A handheld power tool has a switchable gear component actuatable by a selector switch. The gear component moves from a first operating position into a second operating position. The selector switch has a first switching position associated with the first operating position and a second switching position associated with the second operating position, and movable so that intermediate positions are assumed. A traveling coupling between the selector switch and the gear component has a spring exerting force onto the gear component in the first direction. A locking bolt is coupled to the selector switch in a positively driven manner. In the intermediate positions, the locking bolt is moved into a blocking bolt position blocking movement of the gear component out of the first operating position into the second operating position. When the selector switch is in the second switching position, the locking bolt is in a releasing bolt position.