Directional switch interlock for a power tool

A directional switch interlock for a power tool, the directional switch interlock comprising:

• a directional switch configured to select a rotational direction of an output shaft of the power tool, the rotational direction selected between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction;
• and
• a trigger member configured to be actuated from a non-actuated position to an actuated position to energize the power tool to cause rotation of the output shaft, the trigger member including a rib extending longitudinally along a side wall of the trigger member,
• wherein when the trigger member is actuated from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, the rib engages with the directional switch, locking the directional switch from changing the selected rotational direction of the output shaft.

A power tool comprising:

• a housing;
• a drive mechanism disposed in the housing, the drive mechanism including an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotational axis in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction;
• a directional switch configured to select a rotational direction of the output shaft between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction;
• and
• a trigger system including:
• a trigger member configured to be actuated from a non-actuated position to an actuated position to cause the drive mechanism to rotate the output shaft about the rotational axis, the trigger member including a rib extending longitudinally along a side wall of the trigger member,
• a magnet coupled to the trigger member, and
• at least one non-contact sensor disposed in the housing proximate to the trigger member,
• wherein when the trigger member is actuated from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, the rib engages with the directional switch, locking the directional switch from changing the selected rotational direction of the output shaft.