Abstract: In a portable electric tool, a switch arrangement comprises a trigger on/off switch having a depressable trigger and a reversing switch having an actuating lever. An interlocking arrangement, operative between the lever and the trigger, prevents actuation of the reversing switch when the trigger is depressed. The lever comprises a pivoted bell crank, one of the legs of which carries part of the interlocking arrangement, and the other leg of which extends transversely to the trigger and engages with a slide manually slidable in an orifice in a side wall of the tool's housing to effect pivoting of the lever.

Abstract: A portable electric tool with a housing having a motor compartment and a pistol grip handle is provided with a trigger-switch, incorporating a motor reversing switch, mounted in the handle. An elongated lever is pivoted intermediate its length and contained within the housing. The rear end of the lever is connected to the reversing switch for actuation thereof. The forward end of the lever has a downwardly projecting protrusion which engages in a slide member which is slidable along an arcuate slot in the lower wall of the motor compartment for pivoting the lever. Intermediate the forward end of the lever and the pivotal axis of the lever is a downwardly projecting pin which coacts with a partition and two grooves in the upper part of the trigger-switch to block the movement of the trigger until the lever has been pivoted to actuate the reversing switch, and also to prevent pivoting of the lever while the trigger is in an inward position energizing the tool.