Skip to content
BuyOnceRight: buy once, buy right
Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane

Stanley

Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane

  • Bull nose design
  • Removable front section
  • Fine mouth adjustment
  • Fine grey cast iron
Check price on Amazon

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated

On this page

Is the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane ranks #5 in our Best Rabbet Plane 2026 list (best value). Its biggest strength: bull nose design reaches within 3/16 inch of a stopped rabbet's end -- closer than a standard rabbet plane. The main caveat: smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane.

Overview

What the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane does well

Best value rabbet plane. It stands out for bull nose design reaches within 3/16 inch of a stopped rabbet's end -- closer than a standard rabbet plane and removable front section converts it to a chisel plane for fully stopped work. Keep in mind that smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Bull nose design
  • Removable front section
  • Fine mouth adjustment
  • Fine grey cast iron
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Bull nose design reaches within 3/16 inch of a stopped rabbet's end -- closer than a standard rabbet plane
  • Removable front section converts it to a chisel plane for fully stopped work
  • Fine mouth adjustment for controlling coarse or fine cuts
  • A complete, currently produced bull nose rabbet plane at a value price

Cons

  • Smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane
  • No fence, so width is controlled by hand rather than a guide
Fit check

Should you buy the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane
  • No fence, so width is controlled by hand rather than a guide
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Rabbet Plane 2026· Best Value#5 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane

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 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane: common questions

Is the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane ranks #5 in our Best Rabbet Plane 2026 list (best value). Its biggest strength: bull nose design reaches within 3/16 inch of a stopped rabbet's end -- closer than a standard rabbet plane. The main caveat: smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane.

Who is the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane best for?

Based on our research it suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money. It's ranked #5 of 8 in our Best Rabbet Plane 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: smaller capacity than a full-size adjustable rabbet plane; no fence, so width is controlled by hand rather than a guide.

What are the key features of the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane?

Bull nose design, Removable front section, Fine mouth adjustment and Fine grey cast iron.

What are the best alternatives to the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane?

Worth comparing: Grizzly T10266 Flat Profile Shoulder Plane, Faithfull No. 10 Rebate Plane and Stanley 1-12-102 Block Plane No. 102. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Stanley 12-978 Bull Nose Rabbet Plane?

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