Owner’s manual
Can you replace the chuck on a drill press?
Yes. On the Craftsman 137229150 15-inch drill press, you can replace the chuck as long as you install the new chuck correctly on the spindle taper and follow the safety steps in the owner's manual. A properly seated chuck helps prevent wobble and improves hole accuracy.
Before you start (safety and setup)
- Turn the power switch OFF and unplug the drill press before any adjustment or accessory change.
- Remove the switch key (if equipped) so the tool cannot be restarted accidentally.
- Lower the quill and support the chuck area so it cannot drop unexpectedly.
- Wear eye protection; keep loose clothing and hair secured.
- Use only the self-ejecting chuck key type specified for this drill press.
How chuck replacement typically works
Most drill presses like the Craftsman 137229150 use a tapered fit between the chuck and spindle (and sometimes a separate arbor). The key to a successful replacement is clean, oil-free mating surfaces and firm seating.
Clean and seat the taper correctly
- Clean the tapered surface of the chuck and the spindle to remove dirt, grease, and oil.
- Align the chuck straight with the spindle taper.
- Seat the chuck firmly (commonly by pressing it on with controlled force; avoid side-loading).
- After installation, test for runout by spinning the chuck by hand and watching for wobble.
Troubleshooting after replacing the chuck
If you notice wobble or out-of-round holes after replacement, these are the most common causes and fixes:
| Symptom | Common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck wobbles | Taper not fully seated | Reseat the chuck; ensure straight alignment |
| Excessive runout | Dirty/oily taper surfaces | Clean both tapers with household detergent and dry |
| Bit slips | Bit not centered or jaws worn | Reinstall bit correctly; inspect jaws |
| Hole not round | Bent bit or setup issue | Use a straight bit; clamp the workpiece |
Why it matters
A drill press chuck is the connection between the spindle and the drill bit. If the chuck is dirty, misaligned, or loosely seated, you can get runout, poor accuracy, and a higher chance of the workpiece grabbing or spinning.
For model-specific diagrams, adjustment notes, and the chuck installation section, use the owner's manual. For replacement parts and diagrams by model number, search using the parts list for Craftsman 137229150 or visit Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of the drill press?
For the Craftsman 137229150 15-inch drill press, the main parts are the head assembly, table, base, and column assembly; common included hardware and operating components include the feed handles, table crank and lock handles, chuck, arbor, and chuck key. See the 137229150 owner's manual for the complete parts list and diagrams.
Main assemblies (the big structural parts)
These are the core pieces you assemble and align so the drill press drills straight and stays stable:
- Head assembly: houses the motor and drive system
- Column assembly: vertical support that the table rides on
- Table: supports the workpiece; typically tilts and raises/lowers
- Base: heavy platform that stabilizes the drill press
Common operating and setup parts you will handle
These parts affect drilling control, table positioning, and bit holding:
- Feed handle(s): lowers and raises the quill during drilling
- Table crank handle: raises and lowers the table on the column
- Column lock handle: locks the table/column bracket position
- Fence assembly (if equipped): helps position and brace workpieces
- Chuck and chuck key: holds and tightens the drill bit
- Arbor and wedge: connect and release the chuck from the spindle taper
Drive and electrical parts you may see in the parts list
Many drill press repairs involve these items because they wear or loosen over time:
| System | Typical parts included | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Pulleys, V-belt, pulley cover | Transfers motor power to the spindle and sets speed |
| Table support | Table bracket, scales, lock hardware | Positions the table square to the bit |
| Electrical | Switch box, cord clamp, screws | Turns the drill press on and off safely |
Why it matters
Knowing the part names helps you troubleshoot faster (for example, belt slip points to the drive system, while drilling depth or return issues point to the quill and return spring). It also helps you match the correct diagram callouts when ordering replacement parts.
Ordering and matching parts
- Always match parts by model number 137229150
- Use the diagrams and part numbers shown in the 137229150 owner's manual
- If you are searching beyond the model parts list, use Sears PartsDirect and search by model number
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Craftsman drill press?
On a Craftsman drill press like model 137229150, the model number is typically printed on the rating/ID label attached to the drill press head or column area. For the exact label location and what it looks like on your unit, use the owner's manual.
Common places to check on a drill press
Look for a sticker or metal plate that includes the model number and electrical information.
- Side or rear of the drill press head (near the motor or belt/pulley cover)
- On the column (often mid-height or near the base)
- Back of the base or underside edge of the base casting
- Near the power switch box or cord clamp area
- Inside the pulley cover (less common, but worth checking)
What the label usually includes
If you find multiple numbers, use the one labeled “Model” or “Model No.”
| Label item | What it means | What to use for parts |
|---|---|---|
| Model No. | The drill press model identifier | Use this to match diagrams and parts lists |
| Part No. | Manual or document number | Not used to order parts |
| Electrical ratings | Volts/amps/Hz | Helpful for troubleshooting power issues |
Tips to read the label and avoid mix-ups
Some Craftsman drill press manuals cover very similar models, so confirm the exact characters on the tag.
- Wipe the label with a damp cloth; dust and oil can hide digits
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faint printing easier to see
- Write the model number exactly as shown (including dots or spaces if present)
- If the label is damaged, compare your drill press features to the diagrams in the manual
Why it matters
The correct model number ensures you get the right parts list, correct spindle speed chart, and the right safety and assembly instructions for your specific drill press.
If you need to look up parts by model number, start with the parts list for 137229150, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026