We're sorry you are having difficulty squeezing the handle for your Dawn Powerwash, Andy. Our products undergo many quality checks to ensure they get to you with the best results, so we don't expect these things to happen. Make sure the trigger is unlocked. The product should be in the locked position on store shelves. A cutout in the white plastic shows a yellow marking at the top of the sprayer. The tip of the nozzle also has a cutout. It is unlocked when those cutouts are matched up, and the yellow shape is completed. It is locked when the cutouts are not matched up and the yellow shape is incomplete. To unlock the nozzle, grasp the tip of the nozzle and turn to match up the cutouts. Once unlocked and ready to spray, ensure to pull the trigger firmly and all the way for a full spray. So we can help you get back to spraying away those dirty dishes, please call us at (800) 725-3296 Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM EST.