Skip to content
BuyOnceRight: buy once, buy right
Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102

Stanley

Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102

  • Compact one-hand body
  • Adjustable cutter
  • Cast-iron base
  • Low angle for end grain
Check price on Amazon

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated

On this page

Is the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102 worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102 ranks #4 in our Best Rabbet Plane 2026 list (best compact). Its biggest strength: compact, one-hand size reaches into corners and tight areas larger rabbet planes cannot. The main caveat: not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints.

Overview

What the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102 does well

Best compact plane for detail work. It stands out for compact, one-hand size reaches into corners and tight areas larger rabbet planes cannot and low cutting angle handles end grain and difficult grain cleanly. Keep in mind that not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Compact one-hand body
  • Adjustable cutter
  • Cast-iron base
  • Low angle for end grain
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Compact, one-hand size reaches into corners and tight areas larger rabbet planes cannot
  • Low cutting angle handles end grain and difficult grain cleanly
  • Simple adjustable cutter for fine-tuning depth of cut
  • The correct companion tool for chamfering and cleaning up edges of rabbets cut with a larger plane

Cons

  • Not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints
  • No fence, so it is not suited to cutting a rabbet from scratch
Fit check

Should you buy the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints
  • No fence, so it is not suited to cutting a rabbet from scratch
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Rabbet Plane 2026· Best Compact#4 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102: common questions

Is the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102 worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102 ranks #4 in our Best Rabbet Plane 2026 list (best compact). Its biggest strength: compact, one-hand size reaches into corners and tight areas larger rabbet planes cannot. The main caveat: not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints.

What are the downsides of the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: not a substitute for a full-width shoulder or rabbet plane on wide joints; no fence, so it is not suited to cutting a rabbet from scratch.

What are the key features of the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102?

Compact one-hand body, Adjustable cutter, Cast-iron base and Low angle for end grain.

What are the best alternatives to the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102?

Worth comparing: Stanley 12-140 No. 92 Shoulder and Chisel Plane, Grizzly T10266 Flat Profile Shoulder Plane and Faithfull No. 10 Rebate Plane. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

More woodworking shortlists

More like this

Other woodworking we recommend

All woodworking

Browse all research