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).

• 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

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).

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.

• 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.

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

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

• 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

• 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.

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)

• 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.

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