Best Block Planes of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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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

Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts Cover #TOP 1
Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stanley 6.1/4 Block Plane with Pouch Cover #TOP 2
Stanley 6.1/4 Block Plane with Pouch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain Cover #TOP 3
Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Block Planes

#TOP 1

Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts

1-12-220
Black/Red
One Size
Stanley 220 Block Plane for Crafts Cover
Stanley 220 Block Plane 1 12 220, 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.

What We Like
Adjustable cutting depth
Ideal for light duty jobs
Stable sole and sides
Perfect for cross-grain planning
#TOP 2

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 STANLEY 5-12-020 6.1/4 Block Plane C/w Pouch

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.

What We Like
Easy depth adjustment
Compact and professional design
Convenient storage pouch included
Versatile for various finishing tasks
#TOP 3

Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain

FAIPLANE6012
Black
Faithfull No60.1/2 Block Plane for End Grain Cover
Faithfull FAIPLANE6012 6012 Block Plane in 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.

What We Like
Ideal for end grain work
Single-handed operation
Adjustable mouth for versatility
Effective on plastic laminates
#TOP 4

Faithfull FAIPLANE912 Block Plane for Finishing

FAIPLANE912
Multi
Faithfull FAIPLANE912 Block Plane for Finishing Cover
Faithfull FAIPLANE912 912 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.

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

Stanley 102 Block Plane for Crafts

1-12-102
Black/Red
Stanley 102 Block Plane for Crafts Cover
Stanley 102 Block Plane 1 12 102

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.

What We Like
Manually adjustable for precision
Ideal for model making
Lightweight and easy to handle
Durable cast iron body
#TOP 6

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

STANLEY 12-920
Black/Silver
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.

What We Like
Manually adjustable for customisation
Ideal for light-duty tasks
Effective for cross-grain planning
Convenient adjustable jaw opening
#TOP 7

Faithfull No.4 and No.60½ Plane Set

FAIPLANE4AVB
Multi-colour
Faithfull No.4 and No.60½ Plane Set Cover
Faithfull FAIPLANE4AVB No4 and No6012 Plane Set with Bags

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.

What We Like
Includes two essential planes
Adjustable mouth for versatility
Customisable cutting depth
Suitable for various materials
#TOP 8

Faithfull No.4 and No.6012 Planes Set

FAIPLANE4AV
Blue
Faithfull No.4 and No.6012 Planes Set Cover
Faithfull FAIPLANE4AV No.4 and No.6012 Planes in Wooden Box

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.

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
#TOP 9

Stanley Metal Body Surform Block Plane

5-21-399
Black/Yellow
Stanley Metal Body Surform Block Plane Cover
Stanley Metal Body Surform Block Plane 5 21 399, Black/Yellow

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.

What We Like
Durable metal construction
Replaceable fine cut blade
Quick blade release mechanism
Ideal for confined workspaces
#TOP 10

Faithfull Block Plane Twin Pack in Wooden Box

FAIPLANEBPS
Colourful
5.1 cm
Faithfull Block Plane Twin Pack in Wooden Box Cover
Faithfull FAIPLANEBPS 6012 and 912 Block Plane Twin Pack in Wooden Box

The Faithfull Block Plane Pack is expertly designed for end grain work, making it ideal for achieving smooth finishes. Its low angle cutter allows for precise cutting, ensuring you can handle various materials with ease. With a fully adjustable mouth, you can customise the plane to suit your specific needs, enhancing your woodworking experience. Supplied in a wooden box, this set not only protects your tools but also makes for an attractive storage solution.

What We Like
Designed for end grain work
Low angle cutter for precision
Fully adjustable mouth
Includes a wooden storage box
Buying Guide Image

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 83 block plane products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,350 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 £29.56.

The block planes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of block planes, including Stanley, Faithfull. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 87 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

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.