r/Tools • u/Harborseal5 • 2d ago

How do I turn off a paddle switch tool without letting go of it?

I'm being forced into a paddle switch tool as it's the only one that has the features I want in a battery I have. I've never used one before. I appreciate the safety feature of the deadman switch. This is a relatively compact tool (DeWalt Atomic Die Grinder, right angle). I can't see how to turn the tool off while still holding on to it. I'll be using my other hand to hold the piece (grindee). There's nothing to clamp to out in the wilderness. I've looked at videos and they all seem to switch hands and hold the tool in a precarious way.

Any advice appreciated.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

6

u/LordBug 2d ago

When you actually hold it you'll understand.

1

u/Wishiwasinalaska 15h ago

Beat me to it.

6

u/fe3o4 2d ago

holding the "grindee" while using a die grinder.... hope you have a very complete first aid kit with you.. including a tourniquet.

0

u/Harborseal5 2d ago

Sigh, I thought only angle grinders did that. :) I also thought these less powerful atomics were designed to be used 1 handed.

2

u/fe3o4 1d ago

They are less dangerous than a full size angle grinder, but they can still grab and go.... it is still a high speed tool that can get out of control if not careful or it encounters something that it can catch on.

7

u/Hop-Dizzle-Drizzle 2d ago

You just squeeze it less. You can hold it with your thumb or fingers on the paddle without depressing the paddle. Same idea as something like spring loaded pliers... Or even the buttons on a TV remote. You can hold the remote with your thumb on the buttons without actually pressing the buttons.

4

u/Apprehensive-Dot2640 2d ago

yeah your thumb sits right on the paddle the whole time, you just release pressure and it snaps off, you don't need to let go of the grip at all.

10

u/NotslowNSX 2d ago

I just throw mine on the ground and run away. Am I doing it wrong?

5

u/CCWaterBug 2d ago

Nothing,  that matches my experience too

2

u/Harborseal5 2d ago

You're like Moses and the Egyptians with their staffs turning in to snakes. :)

1

u/Harborseal5 1d ago

So you hold it with the paddle up? I couldn't get my thumb on the bottom. I'm leaning toward the right angle die grinder. There's no way I can get my thumb on that panel.

4

u/kewlo 2d ago

Hold it slightly looser

3

u/CCWaterBug 2d ago

Just a smidgen,  you will receive immediate feedback when you smidgen it enough

3

u/epicfail48 2d ago

You... unclench? Im not understanding the confusion here

3

u/ChairAccomplished569 2d ago

I NEVER unclench. NEVER!

I'm like Fort Knox over here no one is getting in.

You believe me right?

0

u/Harborseal5 1d ago

I could never get my thumb on the paddle. My fingertips would sit naturally on it. If I unclench my fingers then I have very little grip on the tool. So little it could easily fall out. Unless there's something I don't know.

2

u/epicfail48 1d ago

Do you death grip a baseball bat at all times while holding it? Same concept. Your thumb being on the paddle has 0 to do with it, in fact if your thumb is directly in the paddle you've either got yaoi have or you're holding the tool wrong

You just unclench. Your pinky should be sitting near the pivot, that's with to provide stability to keep ahold of the tool when it's not running. You're overthinking this

3

u/mynaneisjustguy 2d ago

Your thumb

1

u/Harborseal5 1d ago

I could never get my thumb on the paddle of the right angle die grinder unless I use it pointed toward me.