A hammer drill comprising: a motor; a drive transmission capable of operating in at in at least a rotary mode and a reciprocating mode; a mode change mechanism; a switch which, when closed, provides power to the motor; and a mechanical lock-on mechanism which, when locked mechanically holds the switch closed to maintain the power to the motor. Additionally, the hammer drill includes a first sensor, which indicates the mode of operation of drive transmission; and a second sensor which indicates whether the lock-on mechanism is locked; and a controller which is capable of interfering with the operation of the motor, when the controller detects that the drive transmission is in the rotary mode of operation and the lock-on mechanism has been locked.