How to repair a drill press spindle?
On the Craftsman 113213852 15" floor model drill press, spindle repair means removing the quill, correcting the cause of wobble or rough rotation (usually bearings, a bent spindle, or a damaged taper), then reassembling and checking runout at the chuck.
Safety and prep
- Unplug the drill press.
- Remove the bit and chuck key.
- Lower and lock the table for clearance.
- Mark the depth stop setting and take photos of spacer/washer order.
- If the spindle is visibly bent or the taper is scored, replace the spindle (bearings alone will not fix runout).
Typical spindle and quill repair steps
- Remove the belt cover, release belt tension, and slip the belt off.
- Remove the chuck (commonly by lowering the quill and using chuck wedges or a drift method for your taper style).
- Remove quill retaining hardware (often a retaining ring or collar) and slide the quill out of the head.
- Separate the spindle from the quill; press or tap out the spindle bearings.
- Install new bearings using a press when possible; support the correct bearing race to prevent damage.
- Reinstall the spindle into the quill, then reinstall the quill into the head.
- Refit retaining hardware, reinstall the belt, set belt tension, and reinstall the chuck.
Checks after reassembly
- Spin the spindle by hand; it should feel smooth with no grinding.
- Check runout with a straight rod in the chuck; visible wobble points to a bent spindle, damaged taper, or a chuck that is not seated.
- Verify the quill return spring lifts the quill smoothly and the quill lock holds.
Symptom guide
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding/rumble | Failed spindle bearings | Replace bearings; avoid side-loading the spindle |
| Chuck wobble | Bent spindle or damaged taper | Replace spindle or chuck; reseat chuck |
| Quill sticks | Dirt, burrs, misalignment | Clean and lightly deburr; verify smooth travel |
Why it matters
A tight, true spindle reduces chatter, drills straighter holes, and improves safety and bit life.
For tool and setup tips that help with repairs like this, use must have tools for appliance repair.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of the drill press?
On the Craftsman 113213852 15" floor model drill press, the main parts are the base and column (support), the table and clamp (work support), the head and motor (power), and the quill, spindle, and chuck area (drilling mechanism). These components work together to keep holes accurate and repeatable.
Main drill press parts and what they do
- Base: Heavy platform that stabilizes the drill press and supports the column.
- Column: Vertical post that supports the head and guides the table up and down.
- Table (and table clamp/lock): Supports the workpiece; locks at a chosen height and angle.
- Head: Houses the drive system and supports the quill/spindle assembly.
- Motor: Provides power to turn the spindle (often through belts and pulleys).
- Belt and pulleys (speed change system): Sets spindle speed for wood, metal, or plastics.
- Quill and spindle: The quill moves up and down; the spindle rotates and holds the chuck.
Controls and adjustment points you will use most
| Part | What you adjust | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Table clamp/lock | Table height and rotation | Hole location and stability |
| Depth stop | Maximum drilling depth | Repeatable hole depth |
| Feed handles | Quill travel (downfeed) | Control and smoothness |
| Belt/pulley setting | Spindle RPM | Cut quality and bit life |
Why it matters
Knowing the names of the drill press parts helps you troubleshoot common issues (wobble, slipping belt, table drift, poor hole accuracy) and makes it easier to match the right replacement parts for the Craftsman 113213852.
Finding the right replacement part
- Confirm the model number is 113213852 on the ID plate.
- Identify the area first: table, head/motor, spindle/quill, or base/column.
- Use the exploded views and parts list for the model to match the part description.
- If you are unsure, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman drill press?
On the Craftsman drill press model 113213852, the model number is typically printed on a metal or foil ID plate on the base, usually close to the column. Use that exact model number when matching parts and diagrams for your 15-inch floor model drill press.
Where to look on the drill press
Check these common ID-plate locations first:
- On the base casting, near the front edge
- On the base, right next to where the column mounts
- On the rear of the base (facing the wall)
- On the column a few inches above the base (less common)
- Under a layer of dust or oil film (wipe the area clean and re-check)
What the model number label looks like
Most Craftsman power tool ID plates include the model number plus other identifiers.
| You may see | What it means | Example for this drill press |
|---|---|---|
| Model No. | The number you need for parts lookup | 113213852 |
| Serial No. | Production identifier (not used for most parts lookups) | Varies |
| Voltage/amps | Electrical rating | Varies |
| RPM/Hz | Motor speed and frequency | Varies |
Tips if the plate is hard to read
If the label is worn, you can usually still confirm the model number with a few quick steps:
- Shine a flashlight across the plate at a low angle to make stamped text stand out
- Wipe with a degreaser and a rag (avoid soaking the label)
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Look for the 113. prefix; many Craftsman tools use that format
Why it matters
The model number is the fastest way to match the correct Craftsman drill press parts, hardware, and diagrams. Even small design changes between similar drill presses can affect belts, pulleys, switches, and quill components.
For broader parts searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
