Craftsman 315117790 cordless screwdriver Parts

A good torque setting depends on the screw size and material, not a single number. On the Craftsman 315117790 7.2V cordless screwdriver, we recommend using the 24-position clutch to start low and increase only until the screw seats without stripping; use LO speed when you need more torque.

Recommended torque settings for model 315117790

This model uses a clutch ring with 24 torque positions. Use these ranges as a practical starting point (then fine-tune):

• 1 to 4: small screws (light duty)
• 5 to 9: screws into soft material
• 10 to 14: screws into soft and hard materials
• 15 to 19: hardwood
• 20 to 24: large screws and light drilling

For the exact control locations and operating details (clutch ring, LO/HI switch, forward/reverse), use the owner's manual.

Quick “what to use when” guide

Task	Speed setting	Clutch range to start with	Goal
Assemble furniture, cabinet hardware	HI	1 to 9	Seat screw without cam-out
General driving into wood studs	LO	10 to 19	Drive flush without stripping
Large screws, pilot-hole drilling	HI for drilling; LO for driving	20 to 24	Avoid stalling and overheating

How to dial in the right torque (no guesswork)

• Start at a low clutch number and drive a test screw.
• If the clutch slips before the screw is seated, increase 1 to 2 clicks and try again.
• Stop increasing once the screw seats consistently.
• Use LO speed when the tool bogs down; LO gives more torque and control.
• If you strip the head or the hole, back the clutch down and pre-drill a pilot hole.

Why it matters

Using the lowest effective torque helps prevent stripped screw heads, damaged workpieces, and premature wear on the clutch and gear train. It also reduces wrist twist if the bit binds.

Last updated: February 2026

A power screwdriver is most commonly called an electric screwdriver or cordless screwdriver. Some models, including the Craftsman 315117790, are also described as a drill/driver because they can drive screws and handle light drilling with 1/4-inch hex-shank bits (up to 1/4 inch max). See the owner's manual for the exact feature set.

Common names you will see

• Electric screwdriver
• Cordless screwdriver
• Power screwdriver
• Drill/driver (often written as drill driver)
• Screw gun (more common for drywall-style tools)

How to tell what to call your Craftsman 315117790

This model has features that overlap categories, so the name depends on how you use it:

If you use it for...	The common name	Why
Driving and removing screws	Cordless screwdriver	Forward/reverse switch and clutch control torque
Light drilling with hex-shank bits	Drill/driver	Two-speed gear train supports drilling at HI speed
Tight spaces or different grips	Stick/pistol screwdriver	Converts between stick and pistol configurations

Why it matters

Using the right term helps you buy the right accessories and set expectations. For example, the Craftsman 315117790 uses 1/4-inch hex-shank bits for drilling and has a 24-position clutch, so it is built for controlled screwdriving and light drilling rather than heavy-duty drilling.

Quick tips for matching the name to the job

• Use HI speed for drilling holes; use LO speed for driving screws.
• Adjust the torque adjustment ring to reduce cam-out and stripped screw heads.
• Use the LED worklight when working in cabinets or low-light areas.
• For drilling, stick with 1/4-inch hex-shank drill bits and keep the bit size within the tool’s 1/4-inch maximum.

Last updated: February 2026

For live electrical work, the best electrical screwdrivers are insulated, VDE-rated hand tools from brands known for consistent safety and tip durability. Your Craftsman 315117790 is a 7.2-volt cordless screwdriver for driving fasteners; it is not a substitute for insulated electrician screwdrivers used around energized circuits (see the 315117790 operator's manual).

What to buy for electrical work (the short list)

When you mean “electrical screwdriver,” most electricians mean insulated drivers for terminals and panels.

• Choose insulated, VDE-rated (typically 1,000V) screwdrivers for electrical panels and terminals
• Pick hardened tips that fit fasteners precisely (Phillips, slotted, square, Torx)
• Use a dedicated #2 Phillips and a cabinet-tip slotted driver for most work
• Consider a slim-shank insulated set for tight terminal blocks
• Replace drivers with chipped insulation or worn tips

How this differs from your Craftsman 315117790 cordless screwdriver

Your Craftsman 315117790 is designed for driving screws with a clutch and two-speed gearing, plus forward/reverse and an LED worklight. It accepts 1/4-inch hex bits and uses a charger on 120V, 60 Hz household power.

