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Best Block Planes of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser

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Block planes are essential tools for any woodworking enthusiast or professional. These small hand planes are designed to smooth and shape wood, making them ideal for trimming and fitting joints. They are also perfect for removing thin layers of wood, chamfering edges, and rounding corners. With a compact size and lightweight design, block planes are easy to manoeuvre and provide excellent control. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting, a block plane is a versatile and valuable addition to your toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Block Planes

#TOP 1

Stanley 6.1/4 Block Plane with Pouch

  • STANLEY
  • 5.12-020
  • Multi
  • 6.1/4 Inch
Stanley 6.1/4 Block Plane with Pouch Cover

STANLEY 6.1/4" Fully Adjustable Block Plane with Storage Pouch, 5-12-2020

The Stanley Block Plane is a compact and professional tool designed for fine finishing work. Its fully adjustable features allow you to easily control the depth of cut, ensuring precision for both end grain and general purposes. The cutter alignment and mouth opening adjustments provide added convenience, making your experience smoother. Plus, it comes with a handy pouch for storage, keeping your workspace organised and your tool protected.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Compact and professional design
  • Convenient storage pouch included
  • Versatile for various finishing tasks
#TOP 2

Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts

  • STANLEY
  • 1-12-220
  • Black/Red
  • One Size
Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts Cover

Stanley 220 Block Plane 1 12 220 Pack of 1, Black/Red

The Stanley 220 Block Plane is designed with a sole and sides that provide stability and control during use, ensuring a smooth finish on your projects. You can easily adjust the cutting depth to suit your specific needs, allowing for precision in your work. The cutter is set at a 21° angle, which is perfect for cross-grain planning, making it an ideal choice for model makers and crafters. With a manually adjustable feature, you have the flexibility to tailor the plane to your preferences.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Adjustable cutting depth
  • Ideal for light duty jobs
  • Stable sole and sides
  • Perfect for cross-grain planning
#TOP 3

Faithfull No.4 and No.60½ Plane Set

Faithfull No.4 and No.60½ Plane Set Cover

Faithfull No.4 & No. 6012 Plane Set with Canvas Storage Bags – Precision Machined Cast Iron Hand Planes for Smoothing, Trimming, End Grain Work & General Woodworking

The Faithfull Plane Set includes a traditional No.4 bench plane, perfect for both hard and soft woods, allowing you to achieve smooth finishes on various materials. Additionally, the 60½ Block plane is ideal for working with end grain and plastic laminates, making it versatile for different projects. With an adjustable mouth, you can easily switch between wide settings for coarse work and narrow settings for fine shavings, enhancing your control. Plus, the fully adjustable depth of cut lets you customise your shaping tasks for precision.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Includes two essential planes
  • Adjustable mouth for versatility
  • Customisable cutting depth
  • Suitable for various materials
#TOP 4

Faithfull FAIPLANE912 Block Plane for Finishing

Faithfull FAIPLANE912 Block Plane for Finishing Cover

Faithfull FAIPLANE912-TB 9.1/2-inch Block Plane in Wooden Box

The Faithfull FAIPLANE912 Block Plane is expertly designed for end grain work, making it an excellent choice for achieving smooth finishes. Its low angle cutter allows for precise cutting, ensuring you can tackle a variety of projects with ease. The fully adjustable mouth gives you control over the depth of cut, allowing for tailored results based on your specific needs. This versatility is particularly useful for general purpose finishing, whether you're refining edges or smoothing surfaces in your woodworking tasks.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Ideal for end grain work
  • Precise low angle cutter
  • Fully adjustable mouth
  • Versatile for various finishes
#TOP 5

Stanley One-Handed Planer No.6 1/4 160mm

Stanley One-Handed Planer No.6 1/4 160mm Cover

Stanley one-Handed Planer No.6 1/4 160mm (Fully Adjustable, Sanded Sole and Sides, Adjustable jaw Opening) 1-12-020

The Stanley One-Handed Planer is a versatile tool perfect for various light-duty tasks. It features a manually adjustable design, allowing you to customise the depth of your cuts easily. With its general purpose suitability, it is ideal for makers and craftspeople alike. The cutter rests at a 21° angle, making it particularly effective for cross-grain planning, ensuring a smooth finish on your projects. This tool’s adjustable jaw opening adds convenience, accommodating different workpieces for enhanced usability.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Manually adjustable for customisation
  • Ideal for light-duty tasks
  • Effective for cross-grain planning
  • Convenient adjustable jaw opening
#TOP 6

Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain

Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain Cover

No.60 1/2 Block Plane in a Wooden Box

The Faithfull Block Plane is ideal for end grain work and single-handed operation. Its low angle cutter allows you to handle various tasks, from coarse work to fine shavings, adapting easily to different grain types. You will find it particularly effective on end grain and plastic laminates, making it a versatile tool in your workshop. With a cutter width of 35mm and an overall length of 160mm, this block plane offers convenience and precision for all your woodworking needs.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Ideal for end grain work
  • Single-handed operation
  • Adjustable mouth for versatility
  • Effective on plastic laminates
#TOP 7

Stanley Metal Body Surform Block Plane

Stanley Metal Body Surform Block Plane Cover

STANLEY Metal Body Surform Block Plane 5 21 399

The Stanley Surform Block Plane features a robust metal body, ensuring strength and durability for all your woodworking tasks. It is equipped with a replaceable fine cut blade, making it perfect for achieving smooth edges and working in confined spaces. The thumb screw allows for quick blade release without the need for tools, providing convenience during use. This design simplifies your workflow, enabling you to switch blades effortlessly and maintain productivity.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable metal construction
  • Replaceable fine cut blade
  • Quick blade release mechanism
  • Ideal for confined workspaces
#TOP 8

Stanley 102 Block Plane for Crafts

Stanley 102 Block Plane for Crafts Cover

STANLEY 120 Manual Block Plane, 1-12-0102

The Stanley 102 Block Plane is a manually-adjustable tool designed for general purpose use. It is particularly beneficial for model makers and craft applications, allowing you to achieve precise results in your projects. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle for light-duty jobs, ensuring you can work comfortably over extended periods. With its cast iron body, you are guaranteed durability and stability, making this plane a reliable choice for both amateur and professional users alike.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Manually adjustable for precision
  • Ideal for model making
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Durable cast iron body

STANLEY Surform Block Plane with Blade

STANLEY Surform Block Plane with Blade Cover

STANLEY Surform Moulded Body Block Plane (155mm) with Blade for Wood Aluminium Copper Plastics and Laminates 5-21-104

The STANLEY Surform Block Plane is designed for ease of use, allowing you to operate it with just one hand. This convenience makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned users. Featuring replaceable fine cut blades, you can achieve smooth finishes on edges and in tight spaces. Additionally, the lightweight plastic moulded body ensures durability without adding extra weight. The thumb screw allows for quick blade release, meaning you can change blades swiftly without the need for any tools.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy one-handed operation
  • Replaceable fine cut blades
  • Lightweight and durable body
  • Quick blade release
#TOP 10

Faithfull No.4 and No.6012 Planes Set

Faithfull No.4 and No.6012 Planes Set Cover

Faithfull No.4 & No. 60 ½ Plane Set in Wooden Storage Box – Precision Machined Cast Iron Hand Planes for Smoothing, Trimming, End Grain Work & General Woodworking

The Faithfull Planes Set comes in a beautifully crafted hinged wooden box, making it easy to store and transport. The No.4 Smoothing Plane is perfect for achieving a smooth finish on your projects, ensuring precision with its sturdy grey cast iron body. Additionally, the 60 1/2 Block Plane is designed for end grain work, allowing you to tackle those tricky areas with a single hand. Its low angle cutter and adjustable mouth cater to various tasks, from coarse work to fine shavings, enhancing your woodworking experience.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Beautiful wooden storage case
  • Strong grey cast iron body
  • Ideal for smoothing finishes
  • Perfect for end grain work
  • Adjustable mouth for versatility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a block plane best for?

Block planes are one of the most essential tools in a carpenter or furniture maker's toolbox. They are used to literally and practically smoothen out rough edges. Rough edges in the form of end grains can diminish the quality of your work, giving it an uneven look and feel.

2. What is the difference between a jack plane and a block plane?

Bench planes have a blade angle of 45 degrees, while block planes have a much shallower blade angle, at 20 degrees or less. Many people believe this design makes these tools (block planes) ideal for trimming and shaving wooden pieces because their blades can gently remove material without gouging wood fibers.

3. Can you smooth with a block plane?

long, a block plane is designed to be used with one hand, and it can fit easily inside a tool pouch. For projects such as cabinets, these small planes have a variety of uses: chamfering, cutting end grain, leveling corner joints, trimming miters, cleaning up saw cuts, and smoothing straight and curved edges.

Editor's Notes

During our block plane research, we found 90 block plane products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 60,520 customer reviews through our big data system to write the block planes list. We found that most customers choose block planes with an average price of £29.43.

The block planes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of block planes, including STANLEY, Faithfull.

Written by

Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.