Power tool with multiple modes of operation and ergonomic handgrip

A power tool comprising:

• a housing;
• a motor disposed in the housing;
• a motor controller disposed in the housing and in electrical communication with the motor;
• a transmission disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor;
• a tool bit holder configured to be rotatably driven by the motor via the transmission and configured to receive a tool bit for rotatably driving threaded fasteners;
• a power switch actuatable from outside the housing and in electrical communication with the motor controller to control power delivery to the motor;
• and
• an electronic mode select switch actuatable from outside the housing and in electrical communication with the motor controller, the electronic mode select switch configured to select between at least a first mode of operation in which power delivery to the motor is controlled by actuation of the power switch and an electronic lock on mode in which continuous power is delivered to the motor starting an actuation and continuing after a subsequent release of the power switch.

A method for controlling operation of a power tool having a housing including a motor housing portion, a motor at least partially disposed in the motor housing portion, a motor controller disposed in the housing and in electrical communication with the motor, a power switch actuatable from outside the housing and in electrical communication with the motor controller to control power delivery to the motor, and an electronic mode select switch coupled to and actuatable from outside the motor housing portion and in electrical communication with the motor controller, the method comprising:

• receiving one or more selections of the electronic mode select switch;
• determining, based on the received one or more selections of the electronic mode select switch, a selected operation mode among a plurality of available operation modes, the plurality of operation modes including at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation;
• receiving actuation of the power switch;
• determining an actuation state of the power switch;
• in response to determining that the first mode of operation has been selected, delivering power to the motor upon determining that the power switch has been actuated and discontinuing power delivery to the motor upon determining that the power switch has been deactivated;
• and
• in response to determining that the second mode of operation has been selected, delivering power to the motor upon actuation of the power switch and continuing to deliver power after deactivation of the power switch.