A common convenience, charging a device over USB-C, is behind a large product recall. Greenworks Tools is recalling roughly 554,780 Kobalt-branded cordless yard tools and batteries sold at Lowe's, because the batteries can short-circuit and catch fire when charged through their USB-C port while still inserted in the tool, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The affected products, string trimmers, blowers, mowers, chainsaws and pruning saws, were sold in the first months of 2026.

What the hazard is

The problem is a specific misuse the design allows: plugging a USB-C charging cable into the battery while the battery is seated in the tool. In that configuration, the CPSC says, the battery can short-circuit, overheat and ignite. Greenworks has logged 34 reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire, with no injuries reported so far, per the CPSC notice.

The underlying danger is common to all lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable cells that power everything from phones to electric cars. When one is short-circuited or damaged, it can enter "thermal runaway," a self-feeding chain reaction in which the cell rapidly overheats and can burst into flames. It is the same failure mode behind fires in e-bikes, scooters and other battery devices, which is why regulators watch battery design closely.

What owners should do

The CPSC is urging owners to stop charging the batteries through the USB-C port while they are in the tools immediately. Greenworks is offering a free remedy, including replacement batteries without the USB-C port, adapters, and updated instructions, and consumers can contact the company to arrange it.

Why it matters

Beyond the immediate safety issue, the recall is a reminder of the costs that ride along with hardware. For Greenworks and for Lowe's, the retailer that sold the tools during the busy spring season, a recall of this size means replacement logistics, customer-service strain and reputational risk in a competitive market. And it highlights a broader design lesson as USB-C becomes the universal charging standard: when a familiar port is added to a product, people will reasonably assume they can use it in any way, and manufacturers have to make sure that intuitive behavior cannot turn dangerous. Boursel does not offer investment advice; anyone who owns one of the affected tools should follow the CPSC's guidance.