Tool type	Best for	Key features to look for
Insulated electrician screwdriver (hand tool)	Working near electrical components	VDE insulation, precise tip fit, durable handle
Cordless screwdriver (like Craftsman 315117790)	Assembly, light fastening, general DIY	Clutch settings, forward/reverse, 1/4-inch hex bits

Quick safety and selection checks

• De-energize circuits whenever possible before driving terminal screws
• Match the driver tip to the screw head to prevent cam-out and stripped screws
• Use the clutch on the 315117790 to avoid over-tightening small screws
• Store bits in the built-in bit storage so you always have the right size available

Why it matters

Using the right tool reduces stripped fasteners, improves torque control, and helps protect you when working around electrical components. A cordless screwdriver speeds up assembly, while insulated hand drivers are the right choice for electrical safety tasks.

Last updated: February 2026

You can buy replacement parts for your Craftsman cordless screwdriver model 315117790 through Sears PartsDirect using the model-based parts list and diagrams in the 315117790 owner's manual. This helps you match the correct part number to your tool before you order.

Best way to make sure you get the right part

• Confirm the model number on the plate attached to the motor housing (it should read 315117790).
• Use the exploded view and parts list to identify the exact part name and part number.
• Match the part number exactly when ordering (even small differences can mean a different fit).
• If your tool needs service-level repair, follow the service guidance in the manual and use identical replacement parts.

Common parts and accessories you may need

The manual for Craftsman 315117790 lists items such as a charger and screwdriver bits, and it notes the tool uses 1/4-inch hex shank drill bits (maximum drill size 1/4 inch).

Item type	What to match before buying	Why it matters
Charger	Part number from the parts list	Wrong charger can damage the battery/tool
Bits	1/4-inch hex shank, correct bit style	Ensures proper fit and reduces stripping
Internal repair parts	Exact part number and location in diagram	Prevents rework and repeat failures

Why it matters

Power tool parts are model-specific. Using the correct 315117790 parts list reduces ordering mistakes and helps keep performance and safety consistent with the original design.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, an electric screwdriver is worth it when you do repetitive screw-driving because it saves time and reduces hand fatigue. For the Craftsman 315117790 cordless screwdriver, features like a 24-position clutch, forward/reverse, LED worklight, and two-speed gearing make it especially useful for controlled driving and light-duty drilling (details in the owner's manual).

When an electric screwdriver is the right choice

It pays off most when you want consistent results without overdriving screws.

• Assembling furniture, cabinets, and shelving
• Installing switch plates, outlet covers, and light fixtures (power off first)
• Hanging blinds, curtain rods, and door hardware
• Driving lots of small to medium screws where wrist strain adds up
• Occasional light-duty drilling (when the bit and material are appropriate)

What you get with the Craftsman 315117790

This model is designed for control and convenience, not heavy construction.

Feature	What it helps with	Why it matters
24-position clutch (torque adjustment ring)	Prevents stripping screws	Better control on soft wood and small fasteners
Two-speed gear train (LO/HI)	Matches speed to task	LO for driving, HI for light drilling
Forward/reverse rocker switch	Backing out screws	Faster corrections and removal
LED worklight	Seeing the screw head	Fewer cam-outs and damaged heads
Stick/pistol conversion	Tight spots vs. leverage	Better access and comfort

Tips to decide before you buy

• Choose an electric screwdriver if you drive screws weekly or do multi-hour projects.
• Choose a drill/driver if you regularly drill larger holes or drive long fasteners.
• Keep a manual screwdriver for delicate work where you want maximum feel.

Why it matters

Using the right torque and speed helps prevent stripped screw heads, damaged materials, and premature bit wear. The adjustable clutch and two-speed setup on the 315117790 are built to make that easier and more repeatable.

Last updated: February 2026