Basic Block Plane Comparisons

Prior to 1950,  the Stanley No.9-1/2 - 19 Block Planes, inclusive, were not identified with model numbers on the tools (except for the No.A18 and S18 planes).  Most of these planes differ only in 1) lever cap style, 2) plated or non-plated parts, 3) body length and 4) handle brackets as found on the No.9-3/4 and No.15-1/2 planes.  Stanley used this basic No.9-1/2   "platform" to interchange applicable parts for different models without physically marking the products.  By 1950,  production had been reduced to the No.9-1/4, 9-1/2, 18 and 18-1/4 planes which were stamped with model numbers.

Please note that there are minor style/type differences between the same plane models of earlier and later versions:  i.e. early No.9-1/2 without throat adjusting lever vs. later plane with lever, etc.

The No.60 - 65 Low Angle Block Plane series is not discussed here, but hopefully I will try to post some comparison information for those tools, too.

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Updated: Friday, June 08, 2007