MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 11 (Nationwide Times) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled about 554,780 Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools sold at Lowe’s because certain USB-C rechargeable batteries can overheat and catch fire if they are charged while still installed in the tool.
The recall covers string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, power cleaners and bristle brush kits. The tools were sold nationwide in Lowe’s stores and on Lowes.com from January 2026 through May 2026, the CPSC said. The recalled products were imported by Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools, of Mooresville, North Carolina, and were manufactured in China and Vietnam.
What is the hazard?
The batteries in the recall have USB-C charging ports and came in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah sizes. The CPSC said charging those batteries through the USB-C port while they remain inserted in the yard tool can cause the battery to short-circuit, creating a fire hazard.
Greenworks Tools said it has received 34 reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire during that kind of charging. No injuries or property damage had been reported in the recall notice.
What should owners do?
Consumers should stop charging the recalled batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the tools. Greenworks Tools is offering a free replacement battery without a USB-C port, plus a charger adapter, updated product manual, warning label and prepaid shipping label so customers can return the recalled battery.
How to check whether a tool is included
The recall applies to Kobalt-branded yard tools that use the affected USB-C batteries. Owners should check the tool type and battery size against the recall information from the CPSC or Lowe’s. The CPSC recall number is 26-611.
Why this recall matters
Cordless yard tools often use lithium-ion batteries because they are rechargeable and portable. But this recall shows that the charging method matters, too. In this case, the CPSC said the risk comes from charging the battery through its USB-C port while it is still connected to the tool, instead of removing it first.
