Craftsman 3x21 plastic front roller needs replacing

The tracking adjuster will tilt one wheel in so's you can start putting the belt on. After it gets about halfway, you will need to adjust that the other way and just bump the switch a bit a few times as you adjust and it'll work its way back on.

Alright, I found the breakdown and it is not a very good one. I think I know the part number that you need, but I would feel more comfortable if you would look at it yourself, because the last thing you need is confusion.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Sander-Parts/Model-315117150/0247/0743000/00013345/00002?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

You can also purchase this part right from the link. Their picture shows the spring actually attached to a small rod on the ordering page. Let me know if this helps.

I have that same sander. Know what you mean. I usually end up using a hammer to trip the roller and get it to release by hitting the side(end) of the roller with the hammer. Good luck.

The drive and guide rollers are probably drying out and won't grab the paper. Take the drive roller of and treat it with a rubber restoring compund. The roller should not come off easily.

I have one of those and I just smack the front roller ahead with a brass or plastic hammer. I hit the movable bracket that the roller is attached to. It takes a pretty stout whack to do it though. hope this helps you

There is a leveling (screw/knob) on the side of the belt sander. Turn it up and the belt will drift in one direction. Turn it downward and the belt will drift in the opposite direction. play with this leveling screw/knob until you reach a good balance and the belt will stop drifting.

I checked Searspartsdirect.com for that model number and they listed that number, but with an extra 0 at the right end. I couldn't find a belt release lever illustrated anywhere like that on my old Craftsman belt sander. On mine, you just flipped the lever either forward or back to release and tighten the belt. (still works great) There is a spring that pushes the front roller assembly forward when the lever is operated.

On my model 315.11720 3"x21" Craftsman belt sander to change out sanding belts you push the front roller in until it clicks to lock in its retracted position (a pry bar may help here), switch out sanding belts then unscrew the tracking tensioner a bit on the opposite side with a allen wrench until the roller snaps back in place. I never remember anything about using a screw driver to force it back forward position again. Then readjust the tracking if necessary with a few short sanding load tests and you're good to go. Oil is dropped in the front roller center by removing the flat head screw - it should say "Oil Here" around the screw.

Try removing the adjustment screws and applying some Teflon thread sealant. That should prevent the screws from turning on their own. Another thing you can do it check the pulleys with calipers and make sure it is still cylindrical. I have seen ones that become worn on one side. Finally, roughly check the belt tension on both sides and make sure they are approximately the same tension.

Good Luck!

Ben Steigerwald

try tapping on the front and rear wheels