Stanley Block Planes 

Demystified

JANUARY 27, 2014

15 COMMENTS (HTTPS://VIRGINIATOOLWORKS.COM/2014/01/27/STANLEY-BLOCK-PLANES-
DEMYSTIFIED/#COMMENTS)

(https://virginiatoolworks.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/block-plane-collection-3-11-
bw.jpg)Stanley was surely not lacking in its appetite for block planes, offering models and
variations of models in every size and flavor imaginable.  Trying to figure out all the models
and differences is maddening.  Since search phrases most frequently entered by those
visiting Virginia Toolworks include which block plane to buy, I thought it might be helpful
to provide a list  of Stanley’s block plane models organized by functional group and
mechanical similarity (rather than numerical model order).  For detailed specifications on
each model, please check my Block Plane Chart
(https://virginiatoolworks.wordpress.com/tools/stanley-planes/stanley-block-plane-
chart/) and the Block Plane Dating (https://virginiatoolworks.wordpress.com/tools/stanley-
planes/date-your-block-plane-type-study/) page.

Note that the functional groups are not necessarily mutually exclusive.  The same plane will be found in more than one functional
group as I’ve categorized  them. Therefore, you will see a lot of duplication.  I listed them this way on purpose.  It’s also worth
noting that competitors like Millers Falls (http://oldtoolheaven.com/), Sargent (http://www.sargent-planes.com/), and others offered
comparable models to many of these.

Block Planes Sorted by Functional Group & Mechanical Similarity

Basic Handyman Planes

No. 9-1/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
in every way except it doesn’t have an adjustable mouth.  It was a cheaper
alternative and never as desirable as the 9-1/2.  Features a thumb rest instead of a
front knob.
No. 100 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this tiny plane is a simple palm sized
plane with a raised “squirrel tail” handle and thumb screw tightened lever
cap. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 101 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is identical to the no. 100,
except it does not have the squirrel tail.  Originally sold in toy tool chests before
becoming available within Stanley’s line. Features a thumb rest instead of a front
knob.
No. 102 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane was another very basic Early Stanley no. 120 c. 1870s-80s
small size block plane.  This one featured a tension adjustment wheel for the lever
cap and a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 103 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the no. 102 but adds a poorly designed lever adjustment
feature and a wooden front knob.
No. 110 – 7 inches long and standard angle, featuring a wooden front knob, this plane is otherwise the same as the no. 102,
however it was far more popular.
No. 120 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the smaller no. 103 with the same inadequate adjustment
mechanism and wooden front knob.
No. 203 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane featured the same hooded lever cap found on the 9-1/2 series, a screw
type depth adjustment similar to the low angle blocks, and a wooden front knob.
No. 220 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 203 but was far more popular.

Fixed Mouth Planes

No. 9-1/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
in every way except it doesn’t have an adjustable mouth.  It was a cheaper
alternative and never as desirable as the 9-1/2.  Features a thumb rest instead of a
front knob.
No. 18-1/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 18
except it didn’t have an adjustable throat.  It was only made from 1952-58 and is
somewhat rare.
No. 61 – 6 inches long and low angle, this plane was identical to the no. 60 but had
no adjustable throat and featured a wooden front knob.  These are relatively rare.
No. 63 – 7 inches long and low angle, this plane was identical to the no. 65-1/2
(hooded lever cap) but had no adjustable throat and featured a wooden front knob. Stanley No. 110 Type 1 c. 1874
 These are also relatively rare.
No. 100 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this tiny plane is a simple palm sized
plane with a raised “squirrel tail” handle and thumb screw tightened lever cap. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 100-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this plane is identical to the 100, but has a convex sole and iron for shaving
concave surfaces such as chair seats.  This one is pretty handy for those tasks and there are modern versions being sold today.
No. 101 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is identical to the no. 100, except it does not have the squirrel tail.
 Originally sold in toy tool chests before becoming available within Stanley’s line. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
 No. 101-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this is a bull-nose version of the no. 101.  It is extremely rare with fine examples
selling in the $500 range.
No. 102 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane was another very basic small size block plane.  This one featured a
tension adjustment wheel for the lever cap and a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 103 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the no. 102 but adds a poorly designed lever adjustment
feature and a wooden front knob.110 – 7 inches long and featuring a wooden front knob, this plane is otherwise the same as the
no. 102, however it was far more popular.
No. 110 – 7 inches long and standard angle, featuring a wooden front knob, this plane is otherwise the same as the no. 102,
however it was far more popular.
No. 120 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the smaller no. 103 with the same inadequate adjustment
mechanism and wooden front knob.
No. 130 – 8 inches long and standard angle, this double ended plane featured a tension wheel lever cap.  Bull-nose on one end
and standard nose on the other, the iron could be reversed for dual purpose use.
No. 131 – 8 inches and standard angle, this plane was similar to the no. 130 but featured a hooded lever cap and a screw type
depth adjustment.  It is considered superior to the no. 130, but the mechanism is fragile.
No. 140 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this rabbet plane’s iron was set at a skew angle, and its side was removable for
precise rabbeting.  This plane is very useful with modern variations still being made.
No. 203 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane featured the same hooded lever cap found on the 9-1/2 series, a screw
type depth adjustment similar to the low angle blocks, and a wooden front knob.
No. 220 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 203 but was far more popular.

