Safety

Power Tool and DIY Product Recalls in 2025-2026: What You Need to Check

By Hods Published

Safety recalls on power tools and DIY equipment happen more often than most people realize. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued several recalls affecting common workshop and home improvement products through 2025 and into early 2026. If you own any of these tools, stop using them immediately and follow the recall instructions. Checking for recalls should be a routine part of your tool maintenance process.

Power Tool and DIY Product Recalls in 2025-2026: What You Need to Check

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws - Chain Brake Failure

Milwaukee Tool issued a recall on its M18 FUEL 14-inch and 12-inch Top Handle Chainsaws because the chain brake may not activate properly, posing a laceration hazard [1]. The chain brake is the primary safety device that stops the chain when kickback occurs. If it fails to engage, the spinning chain can cause severe cuts or worse.

If you own one of these chainsaws, stop using it immediately and contact Milwaukee Tool for the recall remedy. This recall is particularly important because top-handle chainsaws are often used in awkward positions where kickback risk is elevated.

For anyone using a chainsaw regularly, this recall is a reminder to test your chain brake before every use. Engage the brake by pushing the front hand guard forward, then briefly pull the trigger. The chain should not move. If it does, do not use the saw. Review our safety gear guide for the proper protective equipment to wear during chainsaw operation.

DeWalt Grinder Flap Discs - Flaps Can Detach

DeWalt recalled ceramic cloth abrasive flap discs used on angle grinders because the flaps can detach while the disc is spinning, posing laceration and injury hazards [2]. These discs were sold at industrial supply stores including Grainger, Fastenal, and Airgas, as well as on Amazon, from September 2024 through May 2025. They were priced between $7 and $10.

Flap discs spin at several thousand RPM on an angle grinder. When an abrasive flap separates at that speed, it becomes a projectile. Even with proper eye protection and a face shield, a fragmenting disc can cause serious injury.

Check the model numbers on any DeWalt flap discs you have in your workshop. If they match the recalled units, stop using them and contact DeWalt for a replacement or refund.

RIDGID Framing Nailers - Unintended Nail Discharge

TTI Consumer Power Tools recalled RIDGID Framing Nailers due to a laceration hazard. The nailers were sold at Home Depot and Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores nationwide, as well as online, from July 2021 through May 2025, priced between $329 and $389 [3].

Framing nailers drive nails with enough force to penetrate dimensional lumber, which means an unintended discharge can cause a puncture wound or worse. If you own a RIDGID framing nailer purchased during this period, check the model number against the recall notice and contact TTI for the remedy.

This recall reinforces a fundamental rule of nailer safety: always keep the nailer pointed away from yourself and others, disconnect the power source when not actively firing, and never disable the contact safety tip.

Positec Corded Saws - Switch Failure Keeps Blade Running

About 49,000 saws manufactured by Positec Tool Corporation were recalled because the main power switch can fail, causing the blade to continue running after the user releases the trigger [4]. The recall covers four types of electric corded saws sold under the Hyper Tough, Worx, and Portland brands. These saws were sold between September 2023 and March 2024 at Walmart, Harbor Freight, and through Worx and Amazon websites.

A saw that does not stop when you release the trigger is extremely dangerous. If you own a Hyper Tough, Worx, or Portland corded saw purchased during this time frame, check the model number immediately and stop using the saw until you verify it is not affected.

Northern Tool Hot Water Pressure Washers - Fire Hazard

Northern Tool + Equipment recalled hot water pressure washers due to a fire hazard [5]. These commercial-grade units were sold nationwide and online from January 2025 through August 2025 and were priced between $5,000 and $10,000. Consumers should stop using the recalled washers immediately and contact Northern Tool for a free repair.

DIY Cold Plunge Sauna Heater Kits - Overheating Risk

DIY Cold Plunge recalled sauna heater kits because electrical conductors within the units can overheat, posing a fire hazard [6]. The firm received 12 reports of units overheating, though no fires or injuries were reported at the time of the recall. The kits were sold online from March 2025 through February 2026 for between $400 and $500.

DuraTrac Gas Connectors - Gas Leak Hazard

DuraTrac recalled stainless steel gas connectors due to a manufacturing defect that could cause a gas leak, posing a fire hazard [7]. These connectors were sold at hardware stores from May 2025 through November 2025 for approximately $20.

If you installed a gas connector during this period, check the brand and model against the recall notice. A gas leak in an enclosed workshop space is life-threatening. Always hire a licensed professional for gas line work.

How to Check for Recalls

Make it a habit to check for recalls on your tools and equipment at least twice a year. Here is how:

  1. Visit CPSC.gov/Recalls and search by product type, brand, or date
  2. Register your tools with the manufacturer when you buy them so you receive direct recall notifications
  3. Check model numbers on every tool against active recalls, especially before lending tools to others or buying secondhand
  4. Sign up for CPSC email alerts at cpsc.gov to receive recall notices automatically

When buying used tools at estate sales, flea markets, or online marketplaces, always check the model number against the CPSC recall database before using the tool. A recalled tool sold secondhand is still dangerous.

The Bottom Line

Recalls are not rare events. Major brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and RIDGID have all issued safety recalls in the past year. The recalls covered here range from grinder discs that cost $7 to pressure washers that cost $10,000. Price and brand reputation do not guarantee safety. Stay informed, check your tools, and never use a recalled product until the remedy has been completed.

Sources

  1. CPSC. “Milwaukee Tool Recalls M18 FUEL 14-inch and 12-inch Top Handle Chainsaws Due to Laceration Hazard.” 2026. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Milwaukee-Tool-Recalls-M18-FUEL-14-and-12-Top-Handle-Chainsaws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard
  2. CPSC. “DEWALT Recalls Grinder Flap Discs Due to Laceration and Injury Hazards.” 2025. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/DEWALT-Recalls-Grinder-Flap-Discs-Due-to-Laceration-and-Injury-Hazards
  3. CPSC. “TTI Consumer Power Tools Recalls RIDGID Framing Nailers Due to Laceration Hazard.” 2025. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/TTI-Consumer-Power-Tools-Recalls-RIDGID-Framing-Nailers-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard
  4. LiveNOW from FOX. “Nearly 49,000 chainsaws and pole saws recalled over injury risk.” https://www.livenowfox.com/news/chainsaw-recall-switch-hazard
  5. CPSC. “Northern Tool + Equipment Recalls Hot Water Pressure Washers Due to Fire Hazard.” 2026. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Northern-Tool-Equipment-Recalls-Hot-Water-Pressure-Washers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
  6. CPSC. “DIY Cold Plunge Recalls Sauna Heater Kits Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire Hazard.” 2026. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/DIY-Cold-Plunge-Recalls-Sauna-Heater-Kits-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fire-Hazard
  7. CPSC. “DuraTrac Recalls Stainless Steel Gas Connectors Due to Fire Hazard.” 2026. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/DuraTrac-Recalls-Stainless-Steel-Gas-Connectors-Due-to-Fire-Hazard