Handheld power tool

A handheld power tool 1 has a tool socket 2 to hold a tool along a working axis 11. A motor-driven, pneumatic striking mechanism 6 has an exciter 17 which is driven by a motor 5, a striker 14 that is coupled to the exciter 17 via a pneumatic chamber 19, and an intermediate striker 22 arranged on the working axis 11 in the striking direction 12 behind the striker 14. A ventilation opening 30 connects a cavity 29 situated between the striker 14 and the intermediate striker 22 to the environment. A valve 38 that closes the ventilation opening 30 is opened when actuated by the intermediate striker 22 when the intermediate striker 22 is moved into its working position counter to the striking direction 12.