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.
Testimonial: "That is exactly what I did late last night and found the right place to apply pressure to release the lock. It wasn't the easiest but now I know. "
If you return to the drawing on the Sears site (315.11720), you can remove the entire front roller frame from the sub-frame by removing 4 screws (19) and the sanding belt. By removing this assembly, you should then be able to figure out what holds the roller carrier (10) locked back and how to release it. Hope that helps.
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How to replace belt on a Craftsman belt sander Model number 315.11751. Hold sander in hand and push front wheel towards back wheel. The front roller wheel will lock as it is pushed towards the rear wheel. Next, place new belt into sander. Remember, arrow on belt goes in direction of the way the wheels turn. To release the front wheel lock place a screwdriver into the spokes of the wheel. Push screwdriver frontwards away from you holding the sander. This will release the front wheel lock and belt will tighten.
On mine I just push the spring clamp back and to the left, it then opens right up.
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I tried to find the info on the model you mentioned. To take the tension off the front roller assembly, I had to stand the sander on the front end and push down on the assembly. It did release the tension to take the belt off. For the life of me, I can not find any lever to reestablish tension. I seems to me that I inserted a screwdriver and pushed to activate the spring. The problem is I can not seem to find that spot now. Thanks for the try.
This model seems to be sooooo old that some other method must have been used or the sander is missing a part.
I released the belt by pushing the front assembly backward on my work bench and it released the belt. Now the question is how to release the belt. Thanks for the try.
This machine is soooo old that the lease lever is either missing or never was there but I have found the right place to apply pressure and establish tension back for the new belt. Thanks for the effort. (-:
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