ToolBox Blog

Tool: Stanley 12-101 Small hand plane The small Stanley Trimming Plane is the perfect compliment to a Carpenter’s tool belt. I’ve had this little plane tucked in a pocket in my tool belt pouch for years. It’s not built for smoothing a board face, but it’s hard to compare for a quickly knocking off a sharp edge. Rating: Experience: I picked up the small Stanley 12-101 for a cedar shingle siding job. Sure, I carry several planes in my tool box but they are heavy and job-specific. This trimming plane is so small and lightweight it goes unnoticed in my pouches. In fact, at times I’ve forgotten I have it, returning to my truck to pick out a hand plane. I’ve used this appropriately for light materials like thin cedar but it can ease an edge on a plinthe block or sharp corner perfectly. Comments: It’s lightweight with a thin cheap steel blade. It’s ultra-simple to take apart and keep sharp. Like I said this isn’t a block plane but for it’s appropriate use, it’s a great little tool. Not much bigger than a lighter, the best news is the Stanley 12-101 Trimming Plane costs less than $10. Links: Stanley 12-101 Small Trimming Plane