Finding the Right Collet for Your Craftsman Router
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Craftsman has sold routers to home woodworkers for decades, and many of those older machines are still going strong in garages. The part that wears out or goes missing most often is the collet, the small split sleeve that grips the shank (the smooth round end) of a router bit, along with the collet nut that squeezes it tight. If you are shopping for a Craftsman router collet, it helps to know that Craftsman-branded replacements are hard to find, so most options are made by other companies.
All five parts below are third-party products. Four are collets built mainly for other router brands, with only loose mentions of Craftsman, and one is a collet nut that names a specific Craftsman model; they differ in shank size, piece count and how clearly they state compatibility.
Craftsman Router Collet Replacements Compared
| Part | Type | Size | Pieces | Craftsman fit stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2 Pck) 1/2″ Router Collet | Collet | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 2 | “For Craftsman router”, no model named |
| Collet And Nut | Collet (nut named in title) | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 2 | “Craftsman router”, no model named |
| 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch Collet Set | Collet | 1/2 in and 1/4 in | 2 | Not listed |
| 2 Pcs Router Collet Set 1/2″ | Collet | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 2 | Not listed |
| 670345001 Collet Nut 1/2″ | Collet nut | 1/2 in | 1 | Yes, model 315.268350 |
(2 Pck) 1/2″ Router Collet for Part-Number Matching
Vigorvil
(2 Pck) 1/2" Router Collet 12.7mm For Dewalt 326286-04 DW6212 DW616 DW618
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
(2 Pck) 1 2″ Router Collet
Best for: Craftsman owners who confirmed a 1/2-inch match
Pros
- Two 1/2-inch collets
- Lists part numbers to compare
Cons
- Third-party, not Craftsman
- No Craftsman model numbers named
The (2 Pck) 1/2″ Router Collet set includes two 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) collets. It is a third-party part, and its main compatibility list covers other brands’ routers, including many DW616, DW618 and DW621 variants and a range of 1613 to 1619 series and MR23 series models. The highlight line adds “For Craftsman router” along with part numbers 323-293, 2610906283 and 2823121001, but it does not name any Craftsman model number.
The specs call it wrench-tightened, meaning you tighten the nut with a wrench, and the lock type is listed as independent. The listing does not describe the material or whether a nut is included. The manufacturer is listed as Wuhan Quansheng Yunle Technology.
This suits a Craftsman owner who has already confirmed, by comparing the old collet or the manual’s part number, that their router uses one of these listed collet designs. Because Craftsman routers were made in many versions, do not assume fit from the word “Craftsman” alone. If you have a Craftsman 315.268350, the collet nut at the end of this list names your model directly.
Collet And Nut for Replacing Both Pieces
Klmht
Collet And Nut (1/2-inch) 12.7mm replace Fits Dewalt DW618 router collet
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Collet And Nut
Best for: Owners needing collet and nut together
Pros
- Collet and nut per title
- Two pieces per pack
Cons
- Third-party, not Craftsman
- Pack contents described inconsistently
The Collet And Nut set is sold as a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) replacement, and its title and features mention a “Craftsman router” alongside DW6212, DW616 and DW618 models. Like the first set, it does not name a specific Craftsman model. The compatibility list repeats many of the same routers and adds part 323-293.
The listing is a little unclear about what is in the box. The title says “Collet And Nut”, while the package line says “2 Pcs 1/2″ Router Collet”, so it may be a collet plus a nut or two collets. The item weight is 3.2 ounces and the package measures 2.2 by 2.17 by 1.26 inches. The listing says only that it is made of high-quality materials, without naming the metal.
Pick this if your old nut is damaged as well as the collet and your router matches the listed part numbers. Ask the seller or check the photos to confirm the contents before ordering.
1/2-inch and 1/4-inch Collet Set for Two Bit Sizes
The (1/2-inch) 12.7mm and (1/4-inch) 6.35mm collet set is the only option here with two different sizes: one 1/2-inch collet and one 1/4-inch collet. Router bits come with either a 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shank, and each needs a matching collet. A 1/2-inch shank is thicker and steadier for large bits, while 1/4-inch bits are common in smaller routers and beginner bit sets.
It is made of alloy steel and weighs 3.52 ounces. The compatibility list covers DW618 variants, the 1613 to 1619 series and MR23 series routers, and a digital router series with collet assembly 2823121001. The highlight names parts 326286-04, 323-293 and 2610906283. It does not mention Craftsman at all, and the listing asks you to check the size before ordering.
