Getting Craftsman 150 Drill Press Drive Pulley Removal Right: Fit, Tools, and Final Checks
The drive pulley on a Craftsman 150 spins thousands of hours over its life, and when it cracks, wobbles, or seizes on the shaft, it has to come off before you can fix anything else. Craftsman 150 drill press drive pulley removal is a puller job at heart, and getting it right means clearing every bit of retention first, then pulling straight and square so you do not bend the motor or spindle shaft underneath it.
The drive pulley is the stepped pulley that transfers motor power through the belt. On the Craftsman 150 it is held to its shaft by a set screw, often with a key, and years of service can add a corroded press fit on top of that.
Short answer: unplug the press, remove the belt, back out every set screw and note the key, then use a gear puller to draw the pulley straight off the shaft. Add penetrating oil to a corroded fit and pull slowly.
Fit: clear the retention first
Before any pulling force, find what holds the pulley:
- Set screws. Often one, sometimes two on the hub. A missed second screw stops the job cold.
- Key and keyway. A square key locks the pulley to the shaft and frees once the pulley starts to move.
- Corrosion. An old press fit can lock the pulley even after the hardware is clear.
The tool for a clean pull
Prying chews the pulley and scars the shaft. A three-jaw gear puller grips behind the pulley and draws it straight off with even force, which keeps the shaft straight. Hook the jaws behind the pulley body and center the puller screw on the shaft end.
The honest drawback: puller jaws can flex and slip on a badly seized pulley, so soak it and go slow. Who should skip the puller: anyone whose pulley slides off by hand once the set screws are out.
Final checks
- All set screws out. Check the whole hub.
- Puller centered and square, so the pull does not bend the shaft.
- Penetrating oil on any corroded fit, with time to work.
- Shaft and keyway inspected for burrs before the new pulley goes on.
Clear it, pull it square, protect the shaft
Craftsman 150 drive pulley removal is straightforward once every set screw and key is cleared and you pull straight with a proper tool. Force applied evenly protects the shaft; prying does not.
Three takeaways:
- Clear every set screw and note the key before applying force.
- Use a gear puller for a straight, even pull, never a pry bar.
- Soak a corroded fit and pull slowly, keeping the puller centered.
FAQ
How is the drive pulley held on a Craftsman 150? Usually by one or two set screws, often with a key in a keyway, and sometimes a corroded press fit after years of use.
How do I remove the drive pulley? Remove the belt, back out the set screws, then use a gear puller to draw the pulley straight off the shaft.
The set screw is out but the pulley will not move. Why? There may be a second set screw, a binding key, or corrosion. Check all three and add penetrating oil.
Can I pry the pulley off? Avoid it. Prying bends flanges and shafts. A gear puller applies even, straight force and protects the shaft.
The puller keeps slipping. What now? A seized pulley makes jaws flex. Soak it with penetrating oil, seat the jaws firmly behind the pulley, and pull slowly.
Should I inspect the shaft before fitting a new pulley? Yes. Clean any burrs from the shaft and keyway so the new pulley seats square and true.
References
- Sears PartsDirect, Craftsman drill press parts and manuals: https://www.searspartsdirect.com
