Craftsman 113213853 15" drill press Parts

A good horsepower depends on what you drill most often. For the Craftsman 113213853 15-inch drill press, the manual specifies a 1/2 HP motor, which is a solid choice for typical home shop drilling in wood and light to moderate metal when you use the correct speed and a sharp bit (see the 113213853 owner's manual).

Quick horsepower guide (what we recommend)

• 1/3 to 1/2 HP: General DIY use, wood, plastics, and light metal drilling
• 3/4 HP: Frequent metalwork, larger bits, and tougher materials
• 1 HP and up: Heavy-duty drilling, larger hole saw type work (when allowed), and production-style use
• More HP helps most when: You run larger diameter bits, drill thicker stock, or drill harder metals
• HP is not everything: Speed range, belt condition, and proper feed pressure matter just as much

Match horsepower to the work you do

Your typical work	Good HP range	What to prioritize besides HP
Woodworking, small bits	1/3 to 1/2 HP	Speed changes, table stability, sharp bits
Mixed wood and mild steel	1/2 to 3/4 HP	Correct RPM, cutting oil, solid clamping
Larger holes, harder metals	3/4 to 1 HP	Low-speed capability, rigid setup, quality bits

Why speed control matters on this model

Your Craftsman 113213853 uses a belt-and-pulley system with multiple preset speeds. Using the recommended RPM helps prevent bit chatter, overheating, and stalling, which can feel like “not enough horsepower.” The 113213853 owner's manual also includes important accessory speed limits (for example, hole saws must not be run above a specified RPM).

Why it matters

Choosing the right horsepower helps you drill cleaner holes with less stalling and less heat buildup. Just as important, matching RPM to the bit and material reduces the chance of grabbing, workpiece spin, and premature bit wear.

Last updated: February 2026

The 4-inch rule means we keep our hands and fingers at least 4 inches away from the rotating drill bit, chuck, and spindle while operating the Craftsman 113213853 15-inch drill press. This reduces the chance of contact injuries and helps keep hands out of the point-of-operation zone.

How to apply the 4-inch rule safely

• Clamp the workpiece to the table when it is short or unstable; do not “hand-hold” small parts near the bit.
• Use a drill press vise fastened to the table for small or repeat drilling.
• Keep hands on the vise handle or clamp hardware, not on the workpiece.
• Turn the motor switch off and remove the switch key before adjustments, bit changes, or belt changes.
• Do not do layout, assembly, or setup work on the table while the cutting tool is rotating.
• Avoid loose clothing; tie back long hair and wear safety goggles.

Model-specific safety notes for Craftsman 113213853

The 113213853 manual emphasizes securing the work and using recommended speeds and accessories. It also warns against certain accessory uses and oversize/overlong drills.

Safety item	What to do	Why it helps
Work support	Position backup material and the workpiece to contact the column when possible	Reduces spinning, binding, and thrown work
Clamping	Clamp to the table or use a fastened drill press vise	Keeps hands away from the bit
Accessory limits	Holesaws at 400 RPM max; drum sanders at 1800 RPM max	Helps prevent tool failure and kickout
Drill size/length	Do not use a drill over 7 inches long or extending 6 inches below the chuck jaws	Reduces bending and breakage risk

Why it matters

Most drill press injuries happen when a workpiece shifts, spins, or a hand drifts into the rotating bit. The 4-inch rule pairs with proper clamping, correct speed selection, and safe setup habits to keep the cutting area clear.

For the full list of operating and safety instructions, use the 113213853 owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

A drill press like the Craftsman 113213853 does one job better than anything else in the shop: it drills straight, repeatable holes with controlled depth and consistent accuracy. The rigid column, adjustable table, and selectable speeds make clean, round holes much easier than with a handheld drill.

What a drill press excels at

• Drilling holes that stay square to the work surface (less wandering and oval holes)
• Repeating the same hole location and depth across multiple parts
• Holding a steady feed rate for cleaner holes and less bit chatter
• Running the right spindle speed for the material (this model has multiple belt-selected speeds)
• Keeping the work supported and clamped for safer, more controlled drilling

Accuracy and repeatability: what to set up first

For the best results on the 113213853, we set up the machine so the work cannot shift and the head and table cannot move.

