Craftsman 31517381 router Parts

A Sears Craftsman router (like model 31517381) is a handheld power tool used to shape, trim, and cut wood with a spinning router bit. We commonly see it used for edging, dadoes, grooves, rabbets, and decorative profiles in woodworking.

What it’s used for

A Craftsman router is designed to remove material precisely and repeatedly, especially when paired with a guide, fence, or template.

• Round over or bevel edges on boards
• Cut grooves and dadoes for shelves and joinery
• Trim laminate or veneer flush to an edge
• Make rabbets for cabinet backs and panels
• Create decorative profiles with specialty bits

Key parts and features you’ll hear about

Even without model-specific documentation for Craftsman 31517381, most corded routers share the same core components.

Feature/part	What it does	Why you care
Motor housing	Holds the motor and bearings	Affects power and vibration
Collet and nut	Clamps the router bit shank	Prevents bit slip and chatter
Base (fixed or plunge)	Supports the router on the work	Controls stability and depth
Depth adjustment	Sets how deep the bit cuts	Controls accuracy and safety
Power switch/cord	Supplies power to the motor	Common wear point on older tools

Safety and setup basics

Before using any Craftsman router, we recommend these practical checks.

• Unplug before changing bits or adjusting depth
• Use sharp bits with the correct shank size for the collet
• Tighten the collet firmly; recheck after the first few seconds of cutting
• Make multiple shallow passes instead of one deep cut
• Secure the workpiece and keep the cord clear of the cut path

Why it matters

Routers remove material fast; the right bit, correct depth setting, and a stable base setup are what turn a rough cut into a clean, professional-looking edge or joint.

Finding parts for your router

If you need replacement parts for Craftsman 31517381, start with the parts list for this model; for broader model searches and diagrams, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Craftsman makes corded routers, and your Craftsman router model 31517381 is a corded electric router model. Corded routers are common for steady power during edge profiling, dadoes, and other woodworking cuts.

How to tell if a Craftsman router is corded

Look for these quick identifiers on the tool and nameplate:

• A fixed power cord coming out of the motor housing
• An amperage rating (often shown as “A” or “amps”) on the label
• No battery pack slot or battery release tabs
• A standard 120V plug (in the U.S.)
• A switch and speed control (if equipped) on the router body

Corded vs. cordless routers (what changes)

Corded and cordless routers can do similar tasks, but they behave differently in daily use.

Feature	Corded router	Cordless router
Power delivery	Consistent under load	Can drop as battery drains
Runtime	Unlimited (with outlet)	Limited by battery capacity
Portability	Tethered to a cord	Easier to move around
Best for	Long cuts, heavier passes	Quick trim work, small jobs

Why it matters

If you are shopping parts or accessories for Craftsman 31517381, knowing it is corded helps you match the right electrical items (power cord, switch, brush set, speed control components) and choose the right extension cord and circuit capacity for safe operation.

Parts and support tips

Even when a specific part list is not shown, these steps help you get the right replacement:

• Confirm the full model number on the router nameplate: 31517381
• Note the symptom (won’t start, sparks, loses power, overheats)
• Inspect the cord for cuts and the plug for heat damage
• Check brushes for wear if the motor runs intermittently
• Use a meter to verify power through the cord and switch before replacing parts (see how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video)

For broader parts lookup by model number and diagrams, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Craftsman has made router tables (and router table accessories) that can be paired with many Craftsman routers, including models like the Craftsman 31517381. The key is matching the table’s mounting pattern, base-plate opening, and bit clearance to your router and the type of routing you plan to do.

How to choose a router table that fits your Craftsman 31517381

A router table is only a good match if the router mounts securely and the bit can be adjusted and used safely.

• Confirm the router can be mounted to the table top (direct mount or with an insert plate)
• Check that the base opening supports your largest bits (panel-raising bits need more clearance)
• Make sure the table has a fence with adjustable faces and a dust port
• Look for a stable top and stand; vibration affects cut quality
• Verify you can access the power switch easily (or use a safety switch)

Quick compatibility checklist

Use this as a practical way to evaluate any Craftsman router table you are considering.

