The on/off button must be held down for this model of vacuum to stay on. This answer from Stanley isn't true: Question: Does Black and Decker make a portable dust collector that stays on without constantly holding down the button? Answer: All vacuum cleaners have an on/off switch. The button does not need to be held down. By Stanley Black & Decker MANUFACTURER on March 11, 2019 However, the unit sucks (in a good way).