Normal. The "brakes" actually a set of contacts in the switch that short
circuit the motor, and this is why it sparks. It is an old "slot car racing
technique". When you turn off the motor, it still spins for a while and
becomes a generator. If you short circuit the motor when you turn the power
off, it will lock the armature, therefore, brakes the motor.

"TheKeith" wrote in message
...
I just got a 15.6 V craftsman drill with a brake. When I release the
trigger, I am noticing sparks through the vents in the back. Is this
normal?--thanks.