Power Tool Repair Made Easy

Step 5 New Power Switch

The more powerful the motor, the more likely a bad switch is. Circle (a.k.a circular, Skil) saws almost always die from a switch failure. Body grinders pretty often also.

Feels similar to bad brushes, but spinning the motor with a stick does nothing. Messing with the switch makes the motor jump.

This switch has a rubber cover. I peeled it for visual inspection and see broken parts inside and charred contacts. A continuity test also reveals a bad switch.

I do an online search to find the parts diagram and part number. A price search, $10 (including shipping) online order, and a few days go by, and I've got the part I need.

I detach and push out the old one. I push the new one into the plastic clips and wire it up just like the old one, and Bob's my new grinder! I mean Uncle!