A power tool includes a variable speed motor coupled to a drive member. A power circuit electrically connects the variable speed motor to a power source. A variable speed signal generator generates a variable speed control signal indicating an operating speed for the motor. The operating speed is dependent upon a value of a variable speed selection signal generated by a slide switch. The slide switch includes a linear slide potentiometer for generating the variable speed selection signal. An actuator slides along the potentiometer to control the value of the selection signal. The slide switch includes an ON/OFF contact and a lever arm that is movable into and out of contact with the ON/OFF contact. The actuator is configured to prevent the lever arm from contacting the ON/OFF contact when the actuator is in an OFF position in relation to the slide potentiometer thereby opening the power circuit.