Adjustable Mouth Planes

No. 9-1/2 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this was Stanley’s most successful
block plane.  Featuring a hooded lever cap, lateral adjustment lever, iron depth
adjustment, and an adjustable throat, this plane set the standard for the industry.
No. 9-3/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
with the addition of an arm with a wooden knob attached to the rear.  There were far
fewer of these planes made and they can easily sell for several hundred dollars
today.
No. 15 – 7 inches long, this plane was otherwise identical to the no. 9-1/2.
No. 15-1/2 – 7 inches long, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 9-3/4 with the
same wooden knob at the rear.
No. 16 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
except it had a nickel plated lever cap whereas the no. 9-1/2’s cap was japanned.
Stanley no. 9-1/2 and no. 16 c. 1904-08
No. 17 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no.
15 except it had a nickel plated lever cap whereas the no. 15’s cap was japanned.
No. 18 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2 except the lever cap (after 1913) was the
knuckle style cap (also found on the no. 65).  Although not quite as popular as the no. 9-1/2, this is my preferred standard angle
block plane for its comfort in use.
No. 19 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 18.
No. 60 – 6 inches long and narrower than most of the other planes this length (1-3/8″), this low angle block featured a hooded
style lever cap, screw depth adjustment, and adjustable throat.  It’s lever cap and hardware were nickel plated.
No. 60-1/2 – 6 inches long and low angle, this plane is identical to the no. 60 in every way except its lever cap was japanned.  The
no. 60 and no. 60-1/2 are frequently confused as there has been conflicting information published online.  Just remember, the 60-
1/2 has a japanned cap.
No. 65 – 7 inches and low angle, this plane is often referred to as the “Cadillac” of block planes.  It features the same nickel plated
knuckle cap as the 18/19 planes, and the same screw type depth adjustment of the 60 series low angle blocks.  And of course the
throat is adjustable.
No. 65-1/2 – 7 inches long and low angle, this 65-1/2 is identical to the no. 65 except it had a japanned hooded style lever cap
throughout it’s entire life.  This confuses a lot of people since the no., 65 switched from a hooded cap to a knuckle cap in about
1913.

