A grasp-activated power switch is integrated within a handle for a hand-held power tool. The switch has an inner channel having an outer conductive layer, and a flexible outer shell having an inner conductive layer separated from the outer conductive layer by an air gap. On its surface the outer shell has actuating and non-actuating areas. A manual grasping force when applied to the actuating area flexes the inner conductive layer across the gap and electrically couples the two layers. The closure energizes an RF transmitter, which sends a pulse to a complementary receiver. With each pulse, the receiver toggles power to a motor off or on, and when on, the motor transmits power through the inner channel. When operating the tool, an operator may grasp the non-actuating area to avoid powering the tool off or on. The inner conductive layer may consist of conductive segments separated by a resilient insulator that maintains the switch open in the absence of a grasping force.