Sears Craftsman 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with LaserTrac and 5 Bonus Blades - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Is the washer/spacer in the blade too thick and you are perhaps tightening up on that instead of the blade. Also check the threads on the bolt, see if the bolt turns all the way in without the blade in position. It may be jamming up before gripping the blade.

Craftsman owner's manuals are available from www.ManageMyHome.com. You'll have to register with this Sears site to download, but they are otherwise free of charge.


I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue. If you need further assistance, please post back with a comment to this thread.
If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take a moment to kindly rate this post....thanks!

without knowing the model number I can only assume that it is a circular saw and the blade is on the right hand side and then the bolt should be a standard thread. Hold the spindle lock in and turn the bolt counter clockwise to loosen. If other than it would probably be a left hand thread and do just the opposite. Let me know and if so please provide the model number so I can look at a breakdown for the tool.

Close match to 315.108220 Craftsman Circular Saw Owners Manual is the 315.108241 PDF manual The 315.108241 manual is available for free download at: http://www.hammerwall.com/Manuals/Craftsman/Description/315.108241/Craftsman%207%2014%20in.%20Corded%20Circular%20Saw/L0807084/

The Craftsman saws have no reset (I thought the same for my own saw). If you have the original operating manual (or can get the manual at Sears Parts Online), you can check the two carbon brushes. I posted a tip for my model but it may apply for any Craftsman circular saw. Locate and remove the rear motor cover, then look for the two brushes. Insert a wood or plastic probe (such as a toothpick) between the brush and the rotor contact, then try to push the brush away from the rotor. If it doesn't move or it does move but stays stuck, the brush has to be physically moved to release it and allow it to spring back. You must check both brushes. Get help if you cannot do it yourself, as the brush removal is simple but delicate. And this will save you from buying a new saw.

i would test the switch with a meter and replace if needed

worn or damaged bearing --brushes worn --

Sorry , but go buy a new saw. Your not going to find an aftermarket
dealer that carries this switch.

Trying to rig some other switch is not worth the trouble over buying a new one. If the switch is not available, then the saw is old.


New

Craftsman Evolv 12 Amp 7-in Circular Saw 35.00 dollars.

I've had this same circular saw since new (the 80's). There is not a spindle lock. The bolt turns clock-wise to tighten. I usually hold the blade with a gloved hand and snug up the bolt. It will tighten when in use. When removing the blade, one can place a block of wood between two teeth to lock it in place.

broken contact powercable , switch but measure to carbonbrushes to each other with signal measure multimeter , the autostop in the carbonbrush can be activated. or 1 of the 4 wires on the electricfield is broken

remove the power lead from the wall socket put a screw driver in the teeth of the blade and use it as a stop against the guide use the right size spanner and undo the blade retainer nut

Always away from you.

Release the base plate lock so the saw will sink into the well at the bottom of the case.

Is this a brushless motor?

There should be a special washer between the bolt (that holds the blade on) and the blade. If the arbor has a flat side on it, then the washer should have a matching hole so that the washer cannot turn independently of the arbor. Or, some saws use a spring washer which is cupped and becomes flattened against the blade as the bolt is tightened. If you have the first type of washer, perhaps the bolt is just not tight enough. If you have the second type of washer, perhaps the washer is backwards. If you have neither type of washer, you need one.

With the saw unplugged, lay it upside down on a bench or table. Put a small scrap of 2x4 against the blade and adjust until the depth of the blade matches the thickness of the 2x4. Lock it in place, Then bend or adjust the depth scale so that it reads 1-1/2 inches. Good luck.

That is physically not possible!

1. immediatelly switch off saw
2. remove cord from the plug
3. remove blade from machine
4. reverse blade 180degree and install it in direction of the rotation! if you look at saw from the blade side, rotation is clockwise!!! and cutting edge of teh teeth should point clockwise!
5. install and tighten the blade
6. plug in and switch in short burst only, check if it is rotating in proper direction and blade have teeth in proper direction
7. make test cut

Do not forget that this is not a toy, blade on circular saw cut through wood, metal and your fingers... always wear googles or eye/face protection shield, you have only two eyes and no spares...

Enjoy your woodworking experience! Always observe safety and machine rules.

Hope this allow you to fix the problem. Please leave note how did you go.

Remember that on a circular saw, the bolts are typically left-handed thread so it is the opposite of a typical bolt. This is because the blade spins to the right so if a normal bolt was used it would loosen as the saw operates.

without a model number I am going to guess. Most circular saws have the blade depth adjustment towards the back of the handle and usually on the left side. If you need an owners manual you would need the correct model number and then go to managemyhome.com and you can probably find it there. If you want to reply to me with the model number I will find exactly where the release is for you.

Sears sells millions on these saws and you probably saw less than 1% if people who had problem w/their saws. They make a good saw and you can feel assured it's a good unit.