Craftsman 113197151 radial saw Parts

Yes. A Craftsman radial arm saw like model 113197151 is still worth owning and can be worth money, especially if it is complete, runs smoothly, and includes the guard kit and table hardware. Most resale value comes from condition and safe setup, not age.

What determines value for a Craftsman 113197151 radial arm saw

Radial arm saw prices vary widely, but these factors consistently move the needle:

• Completeness: blade guard, anti-kickback parts, table boards, fence, yoke/handle, and fasteners
• Mechanical condition: tight arm and carriage, minimal play, smooth travel, solid column lock
• Electrical condition: reliable switch/trigger action, no overheating smell, intact cord
• Safety equipment present: riving knife and pawls matter because ripping hazards include kickback and outfeed-zone exposure
• Local demand: heavy cast-iron tools often sell better where hobby woodworking is common

Typical “worth it” scenarios (utility vs. resale)

A radial arm saw is most “worth it” when you use it for the jobs it does best and set it up carefully.

Goal	When it makes sense	When it does not
Keep and use	Frequent wide crosscuts, repetitive cuts, dado work with proper guarding	You mainly need quick trim cuts (a miter saw is usually faster)
Sell	Saw is clean, aligned, and complete with guard components	Missing guard/table parts or has excessive carriage/arm slop
Restore	You enjoy tuning tools and can verify safe operation	You need plug-and-play accuracy with no setup time

Safety and setup affect value (and why buyers care)

The manual highlights serious hazards including severe cuts, thrown workpieces, shock, and major ripping hazards such as kickback and wrong-way feed. A saw that is properly guarded and adjusted is more desirable and typically commands a higher price. Review the safety and adjustment procedures in the 113197151 owner's manual.

Quick checklist before you price or buy one

• Verify the guard assembly is installed and functions correctly
• Confirm the table and fence are solid and not badly chewed up
• Check that the carriage rolls smoothly without binding
• Test that locks (arm, bevel, miter, column) hold firmly
• Inspect cord and switch area for damage; repair wiring correctly if needed

Finding parts and diagrams

If you are missing guard or table-related components, use the model diagrams and parts list for 113197151 first; then search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to compare availability and pricing.

Last updated: February 2026

There is no single “best” radial arm saw maker for every shop, but Craftsman radial arm saws like model 113197151 are among the most common and well-supported, largely because they were produced in high volume and have strong parts and manual coverage. For safe setup and use, follow the owner's manual.

What to look for in a “best” radial arm saw

We recommend choosing based on accuracy, safety features, and parts support, not just brand name.

• Solid, adjustable arm and column with minimal play
• Smooth carriage travel and reliable return spring action
• Complete blade guard system (including anti-kickback pawls and riving knife when equipped)
• Easy-to-set bevel and miter scales that hold position
• Available replacement wear items (switches, cords, guards, table components)

How Craftsman 113197151 fits into that decision

This Craftsman saw family is widely seen in home shops, and the documentation for the guard kit calls out major hazards and safe-use priorities, especially for ripping.

What matters most	Why it matters on a radial arm saw	What to check on your 113197151
Guard condition	Reduces blade-contact and thrown-workpiece risk	Guard clamps, links, hardware tightness
Ripping safety	Ripping has higher kickback risk	Outfeed zone awareness, correct feed direction
Electrical safety	Prevents shock and nuisance failures	Cord condition, switch function, grounding

Why it matters

Radial arm saw injuries often come from incorrect setup or technique, not just the brand. A well-tuned saw with a complete guard system and correct ripping/crosscutting procedures is the “best” saw for most users.

Parts and documentation support

Even when specific part pages are not listed for this model, we use the model number to match diagrams and compatible components. For broader parts searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Radial arm saws are far less common today because most buyers moved to tools that are simpler to set up and easier to guard for common cuts. On Craftsman model 113197151, the safety guidance in the 113197151 owner's manual highlights higher-risk ripping hazards (kickback, outfeed-zone hazard, wrong-way feed) that many users prefer to avoid.

What changed

Several practical factors pushed demand down:

• Sliding compound miter saws took over crosscuts and miters with faster setup
• Table saws became the main choice for ripping with more standardized guarding and jigs
• Radial arm saws need frequent alignment and table/fence upkeep to stay accurate
• Ripping on a radial arm saw has more ways to be done incorrectly
• Many shops preferred smaller footprints and more portable tools

Safety factors that influenced popularity

Your Craftsman documentation calls out major ripping hazards. Those risks are controlled by correct guarding, feed direction, and stock support, but they require consistent attention.

Common higher-risk situations

• Ripping without the correct guard and anti-kickback setup
• Feeding the work the wrong direction during ripping
• Cutting warped or poorly supported stock
• Using a dull blade or the wrong blade type
• Letting the fence or table surfaces get loose or uneven

Radial arm saw vs. newer alternatives

Tool	Best use	Why it replaced the radial arm saw for many users
Radial arm saw	Crosscuts, dados, some ripping	More setup and more misuse risk
Sliding compound miter saw	Crosscuts and miters	Faster, portable, repeatable
Table saw	Ripping and general cutting	Common accessories and guarding options

If you own a Craftsman 113197151

• Use the 113197151 owner's manual for safe ripping and crosscut procedures
• Keep locks and controls working smoothly (miter, bevel, arm height)
• Maintain a flat table and straight fence to reduce binding and kickback
• Order replacement parts by model at Sears PartsDirect

Why it matters

Understanding why the market shifted helps you choose the safest tool for the cut and keep an older radial arm saw accurate and properly guarded.

Last updated: February 2026