1. Lock the head and table adjustments before drilling.
2. Clamp the workpiece to the table when it is short, narrow, or cannot brace against the column.
3. Use a drill press vise that is fastened to the table for small parts.

Reference the safety and operation sections in the owner's manual for the recommended setup and operating practices for this model.

Speed control matters (and why it improves hole quality)

This Craftsman drill press uses belt and pulley positions to select speed. Matching speed to the bit and accessory helps prevent burning, grabbing, and rough holes.

Task or accessory	Key limit to follow	Why it matters
Hole saw	400 RPM max	Reduces grabbing and kickback risk
Drum sander	1800 RPM max	Prevents overheating and loss of control
Long drill bits	Do not exceed 7 in. length or 6 in. below chuck jaws	Helps prevent bending or breakage

Why it matters

When we need holes that line up, fit bolts cleanly, or match a pattern across multiple pieces, the drill press gives us controlled alignment and repeatable depth. That precision saves time on rework and improves the finished fit and strength of assemblies.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 113213853 15-inch drill press, spindle repair usually means correcting wobble or runout by cleaning and reseating the chuck, servicing the quill and spindle splines, or replacing worn spindle bearings. We follow the disassembly and adjustment steps in the owner's manual to keep the quill travel smooth and accurate.

Before you tear it down: confirm the symptom

Many “spindle problems” are actually chuck seating or setup issues.

• If the bit wobbles: clean the spindle nose and the chuck’s tapered hole, then reinstall the chuck
• If the quill sticks or feels gritty: clean and lubricate the quill rack and spindle splines
• If runout persists with a straight bit: plan on bearing service
• If the quill returns too fast or too slow: adjust the quill return spring tension

Quick fix for wobble: reseat the chuck (common)

The manual procedure is:

1. Clean the chuck’s tapered hole and the spindle nose with a clean cloth.
2. Apply a light film of oil to the spindle nose.
3. Install the chuck and tighten the locking collar.

Why this matters

Even a small piece of dirt on the spindle nose or inside the chuck taper can prevent proper seating and cause wobble.

When it’s a true spindle repair: bearings, quill, and alignment

If you still have excessive runout after reseating the chuck, worn spindle bearings are the most common cause.

Typical repair workflow

Task	What you’re addressing	What to watch for
Replace spindle bearings	Persistent wobble/runout	Press-fit parts, correct orientation, no contamination
Clean and lubricate splines/rack	Rough quill travel	Use light lubrication, avoid over-greasing
Adjust quill return spring	Quill return speed issues	Control spring cap carefully to prevent sudden release

Safety and setup notes we follow

• Turn the switch OFF and unplug the drill press before servicing
• Clamp the workpiece and use back-up material during drilling to prevent binding
• Avoid over-tightening the spring cap nut; it can restrict quill movement

Helpful maintenance that prevents spindle wear

• Blow dust out of the motor area regularly
• Periodically lubricate the spindle splines and quill rack (bearings are factory-greased and do not need lubrication)

Last updated: February 2026

The Craftsman 113213853 is a 15-inch drill press; use the net weight listed in the specifications section of the 113213853 owner's manual for the exact number. For moving and mounting planning, most Craftsman 15-inch floor drill presses are typically in the 150 to 200 lb range.

Where the exact weight is listed

In the manual for model 113213853, check these spots first:

• Specifications (often lists net weight)
• Unpacking or carton contents (may list shipping weight)
• Assembly instructions (sometimes includes handling or lifting notes)
• Parts list and diagrams (helps confirm you are using the correct manual for 113213853)

Net weight vs shipping weight

Weight type	What it means	Why you care
Net weight	Tool only (as configured)	Lifting, bench or floor loading, stability
Shipping weight	Tool plus packaging and inserts	Freight handling, delivery planning

Practical handling and setup tips

• Unplug the drill press before moving it.
• Remove loose accessories (bits, chuck key, guards if removable) and pack separately.
• Lower the table and keep the head and column supported to reduce tipping risk.
• Use a dolly and straps; plan for two-person handling for most floor models.
• After placement, bolt the base down if your shop setup calls for it; it reduces vibration.

Why it matters

Knowing the correct weight helps you plan safe lifting, choose a stable location, and decide whether bolting the base down is needed for vibration control and accurate drilling.

Last updated: February 2026