Craftsman 150 Drill Press Parts: What Owners Actually Need and Where to Find Them
If you’re searching for Craftsman 150 drill press parts, the first thing you need to know is that “150” almost certainly is not your full model number. Craftsman drill presses from the Sears era carry long model numbers like 113.213150 or 113.249150, and that trailing “150” is part of the string. Getting the right parts starts with reading the nameplate on your machine.
What “Craftsman 150” Actually Refers To
Craftsman branded its power tools for Sears using a numbering system tied to the manufacturer. Drill presses in the 113.2xxxxx series were made by King-Seeley or related OEMs over several decades. If someone calls their machine a “Craftsman 150,” they usually mean a benchtop or floor-standing press whose full model number ends in 150, such as 113.213150. It could also be a misread of the model tag. A small number of Craftsman drill presses carried model numbers in the 137 or 315 series rather than 113. If your machine says “Model 29250” on the tag, that is a different product entirely.
Before you order a single part, pull the full model number from the nameplate on the head casting or column. Every part lookup service will ask for it.
The Direct Answer: What Parts Owners Most Often Need
The most commonly replaced parts on these older Craftsman bench drill presses are:
Drive belt. The v-belt stretches, glazes, and cracks over time. The correct belt profile (typically a 4L or FHP v-belt in a specific length) depends on your exact model. ManualsLib hosts many of the original parts diagrams: search your full model number there and note the belt part number before ordering.
Chuck. Most of these presses used a 1/2-inch keyed chuck on a No. 33 Jacobs taper (JT33). If the chuck slips or the jaws won’t center properly, replacement chucks with JT33 arbors are still widely available from third-party suppliers. You do not need an OEM Craftsman chuck.
Return spring. The quill return spring sits inside the spring cover on the side of the head. It fatigues and breaks. Replacements are available, but installing one requires care because the spring is under tension.
Quill and spindle bearings. These are standard bearing sizes. A machine shop or bearing supplier can match them by measuring the old bearing’s OD, ID, and width.
Table locking hardware. Rack-and-pinion table mechanisms wear out. Replacement rack segments and locking collars occasionally appear on eBay from parted-out machines.
Where to Find Parts
Sears PartsDirect (searspartsdirect.com): Sears still hosts parts diagrams and some inventory for older model numbers. Stock is thin and getting thinner as these machines age, but it is worth checking first.
eReplacementParts.com: One of the better aftermarket sources for Craftsman tool parts. Search by model number, view the exploded diagram, and order directly. Availability varies.
eBay: Search by your full Craftsman model number plus the part name. You will find used parts from parted machines, NOS (new-old-stock) pieces, and aftermarket belts.
Local bearing suppliers (such as Grainger or Fastenal): For bearings, these sources beat any online parts retailer for both speed and confirmation that the part fits.
ManualsLib: Not a parts seller, but an essential first stop. Download the original owner’s manual and parts diagram for your exact model so you know part numbers and configurations before you start calling suppliers.
Honest Flaw: OEM Parts Are Mostly Gone
Here is the reality: Craftsman discontinued active parts support for most of these older drill press models years ago. Sears PartsDirect lists many parts as unavailable. If you need a plastic gear, a specific casting, or a proprietary sub-assembly, you may simply not find it new. The community workaround is eBay and Facebook Marketplace, where whole machines in unknown condition sell and serve as parts donors.
Who Should Skip a Rebuild
If your Craftsman 150-series drill press needs a new quill, a replacement column, or a motor that you cannot source, a rebuild may demand more time and sourcing effort than the machine justifies. A used machine in working condition costs less than a professional rebuild of a dead one.
If you need a reliable benchtop press today without the sourcing headache, the WEN 4208T is a modern 8-inch benchtop press with full parts and support from WEN: WEN 4208T on Amazon.
Comparison: Vintage Craftsman vs. WEN 4208T
| Feature | Craftsman 113.2xxxxx (vintage) | WEN 4208T |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck size | 1/2 in (JT33) | 1/2 in (JT33) |
| Speeds | 5 (belt-shift) | 5 (belt-shift) |
| Parts availability | Limited, mostly discontinued | Current, manufacturer-supported |
| Motor | 1/3 HP (varies by model) | 1/3 HP |
| Best for | Owner who already has the machine | New buyer needing a reliable benchtop |
Conclusion
- Never order parts without your full model number from the nameplate.
- ManualsLib and eReplacementParts.com are your two best starting points for diagrams and part identification.
- Belts, chucks, and return springs are the most commonly needed items and are still findable.
- If the machine needs major structural parts, weigh sourcing time against buying a current-production alternative.
FAQ
What does “Craftsman 150” refer to? It almost always refers to a drill press whose full Craftsman model number ends in “150,” such as 113.213150. It is not a standalone product line name.
Where is the model number on a Craftsman drill press? Look on a label or cast plate on the head casting or the upper column. It will be a long number like 113.213150.
Can I use a non-OEM belt on my Craftsman drill press? Yes. V-belts are standardized. Match the profile (usually 4L or FHP) and the length shown in your parts diagram, and any quality v-belt supplier can fill the order.
What chuck taper does a Craftsman benchtop drill press use? Most used JT33 (Jacobs Taper No. 33). Confirm with your parts diagram before ordering.
Is Sears PartsDirect still active? Yes, though inventory for older Craftsman drill press models is thin. It is still worth a search as a first step.
Can I replace the chuck without a special tool? You need a chuck removal wedge or a brass drift and a soft mallet. A dead-blow hammer can work for extraction. Replacement chucks come with installation instructions.
What if I can’t find the return spring? Some machinists fabricate replacement springs from spring steel stock. Local spring suppliers can sometimes wind a custom spring to your dimensions.
Is eReplacementParts.com reliable? Generally yes for common parts. Shipping times vary. Check the return policy before ordering any part you are not certain fits.
Should I rebuild a Craftsman drill press or buy new? If you need only a belt, a chuck, or a spring, the repair is worth it. If the machine needs a new quill, motor, or column, weigh the sourcing time against simply acquiring a current-production machine.
What is a good modern replacement for the Craftsman benchtop press? The WEN 4208T is a direct functional replacement with current parts support: WEN 4208T on Amazon.
References
- Sears PartsDirect: searspartsdirect.com
- eReplacementParts.com: ereplacementparts.com
- ManualsLib: manualslib.com
- WEN Products: wenproducts.com
- OSHA Drill Press Safety: osha.gov
- CCOHS Drill Press Safety: ccohs.ca