This suits someone whose router is on that list and who wants to use both bit sizes. For a Craftsman owner, it is only a good choice once you have matched your router’s collet part number to one of those listed.
2 Pcs Router Collet Set 1/2″ for Clear Part Numbers
Vcoyarw
2 Pcs Router Collet Set 1/2" 12.7mm, Part No. 326286-03 2610906283 323-293
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
2 Pcs Router Collet Set 1
Best for: Matching by part number
Pros
- Four part numbers listed
- Two 1/2-inch collets
Cons
- Third-party, not Craftsman
- No Craftsman fit listed
The 2 Pcs Router Collet Set 1/2″ gives you two 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) collets and lists four part numbers: 326286-03, 326286-04, 2610906283 and 323-293. It fits a long list of DW616, DW618 and DW621 variants, and the highlight adds DW622 and DW626, plus the 1613 to 1619 series routers. Craftsman is not mentioned.
The specs describe it as wrench-tightened, with lock type listed as manual (keyless), and an item diameter of 0.5 inches. The unit count says 1 while the item count says 2, although the title and features clearly say two pieces. The listing asks you to check your tool model and part number first.
This fits buyers who work best with part numbers. If your Craftsman manual lists one of these four numbers for the collet, this is a tidy two-pack with a spare.
670345001 Collet Nut 1/2″ for the Craftsman 315.268350
Bixegg
Bixegg 670345001 Collet Nut 1/2" fits Craftsman 315268350 Plunge Router
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
670345001 Collet Nut 1 2″ fits
Best for: Craftsman 315.268350 plunge router owners
Pros
- Names a Craftsman model
- Replaces part 982859003
- Black oxide finish
Cons
- Nut only, no collet
- Dimensions conflict in listing
The 670345001 Collet Nut 1/2″ is the only part in this guide that names a Craftsman model: it fits the Craftsman 315.268350 plunge router. The part number is 670345001, and it replaces part 982859003. It is a nut only, not a collet, so it suits an owner whose collet is fine but whose nut is lost, stripped or cracked.
The nut has a black oxide finish, a hex shape for a wrench, a 1/2-inch inside thread and a left-hand thread style, per the specs. The listing gives conflicting sizes: one feature says 4-15/16 inches outer diameter, while the item dimensions say 0.98 by 0.98 by 0.94 inches, which fits a collet nut far better. The thread size is also listed oddly as #00-112. The seller offers after-sales help if the part does not fit.
If you own the 315.268350, this is the most direct match here. Owners of other Craftsman routers should compare the 982859003 or 670345001 numbers with their manual first. For more general shop gear, our guide to Craftsman woodworking tools covers other tools that pair well with a router.
How to Choose the Right Craftsman Router Collet
Find your router’s model number. On Craftsman tools it usually starts with 315 and sits on a label on the motor housing. Then look up the collet and nut part numbers in the owner’s manual or a parts diagram.
Match the shank size. Check whether your bits have 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shanks. Only the 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch set here includes both sizes; the others are 1/2-inch only.
Compare part numbers, not brand names. Three of these collets list parts 323-293 and 2610906283, and two list 326286-04. If your manual shows one of these, you have a strong match. If it does not, keep looking rather than forcing a collet that is close but not exact, because a poor fit can let a bit slip.
Decide whether you need the collet, the nut or both. A worn collet often leaves marks on bit shanks, while a damaged nut may not tighten evenly. If you are also building out your tool kit, a basic Craftsman tool set includes the wrenches many collets need.
FAQ
Which collet fits my Craftsman router?
Check your router’s model number and the collet part number in the manual. Only the 670345001 collet nut in this list names a Craftsman model, the 315.268350.
Are these genuine Craftsman parts?
No. All five are third-party replacements, and four are built mainly around other brands’ routers.
What is the difference between a collet and a collet nut?
The collet is the split sleeve that grips the bit shank. The nut threads over it and squeezes it tight.
Can I use a 1/4-inch bit in a 1/2-inch collet?
Not directly. You need a 1/4-inch collet, which only the two-size set here includes.
Why does the listing mention several router brands?
Many routers share similar collet designs, so sellers list every model they believe matches. Always confirm with your own part number.
