How to Replace the Switch on a DeWALT Angle Grinder (Model D28402)

If broken parts and faulty starts are grinding on your nerves, it's time to face the fix. Whether you are a grinding pro or seasonal grinder, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The switch on an angle grinder endures heavy use. Eventually, it will fail. Often, this happens without any prior warning. In fact, one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of a faulty switch is that the grinder suddenly stops working after working perfectly moments earlier. Fortunately, replacing the switch on a DeWALT D28402 grinder is easy to do, especially when you follow our step-by-step instructions.

If you're ready to make the switch, this article will guide you through the simple steps. Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE SWITCH [top] 1. Remove the top half of the handle assembly.

Remove the (5) retaining screws.

Remove the top half of the handle assembly.

  2. Separate the handle from the field case.

Remove the paddle assembly.

Remove the lock-on button assembly.

Separate the rear housing from the front.

  3. Remove the cord clamp.

Remove the clamp retaining screws.

Remove the cord clamp.

  4. Remove the switch.

Lift the cord and switch assembly out of the handle.

Remove the screws connecting the cord to the switch.

Use long-nosed pliers to remove the motor wire terminals from the switch.

Remove the switch from the grinder.

    INSTALLING THE NEW SWITCH [top] 5. Install the switch.

Connect the two motor wire terminals to the new switch.

Align the eyelets with the mounting holes on the switch.

Secure the connections with the screws.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 6. Reinstall the cord / switch assembly into the handle.

Reinstall the switch into the handle.

Reinstall the cord and cord protector into the handle.

Tuck the cord wires into the handle.

Reinstall the cord clamp.

Secure the cord clamp (and switch) with the screws.

  7. Reconnect the handle assembly to the field case.

Partially connect the lower half of the handle assembly to the field case.

Tuck the wires into the designated slots and channels on the assembly.

Connect the lower half of the handle to the field case (manipulate the two components until they “snap” into place).

  8. Reinstall the lock-on button.

One side of the lock-on button contains a small tab. This tab should be installed facing the armature.

Install the lock-on button into the handle.

  9. Reinstall the paddle assembly.

Install the paddle assembly into the handle; ensure that the “tail” is positioned above the switch button, and the “fulcrum” is seated within the recess in the handle.

  10. Reinstall the top half of the handle assembly.

Partially install the top half of the handle assembly.

Align the posts (on the fulcrum and the lock-on button) with the recesses in the top of the handle.

Before securing the handle with the screws, test the paddle and the lock-on button for proper functionality.

Secure the handle with the screws.

You can't place a value on a job well done, unless you did it yourself. (Which you did.) Now you can place that value back into your own pocket. (Or into your business.) Not only did you refine your grinder at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have expanded your skills far beyond the daily grind.

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