Abstract: A mechanism for switching from independent to synchronous, or vice versa an operational setting of a dust collector with a receptacle for supplying another power tool with which the dust collector is to be operated synchronously. This mechanism comprises a first switch connected in series both to a power switch of the dust collector and to an electric motor thereof, a second switch connected in series both to said power switch and to said electric motor, but arranged in parallel with the first switch, a lid which can be closed to close said receptacle or opened to expose said receptacle, a rod which engages the lid to close the first switch when the lid is closed, thus conditioning the dust collector for independent operation, and which disengages from the lid to open the first switch when the lid is opened, and a second-switch activating member for closing the second switch to operate the dust collector synchronously with another power tool when the other power tool is supplied through the receptacle.

Abstract: A combined locking mechanism and switch especially for power tools has a switch, an actuator for directly turning on or off the switch, a locking member shiftable between a first position in which it is disposed in opposed relation to the actuator and a second position in which it is spaced apart form the actuator, and an actuating member for actuating the actuator through the locking member only when the locking member is placed in the first position.