Stanley No. 110 Block Plane – The Classic All-Iron Utility Plane for Everyday Woodworking Tasks

1. Introduction

The Stanley No. 110 Block Plane is a rugged, simple, all-purpose utility plane designed for everyday trimming and carpentry work. Featuring an all-iron body, a solid pivoting lever cap, and a bevel-up blade with screw-type depth adjustment, the No. 110 became one of Stanley’s longest-running and most widely used block planes.

While not intended for precision fine woodworking, the 110 excels at general trimming, chamfering, shaping, and quick cleanup work. Its durable construction and straightforward design made it a favorite among carpenters and homeowners. Tradesmen also appreciated the dependable tool. It could withstand abuse and keep working.

This article provides a complete guide to the Stanley No. 110 Block Plane—its history, features, identification, restoration, and collector value.

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2. History of the Stanley No. 110 Plane

The Stanley 110 was introduced in the late 1800s as part of Stanley’s economy and utility block plane lineup. Unlike more refined models such as the 9½ or 60½, the No. 110 was built for simplicity and durability, with no adjustable mouth and minimal moving parts.

Historical Highlights

• Introduced around 1877–1885
• Designed as a durable, low-cost, general-purpose block plane
• Used heavily in construction, home workshops, and schools
• Produced continuously for nearly 100 years
• Manufactured in both the U.S. and England in later decades
• Distinctive pivoting lever-cap design used across many generations

The Stanley 110 was inexpensive and nearly indestructible. It was one of the most common block planes found in toolboxes across the 20th century.

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3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works

Stanley, founded in 1843, became the most recognized hand plane manufacturer in the world. The No. 110 was built to serve the “working-class” market:

• Tough construction
• Minimal adjusters
• Low cost
• High availability

Stanley positioned the 110 as the everyday utility plane. It is a step above the simplest models like the 102. However, it is below the adjustable-mouth and knuckle-joint block planes.

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4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 110 Block Plane

The No. 110 is a standard-angle block plane with a simple, workhorse design.

Specifications

• Length: approx. 7 inches
• Iron width: approx. 1⅝ inches
• Bed angle: ~20° (standard angle)
• Weight: approx. 1½ pounds
• Body: cast iron, one-piece construction

Core Features

• Pivoting lever cap with tension screw
• Bevel-up iron
• Rear depth-adjustment knob
• Fixed mouth (not adjustable)
• Sturdy cast-iron body and sole
• Comfortable curved palm rest

Advantages of the No. 110

• Exceptionally durable
• Easy to operate
• Perfect for jobsite work
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Ideal for casual or utility woodworking tasks

Although not a precision plane, the 110 remains a reliable utility tool that can withstand decades of use.

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5. Usage & Applications

The Stanley No. 110 is designed for general-purpose trimming and shaping, especially in carpentry and household tasks.

Ideal Uses

• Trimming end grain (light cuts)
• Chamfering edges
• Smoothing small surfaces
• Fitting doors and drawers
• Utility work on construction sites
• Cleaning up rough stock
• Hobby and craft woodworking

Its durability and simplicity made it a favorite “grab-and-go” plane.

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6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 110 Plane

Restoring the No. 110 is easy due to its minimal parts and rugged construction.

Typical Restoration Steps

1. Disassemble blade and lever cap
2. Remove rust using Evapo-Rust or citric acid
3. Lap the sole lightly to restore smoothness
4. Sharpen the iron to a polished, durable edge
5. Clean and lubricate the depth-adjuster mechanism
6. Preserve original japanning whenever possible
7. Reassemble and test on scrap wood

Optional Upgrades

• Hock or Veritas replacement blade
• Waxed sole for smoother planing
• Polished lever cap

Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-sanding the sole
• Removing japanning unnecessarily
• Over-tightening the lever-cap screw
• Using power grinders on the blade

With proper sharpening and tuning, the 110 becomes a dependable little workhorse.

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7. Collectability & Value

The No. 110 is one of the most common block planes ever made, but early or uncommon examples still draw collector interest.

Typical Value Range

• User-grade: $10–$20
• Good condition: $20–$35
• Early or Sweetheart-era: $35–$60
• Mint or boxed examples: $60–$100+

Value Factors

• Age (early types more valuable)
• Lever-cap style
• Japanning condition
• Original blade/logo
• U.S. vs. England manufacturing
• Overall completeness

Collectors often include a 110 as part of a full Stanley block-plane lineup.

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8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Additional Resources

Documentation Sources

• Stanley type-study charts
• VintageMachinery.org
• Blood & Gore block-plane pages
• Stanley catalog archives
• Stanley Collectors Club publications

Replacement Parts

• Hock or Veritas replacement cutters
• eBay for original iron and lever-cap hardware
• Online tool-collector forums

Because the 110 was produced for so long, replacement parts are abundant.

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9. Final Thoughts

The Stanley No. 110 Block Plane is a tough, no-nonsense trimming plane. It is an everyday tool that earned its place in countless toolboxes across more than a century. While it lacks the precision features of higher-end block planes, it is durable, simple, and reliable. These qualities make it a practical worker. It is also a charming entry in the Stanley history of hand planes.

A restored Stanley 110 is perfect for small utility tasks—and a nostalgic addition to any vintage tool collection.

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Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Model	Stanley No. 110 Block Plane
Manufacturer	Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Era	1877–1980s
Length / Iron	~7″ / ~1⅝″
Best Uses	General trimming, carpentry, utility work
Rarity	Common (early types more collectible)
Typical Value	$10–$100+
Restoration Difficulty	Very Easy
Collectability	Moderate; strong historical appeal

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