What to check	What “good” looks like	Why it matters
Mounting method	Router bolts up without forcing holes	Prevents misalignment and vibration
Insert opening	Accepts your common bit sizes	Avoids rubbing and unsafe clearance
Fence adjustment	Straight, locks firmly, micro-adjust helps	Improves accuracy and repeatability
Dust collection	Fence or cabinet port	Keeps the cut line visible and reduces cleanup

Why it matters

A properly matched router table turns your Craftsman router into a small shaper for edge profiles, dados, and joinery. A poor match can cause chatter, inaccurate cuts, and unsafe handling.

Parts and setup help

If you are missing mounting hardware, a base, or other router components, we recommend using the parts list for Craftsman model 31517381 first, then searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect for additional options.

Last updated: February 2026

To change a router bit on your Craftsman router model 31517381, unplug the router, lock the spindle (or hold the shaft), loosen the collet nut, swap the bit, then retighten the collet with the bit seated correctly (not bottomed out). You can also search model-specific replacement parts on Sears PartsDirect.

Step-by-step: changing the bit safely

• Unplug the router (or remove the battery on cordless models) before touching the collet.
• Remove the base if it blocks access to the collet nut.
• Lock the spindle using the spindle-lock button; if your router uses two wrenches, hold the shaft with one wrench.
• Loosen the collet nut counterclockwise until the bit releases.
• Insert the new bit shank fully, then pull it back out about 1/16 to 1/8 inch so it is not bottomed out.
• Tighten the collet nut firmly; snug plus a final firm pull is typical (do not overtighten).
• Spin the bit by hand to confirm it clears the base opening before powering on.

Quick fit check (what “right” looks like)

Check	What you want	What to fix if not
Bit shank depth	Inserted deep, but not bottomed out	Re-seat and pull back slightly
Collet grip	Bit does not slip when tugged	Clean collet, retighten
Bit clearance	Bit spins freely by hand	Reposition base or use correct bit size

Common problems and fixes

• Bit slips while routing: Clean dust/resin from the collet and bit shank; re-seat the bit and tighten.
• Collet nut feels “stuck”: Loosen a little more until the collet releases the bit; some collets “pop” free after the first turn.
• Excess vibration: Replace a bent bit, ensure the shank is fully supported in the collet, and reduce speed for larger bits.
• Burn marks on wood: Use a sharp bit, correct speed, and a steady feed rate.

Why it matters

A properly seated bit and tight collet on the Craftsman 31517381 router reduces chatter, improves cut quality, and helps prevent the bit from creeping out during a pass.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Craftsman routers use a 1/4-inch shank bit, and some full-size routers also support 1/2-inch shank bits when they have a matching 1/2-inch collet. For Craftsman model 31517381, the correct shank size is the size that matches the collet installed on your router.

How to confirm the shank size on Craftsman 31517381

The collet is the deciding factor; the bit shank must match the collet size exactly.

• Unplug the router before checking the collet or changing bits.
• Remove the bit and look for size markings on the collet or collet nut (commonly 1/4 or 1/2).
• Measure the inside opening of the collet with a caliper if it is not marked.
• Measure a known bit shank: 1/4 inch equals 6.35 mm; 1/2 inch equals 12.7 mm.
• Do not use sleeves or adapters unless they are made for your exact router and collet.

Quick compatibility guide

Bit shank size	Fits this collet size	What you will notice if it is wrong
1/4-inch	1/4-inch collet	A 1/2-inch bit will not fit; forcing it can damage the collet
1/2-inch	1/2-inch collet	A 1/4-inch bit can slip if it is not clamped by the correct collet

Why it matters

Using the correct shank size keeps the bit clamped evenly in the collet, which reduces vibration, improves cut quality, and helps prevent the bit from slipping during a cut.

Parts and ordering help

If you are replacing a worn collet or collet nut for Craftsman 31517381, match the replacement to the shank size you confirmed on the tool. If you do not see what you need in the model parts list, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026