Standard Angle Planes

No. 9-1/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
in every way except it doesn’t have an adjustable mouth.  It was a cheaper
alternative and never as desirable as the 9-1/2.  Features a thumb rest instead of a
front knob.
No. 9-1/2 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this was Stanley’s most successful
block plane.  Featuring a hooded lever cap, lateral adjustment lever, iron depth
adjustment, and an adjustable throat, this plane set the standard for the industry.
No. 9-3/4 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2
with the addition of an arm with a wooden knob attached to the rear.  There were far
fewer of these planes made and they can easily sell for several hundred dollars
today.
No. 15 – 7 inches long, this plane was otherwise identical to the no. 9-1/2.
Stanley no. 19 & no. 18 c. 1913-18
No. 15-1/2 – 7 inches long, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 9-3/4 with the
same wooden knob at the rear.
No. 16 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2 except it had a nickel plated lever cap whereas
the no. 9-1/2’s cap was japanned.
No. 17 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 15 except it had a nickel plated lever cap
whereas the no. 15’s cap was japanned.
No. 18 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this plane was identical to the no. 9-1/2 except the lever cap (after 1913) was the
knuckle style cap (also found on the no. 65).  Although not quite as popular as the no. 9-1/2, this is my preferred standard angle
block plane for its comfort in use.
No. 19 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 18.
No. 100 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this tiny plane is a simple palm sized plane with a raised “squirrel tail” handle
and thumb screw tightened lever cap. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 100-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this plane is identical to the 100, but has a convex sole and iron for shaving
concave surfaces such as chair seats.  This one is pretty handy for those tasks and there are modern versions being sold today.
 No. 101 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is identical to the no. 100, except it does not have the squirrel tail.
 Originally sold in toy tool chests before becoming available within Stanley’s line. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 101-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this is a bull-nose version of the no. 101.  It is extremely rare with fine examples
selling in the $500 range.
No. 102 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane was another very basic small size block plane.  This one featured a
tension adjustment wheel for the lever cap and a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 103 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the no. 102 but adds a poorly designed lever adjustment
feature and a wooden front knob.
No. 110 – 7 inches long and standard angle, featuring a wooden front knob, this plane is otherwise the same as the no. 102,
however it was far more popular.
No. 120 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is similar to the smaller no. 103 with the same inadequate adjustment
mechanism and wooden front knob.
No. 130 – 8 inches long and standard angle, this double ended plane featured a tension wheel lever cap.  Bull-nose on one end
and standard nose on the other, the iron could be reversed for dual purpose use.
No. 131 – 8 inches and standard angle, this plane was similar to the no. 130 but featured a hooded lever cap and a screw type
depth adjustment.  It is considered superior to the no. 130, but the mechanism is fragile.
No. 140 – 7 inches lo
ng and standard angle, this rabbet plane’s iron was set at a skew angle, and its side was removable for precise rabbeting.  This
plane is very useful with modern variations still being made.
No. 203 – 5-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane featured the same hooded lever cap found on the 9-1/2 series, a screw
type depth adjustment similar to the low angle blocks, and a wooden front knob.
No. 220 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this plane is otherwise identical to the no. 203 but was far more popular.

Low Angle Planes

(https://virginiatoolworks.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/stanley-65t1-65t2-65-5-bw.jpg)
Stanley no. 65 c. 1913, no. 65 c. 1904, & no. 65-1/2 c. 1904

No. 61 – 6 inches long and low angle, this plane was identical to the no. 60 but had no adjustable throat and featured a wooden
front knob.  These are relatively rare.
No. 63 – 7 inches long and low angle, this plane was identical to the no. 65-1/2 (hooded lever cap) but had no adjustable throat
and featured a wooden front knob.  These are also relatively rare.
No. 60 – 6 inches long and narrower than most of the other planes this length (1-3/8″), this low angle block featured a hooded
style lever cap, screw depth adjustment, and adjustable throat.  It’s lever cap and hardware were nickel plated.
No. 60-1/2 – 6 inches long and low angle, this plane is identical to the no. 60 in every way except its lever cap was japanned.  The
no. 60 and no. 60-1/2 are frequently confused as there has been conflicting information published online.  Just remember, the 60-
1/2 has a japanned cap.
No. 65 – 7 inches and low angle, this plane is often referred to as the “Cadillac” of block planes.  It features the same nickel plated
knuckle cap as the 18/19 planes, and the same screw type depth adjustment of the 60 series low angle blocks.  And of course the
throat is adjustable.
No. 65-1/2 – 7 inches long and low angle, this 65-1/2 is identical to the no. 65 except it had a japanned hooded style lever cap
throughout it’s entire life.  This confuses a lot of people since the no., 65 switched from a hooded cap to a knuckle cap in about
1913.

Bull-nose Planes

No. 101-1/2 -3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this plane is identical to the 100, but
has a convex sole and iron for shaving concave surfaces such as chair seats.  This one
is pretty handy for those tasks and there are modern versions being sold today.
No. 130 – 8 inches long and standard angle, this double ended plane featured a
tension wheel lever cap.  Bull-nose on one end and standard nose on the other, the
iron could be reversed for dual purpose use.
No. 131 – 8 inches and standard angle, this plane was similar to the no. 130 but
featured a hooded lever cap and a screw type depth adjustment.  It is considered
superior to the no. 130, but the mechanism is fragile.

Instrument Makers Planes Stanley no. 131 Plane c. 1920s

No. 100 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this tiny plane is a simple palm sized plane with a raised “squirrel tail” handle
and thumb screw tightened lever cap. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 100-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this plane is identical to the 100, but has a convex sole and iron for shaving
concave surfaces such as chair seats.  This one is pretty handy for those tasks and there are modern versions being sold today.
No. 101 – 3-1/2 inches long and standard angle, this plane is identical to the no. 100, except it does not have the squirrel tail.
 Originally sold in toy tool chests before becoming available within Stanley’s line. Features a thumb rest instead of a front knob.
No. 101-1/2 – 3-1/2 inches and standard angle, this is a bull-nose version of the no. 101.  It is extremely rare with fine examples
selling in the $500 range.
Rabbet (Rebate) Planes

No. 140 – 7 inches long and standard angle, this rabbet plane’s iron was set at a skew
angle, and its side was removable for precise rabbeting.  This plane is very useful
with modern variations still being made.

