Fairly new Dewalt 788 broken switch?

[Kris Martinson]

My DeWalt 788's on/off switch quit working. I'm not sure what the cause is nor how to fix it. Anyone else have this problem and a way to fix it?

[orangeman]

I had that problem years ago. Turned out it was a loose wire in the switch.

 

Take the switch apart and inspect it for loose or disconnected wires.

 

Then blow some compressed air to clean it out.

 

If that isn't the problem you may need a new switch. Easy to replace yourself.

 

bb

[Scrappile]

Lot of time it is just a dust build up.  Blow it out as Orangeman said, it that work, a good suggestion is to get a foot switch and cover the saw switch with plastic, tape or something to keep the dust out and use the foot switch.  Most people, me included, like the foot switches better anyway.

[Scrolling Steve]

Foot switch , love the foot switch !

[dgman]

Hey Kris, yes it is a common problem with the DeWalt. The cause is one of two things. One, dust build up on the contacts inside the switch or the contacts are pitted. Either way, it is repairable without having to order a new one if you are handy and have the correct hand tools. But first try blowing compressed air into and around the switch. If that doesn't work, tap the side of the control housing with a block of wood.if that does not work, you will have to service the switch.

I'll write a discripstion of how to do it if you need it. Let me know.

[amazingkevin]

My DeWalt 788's on/off switch quit working. I'm not sure what the cause is nor how to fix it. Anyone else have this problem and a way to fix it?

I drilled two holes in my switch to let the saw dust drain out,no problem since,and  I've gotten a  foot switch since then.

[ike]

The foot switch is the best accessory to the saw.

IKE

[edward]

I had the same problem last year, I just blew out the dust in the switch, and put press and seal over the switch, worked for me, you might have to change the press in seal every so often. just my opinion.  edward

[heppnerguy]

It is just a switch...you could disconnect the wires and put both ends going into the switch together, (perhaps using a jumper type wire) MAKING SURE YOU HAVE IT UNPLUGGED FIRST. and then after connecting the wires together, plug in the saw. if it runs at that point, you know  for certain it is the switch,  if it does not run, you need to look  for a different problem

 

 

Dick

heppnerguy

Edited July 24, 2016 by heppnerguy

[Kris Martinson]

Thanks for all the help. I did try blowing out the dust, and it didn't work this time. So I bypassed the manufacturer switch and am using a power strip with an on/off switch. OK so far, but I can sure see the value in getting a foot switch.

[LarryEA]

Like already said...dust most likely

I drilled two holes in my switch to let the saw dust drain out,no problem since,and  I've gotten a  foot switch since then.

LOL... sawdust aint water, though it does have moisture which causes it to pack together... friendly little

fibers that love to stay together.

It stays where it falls, unless your holes are big... like huge.. like you cut the bottom out.

Edited July 24, 2016 by LarryEA