Is the rocker switch the problem, or a symptom?

[Riverside]

I currently have three tools (electric pressure washer, Drill Doctor, and shop vacuum) which seem to have the same problem. When I push the rocker switch to turn them on, they come on for a second, then, as soon as I release the rocker switch, it snaps off. Does this indicate a bad switch, or are the switches sensing an overload, or something, and shutting off as a safety feature?

(Edit: I originally referred to the switches as "toggle" switches, but I realized I should have said "rocker" switches, so I changed it.)

 

[Shiftless]

Likely a bad switch.
It‘s best to replace a bad switch but I admit to one time when I jumped the switch so my air popcorn popper was on all the time. I just unplugged it to turn it off.

 

[Beerhippie]

Bad switch. It's not easy to find a good quality switch these days. If you have room to mount one, adding a DP contactor to take the current load off the switch would make it last longer.

 

[The Cobbler]

as soon as I release the toggle switch, it toggles off

so the switches aren't staying in the on position... they are bad. dirty or worn . sometimes they can be cleaned .

 

[Riverside]

Thanks for the responses. I'll look for some new switches.

 

[rust in the eye]

Bad switch. I'm reminded of one I need to swap.

 

[larry_g]

I have replaced the cheap rocker switches with proper heavy duty toggle switches on some of my tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Beerhippie]

I have replaced the cheap rocker switches with proper heavy duty toggle switches on some of my tools.

lg
no neat sig line

That's what I do. Make a "goof plate" to cover the rectangular hole, drilled for the toggle. Seems rocker switches are pretty uniformly POS these days.