[coolguy982]

I recently purchased a craftsman 315.17492 1.5 hp router at an auction. I bought some new bits and cannot for the life of me figure out how to change the bit!! The router came with a wrench (shown in attached picture) and has a button at the top that claims to lock the shaft. When I move it over to Locked, the shaft will not lock. I thought all I would need to do is switch it to Locked and then use the wrench to turn the bit loose, but the shaft keeps moving. I tried putting a vice grip on the metal shaft but it would not hold it and it also began cutting into the metal on the shaft.

I should note that the router runs fine. I also tried to turn the router on with the switch in the locked position (just to see if it actually does anything), and the router would not turn on.

Can anyone tell me how to change the bit? Am I missing something simple, or did I buy a piece of junk?

I've attached some pictures of the router for reference.

 

[coolguy982]

After I've moved the button to the "locked" position, it doesn't seem to do anything to the shaft. I can still freely rotate the shaft multiple revolutions in either direction without it catching or locking. Any other suggestions?

 

[coolguy982]

Did you ever figure out how to remove bit? I have same problem. Need to replace bit that is worn out, but cant figure out how. Any help would be appreciated. gnb

I did fix it, but I've since sold the router so I don't remember specifics. I went from one of the suggestions above and took apart the router. The lock button was out of place so I fixed it and put the router back together. After that I was able to lock the shaft with the button and change the bit successfully. Hope that helps!

 

[coolguy982]

Sorry, it's been too long. I can't tell you much other than to take it apart and try to see what is wrong. What I do remember is that the hard part was taking it apart. Once I got it apart, it was obvious where the problem was with the stop switch.