The Stanley 12-960 Block Plane is one of 20 most used tools on my truck. I’ve had the block planes in this picture for many years. I’ve carried them everywhere on jobs, dropped them in dirt, banged them around in my tool bag and left them outdoors. They have the scratches of veterans but these Stanley planes are in perfect working order.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Ideal for planing end grain and plastic materials
• 12-920 block plane has a fully adjustable cutter resting at 21°
• 13-1/2° low angle cutter on the 12-960 block plane
• Gray, cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom
• Finger grips machined into sides
• Hardened, tempered steel
• Cutter adjusts for depth and alignment
• Durable epoxy coating for long-lasting protection
• Quick-release cam-lock

Experience:

Every day experience. Depending on the job task, I carry this block plane in my pouch. I’m not a fan of adding weight to my belt so I try and leave this one on the truck ’til I need it. I’ve used this plane as a carpenter in every possible situation from oak endgrain to cedar shake, from poplar faces to 3/4″ CDX and everything in between, including foam, epoxy, paint …even the occasional/accidental roofing or piece of aluminum.

With my DMT Diamond Whetstones on hand, keeping this Stanley block plane sharp is a common step for another day of smooth planing action. I find if I keep up with my blades on the jobsite it’s easier than fixing the damage later. As is the case today when both Stanley Low-Angle Block Planes are in my shop for blade sharpening on the wheel.

Comments:

This is a durable tool, easy to break down and maintain and kept sharp it’s a versatile carpenter’s tool. I have both the Low Angle Block Plane and the Stanley 12-920 Block Plane. When shopping for one of these utility planes make sure to get the ‘contractor grade’ 12-960 (it’s heftier and has the adjustable mouth) not the Stanley 12-220.

I was thinking about how I’ve abused some of my tools with these planes being no expception. A few of my very favorite tools have been rained on or fallen in the grass or dirt to be recovered another day. It’s possible that good quality tools that are used everyday are in better condition than tools that sit on a shelf despite their abuse in the field. I turn every knob, occasionally oiling. I remove the parts and sharpen the blade… and all the constant use breaks in a tool in the most favorable way.

I’m sitting here with my crappy-looking bevel gauge and these well-used block planes in front of me. While Behind me, hanging on the wall are fancy shop planes and a rosewood t-bevel bevel… funny to think they are the same age but I have a greater affinity for the hardware store block plane that has been on every job than the expensive shop plane that see the occasional hardwood surface.

Only complaint is the blade doesn’t come close enough to the edges. It’s a good 3/16″ away. This reminds me that I’d really like to have the Festool Hl 850 E Planer that cuts a perfect rabbet, dust-free, but that’s $490 later. You can pick up one of these, for decades of use, for less than $40.

Links:

Stanley 12-960 – Bailey® Low Angle Block Plane at Stanley.com (Product Data)

Stanley 12-960 Contractor Grade Low Angle Plane at Amazon.com

Stanley 12-920 Contractor Grade Block Plane at Amazon.com