Sparks when drill stops?

You might want to check the condition of the brushes. Some sparks are normal.

My Black and Decker does it. Don't know why, but it works fine.

read the instructions. my new ridgid 18v has a brake that engages when the trigger is released. the book says that sparks are caused by the brake engageing.

Perfectly normal. Most tools are designed so that the sparks cannot be seen through the vents. But some aren't.

Thanks everyone for your help. Since the drill is brand new, taking it apart to check the condition of the brushes is out of the question, I'm afraid, but I'm sure after reading some of your replies, that what's happening is normal. Thanks again.

That is perfectly normal if your drill has electric brake.

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.