Stanley no. 101-1/2 Plane c. 1890s

(https://virginiatoolworks.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/095-sb140-type-1-post1-bw.jpg)
Stanley no. 140 Rabbet Plane c. 1896

***

FILED UNDER HAND PLANES, TOOLS

TAGGED WITH BAILEY, BLOCK PLANE, HAND PLANES, HAND TOOLS,
MILLERS FALLS, SARGENT, STANLEY, WOODWORKING

About Bryant
Bryant is a business management and organizational development executive with over 20 years’ experience focused on financial and
operational efficiencies, talent development and optimization, improved employee engagement, and cultural alignment of teams
within the organization. He has diverse experience in successful financial and strategic planning, brand management, leadership
analysis and talent development, as well as designing and executing improvements to teams’ cultural efficacy and organizational
alignment. Bryant has experience in both International Public S&P 500 Corporate and Non-Profit Sectors, and also runs his own
entrepreneurial business venture, a consulting company specializing in helping small businesses and organizations improve
operational efficiency, leadership development, and employee engagement .
Bryant holds a Masters in Business Administration
(MBA) and a Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA).

15 Responses to Stanley Block Planes Demystified

Alexander Butrym says:

January 31, 2015 at 11:53 am
Sir–I have the base of a 140 without blade or cap. Do you have any suggestions where I might find replacement parts, either new
or used? I would appreciate very much any help you can offer. Thank you.

Reply
Bryant Rice says:
January 31, 2015 at 12:57 pm
eBay is your best bet. Might take some patience but you’ll find what you need.

Reply
Robert Karl says:
January 22, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Where can I buy the wooden front knob for a Stanley #120 block plane.

Reply
Bryant says:
January 22, 2018 at 1:30 pm
eBay or tool shows are your best bet.

Reply
americademocracycapitalism says:
August 23, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Thank You. A wonderful article for me. I’ve been buying them off e-bay and I have two I can’t identify. This will help.

Reply
Robert Nicholson says:
May 7, 2019 at 8:16 am
Hi, what do you mean by the the blade was set at a ‘skew’ angle please? Is this a high level, almost vertical from the sole or is this
a low level? Quoting the angle would help, also if the blade is bevel up or down. Thanks.

Reply
Bryant says:
May 7, 2019 at 9:42 pm
I’m assuming you’re referring to the #140 Rabbet and Block plane. The 140 is a standard angle, like most of the other block
planes, but the bevel up cutting edge is at a skewed angle compared to the sides of the plane, rather than at 90 degrees. Just
google it and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
 Reply
Sean Murphy says:
August 3, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Hi! I’m hoping you can help – I have what I’m assuming is one of the antique Stanley planes, but can’t quite determine which one
it is. I’ve posted a photo here – any thoughts?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C2W1mDJJ6RREAAD86

Thanks so much!

Reply
Bryant says:
August 5, 2019 at 10:40 am
Appears to be a current day no. 110 (or whatever equivalent model number is being used today). This is a plane you can buy
at most big box hardware stores.

Reply
Pingback: Stanley Wood Plane Assembly – TonyWoodsArt

robb k says:
May 24, 2021 at 1:17 am
Can’t find info on a No. 241 with a 5 on the blade, no “made in USA” stamp.

Reply
Steven Sunde says:
May 29, 2021 at 1:01 pm
I have what appears to be a 60 or 60 1/2, but, the color is brown. Also, the adjustment knob is full thickness on both sides– the
surface of both sides is in one plane, without any change in thickness when viewed in cross section. The adjustment ‘key’ fits
right against the knob and moves fore and aft with the knob rather than being fitted to the threads and tracking on the threaded
portion of the spindle.
It’s a great plane, functionally.
Ideas on identity?

Reply
Bryant says:
May 29, 2021 at 2:03 pm
I’m not completely following you. Email me a photo at vatoolworks@gmail.com

Reply
George Carcao says:
August 11, 2021 at 12:50 pm
Can you tell me what the white metal is, for the small parts inside a 9 1/2 or #18 plane? Could it be German nickel silver?

Reply
Bryant says:
August 11, 2021 at 9:43 pm
Nickle plated brass

Reply

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