Abstract: A reversing switch for use in a rechargeable hand tool, the switch being located between the battery and the electric motor and being in direct contact with both. The switch has an actuator pivotally connected to an insulating mounting support which also holds two transfer terminals, one connected to each of two terminals of the battery, and a contact carrier which is rotatably connected to the support and coupled to the actuator in order to be rotated by the pivoting of the actuator. Pivot contacts are attached to the contact carrier displaced from one another to provide a space for the parallel leads of the electric motor. Pivoting of the actuator reverses the connection of battery terminals to the motor leads and, accordingly, reverses the direction of the electric motor. The transfer terminals have recharging contacts which are accessible through ports in the housing of the hand tool to allow recharging of the battery without removing it from the rest of the tool.