through the handle. It was so hot he had trouble picking it up to move it outside. Definitely enough heat was produced to start a fire if it had been nearly readily combustible materials. I have photographs of the drill that I can send. You can contact me at:
[REDACTED]
- Model
- Drill Master 19.2Volt 1/
2” Battery Powered Drill item #96526 - Where
- Cody, Wyoming: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Drill Master, made or sold by Harbor Freight Tools
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
CPSC’s disclaimer
Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.
Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.
Sources
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.
Released Oct 25, 2026 and checked Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.