Craftsman 137212390 miter saw Parts

On the Craftsman 137212390 miter saw, the electric blade brake is designed to stop the blade in about 10 seconds after you release the trigger. If it takes longer, the most common causes are worn motor carbon brushes, a dirty commutator, or a failing trigger switch, all of which reduce braking power.

What to check first (safe, quick checks)

• Release the trigger and time the coast-down; anything consistently over ~10 seconds needs attention.
• Unplug the saw before inspecting anything (covers, wiring, brush caps, or the switch).
• Check for heavy sawdust buildup around the motor vents and switch area; packed dust can affect electrical contact and cooling.
• Listen for unusual noise or vibration; if present, stop immediately and correct the issue before using the saw.
• Confirm the blade spins freely by hand (with the saw unplugged); binding from debris or a damaged guard can mimic brake problems.

Likely causes and what they mean

Symptom	Most likely cause	What typically fixes it
Blade coasts longer than ~10 seconds	Worn carbon brushes or dirty commutator	Inspect/replace brushes; clean commutator during service
Brake works sometimes, sometimes not	Trigger switch contacts failing	Replace the trigger switch assembly
Strong sparking at motor, weak power	Brushes worn, commutator dirty, or armature issue	Brush service first; deeper motor service if needed
Saw runs but smells hot	Dust buildup, overload, or electrical resistance	Clean saw, verify blade condition, inspect electrical parts

Why it matters

The brake is a convenience feature, not a safety device. A blade that keeps spinning longer increases the chance of accidental contact while you reposition the workpiece, raise the arm, or reach near the guard.

What we recommend you do next

1. Follow the brake and troubleshooting guidance in the 137212390 owner's manual.
2. If the blade does not stop within about 10 seconds, unplug the saw and service the motor brush/commutator area and the trigger switch.
3. If you need replacement parts for the Craftsman 137212390, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 137212390 miter saw, the cutting head is held down by a transport lock (stop latch). To lift it up, press down slightly on the switch handle, pull the stop latch knob out, then let the head rise under control (see the owner's manual).

Steps to unlock and raise the cutting head

• Unplug the saw before you handle the cutting head or locks.
• Push down slightly on the switch handle to take pressure off the latch.
• Pull the stop latch knob out to release the cutting head.
• Slowly guide the cutting head up to the full up position.
• For storage or transport, push the head down and push the stop latch knob back into the locking hole.

If the head still will not lift

Most “won’t lift” issues are caused by the lock still being engaged or the head being bound up.

• Confirm the stop latch knob is fully pulled out (not half-engaged).
• Check for sawdust buildup around the pivot area and linkage; clean it out.
• Make sure nothing is wedged between the blade guard and the table.
• If your saw has a slide carriage, verify the carriage lock knob is not creating a bind when the head moves.
• If the switch handle is cracked or loose, keep your hands clear of pinch points and repair the handle before regular use.

Quick reference

Task	What you do	Why
Raise the head	Push down slightly, pull stop latch knob out, guide head up	Releases the transport lock safely
Lock for transport	Push head down, push stop latch knob into locking hole	Prevents the head from bouncing open
Carry the saw	Use the built-in carrying handles	Avoids misalignment and damage

Why it matters

Unlocking the cutting head the right way prevents sudden movement, protects the stop latch mechanism, and helps keep the saw aligned for accurate miter cuts.

For replacement parts and diagrams for your Craftsman 137212390, start with the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman miter saw model 137212390, “unlocking” usually means releasing either the cutting head (down-lock pin/stop latch) or the slide carriage lock knob so the saw can raise and slide normally. Use the correct lock for the motion you want, then re-lock it for storage.

Unlock the cutting head (raise the saw arm)

Use this when the head is locked down for transport.

• Unplug the saw.
• Push down slightly on the switch handle to take pressure off the lock.
• Pull out the stop latch knob (down-lock pin).
• Let the cutting head rise to the up position.
• For storage later, push the head fully down and push the stop latch knob back into the locking hole.

For the exact location and illustrations of the stop latch knob on model 137212390, use the owner's manual.

Unlock the slide carriage (for sliding cuts)

Use this when the saw head will not slide forward and back.

• Unplug the saw.
• Find the slide carriage lock knob on the right side of the slide carriage.
• Loosen the lock knob to allow the cutting head to slide.
• After wide crosscuts, return the carriage to the full rear position.
• Tighten the lock knob again for chop cuts on small workpieces and for transport.

Unlock the miter table (to change the angle)

If the table will not rotate left or right, the miter lock is still engaged.

• Turn the miter handle counterclockwise to unlock.
• Lift the positive stop locking lever to move off a detent.
• Rotate the turntable to the desired angle.
• Release the lever into a positive stop (if using one), then tighten the miter handle.

Quick “what’s stuck?” guide

What won’t move	Most likely lock	What to do
Head won’t rise	Stop latch knob (down-lock)	Push down slightly, pull stop latch knob out
Head won’t slide	Slide carriage lock knob	Loosen the lock knob on the right side
Table won’t rotate	Miter handle / positive stop lever	Loosen handle, lift stop lever, rotate

Why it matters

Unlocking the correct mechanism prevents forcing the saw, which helps protect the slide rails, miter detents, and alignment. It also keeps the cutting head properly locked down during carrying and storage.

To look up diagrams and replacement parts by model number, search 137212390 on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

No. Most miter saw stands fit many saws, but they are not truly universal. For your Craftsman 137212390 miter saw, the stand must match the saw’s mounting-hole pattern and support the saw rigidly so it cannot shift during a cut (see the setup guidance in the 137212390 owner's manual).

What to check for compatibility

Before you buy or mount a stand, we verify:

• Mounting hole spacing in the saw base vs. the stand’s adjustable brackets
• Weight capacity that exceeds the saw’s weight
• Base support that contacts the saw base solidly (no rocking)
• Locking method that clamps tight with no play (especially quick-release brackets)
• Work support length (extensions/rollers) for long stock

Stand options and typical fit

Stand option	Typical fit	When it’s a good choice
Universal folding stand	Fits many brands if brackets adjust to your hole pattern	Portability and general DIY
Quick-release bracket stand	Fits many saws if the brackets align and lock tight	Frequent setup and teardown
Plywood adapter plate on a bench/stand	Fits almost any saw when drilled to match	Maximum stability and custom height

Why it matters

A stand that flexes or lets the saw move increases vibration and binding risk, and it makes accurate miter and bevel cuts harder. A stable mount also helps you keep the work firmly against the fence and table, as recommended for compound miter saw operation.

For parts diagrams and model lookups, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026