How to Replace the Switch on a DeWALT Shear

The switch both turns your tool on and off, and allows you to vary the speed of the motor. After years of use, the switch can fail; either no longer turning the motor on, or losing its ability to vary the speed of the motor.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE SWITCH   1. Remove the handle cover.

a. Remove the (3) screws securing the handle cover to the motor housing.

b. Remove the handle cover from the unit.

  2. Remove the switch assembly.

a. Pull the cord and switch away from the housing.

b. Note the location of the original switch wires (to simplify installation).

c. Use a small screwdriver disengage the trap-door connectors near the bottom of the switch and disconnect the two cord wires (black and white) from the switch.

d. Use long-nosed pliers to disconnect the two motor wires (white and blue) from the top of the switch.

e. Remove the switch from the tool.

INSTALLING THE NEW SWITCH

  3. Install the switch.

a. Connect the two motor wires (blue and white) to the terminals on the new switch.

b. Install the two cord wires (white and black) into the trap door connectors on the new switch.

c. Install the switch and cord assembly into the handle housing.

d. Tuck the cord clamp into the recess on the handle housing.

e. Align the cord protector with the slot on the housing.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the handle cover.

a. Install the handle cover.

b. Secure the handle cover with the (3) screws.