Best Push Block for Table Saw [2024 Review]

I’m sure you’ve seen one of those “make your push block at home!” videos on YouTube. That may sound tempting, but would it be as effective as a store-bought one? Which leads to another question, what is the best push block for table saw?

In this article, I’ll tell you all you need to know about push blocks.

Top Push Block for Table Saw Reviews

We’ve gathered a list of the best table saw push blocks based on my experience. When you’re done reading it, you’ll have a better understanding of what costs and features to use to make a decision.

Best Overall Push Block: Grr-Rip Smart Hook Push Block

GRR-RIP Smart Hook Push Block is the way to go if you want professional features in a push block without spending a fortune. It’s a good choice for anyone, whether you’re a pro or just need a push block for basic tasks.

It’s a tad pricey, especially when compared to the Fulton 5 piece set on my list, which costs less and includes a whole set. However, after you learn more about the Grr-Rip hook’s features, you’ll see why it stands out.

Product Specs

  • Item Weight: ‎2.24 ounces
  • Product Dimensions:  9 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Material: Plastic & rubber
  • Warranty: Extended 3-year manufacturer’s warranty  (authorized dealers only)

This lightweight push block has a special trick in its sleeve that no other push block has: smart heel hooks.

Here’s how it works:

  • the hooks grip the end of your wood piece by immediately sliding down when needed.
  • afterward, these hooks retract mid-board
  • This feature provides you with extra control, and leverage, making the cutting task safer.

The smart heel hooks pave the way for another one-of-a-kind feature. The Grr-Rip push block is also used at a 90-degree angle. This way, you can have extra grip when making rip cuts, edge routing, or working on veneers or beaded frames.

Working at a 90-degree angle is tricky, as it can result in injuries or losing a straight cut. That’s why the Grr-Rip push block allowed me to breathe more easily when working with 90-degree cuts.

Microjig did an excellent job designing an ergonomic handle for this block. This handle is designed to apply solid pressure against the cutting table while being in a comfortable posture. Most push blocks need you to stand in an odd position to correctly apply pressure.

Finally, I’ll look at the push block’s green base. The green-grip material helps in keeping your workpiece from slipping. It provides a firm grip on both sanded and unsanded wood.

The base is also designed to help keep wood dust and debris out of your way while working. It’s also quite simple to clean; all you need is alcohol and you’re done.

Yet, it’s this green pad that is the product’s drawback. Depending on the type of work, it wears out after a while. I have used it regularly and on heavy projects it wore out after 3-6 months. With less frequent use, you would probably only have to replace it every couple of years.

You’ll find most of these features in the Grr-ripper 3D block (our next recommendation), which costs twice as much as Grr-rip smart hook block.

Pros
  • Easy to use, thanks to its simple design.
  • The smart hooks provide more grip and stability even for 90-degree cuts.
  • A well-designed handle allows you to easily move the wood piece while applying pressure to the cutting board.
Cons
  • The green grip will quickly wear off if you use the block frequently. However, it comes with a 3-year warranty. You can send images of the damaged pads to Microjig via email and they’ll send replacements for free.

Best Value: Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block

If the Grr-Rip Push Block was my top recommendation, what could make the GRR-RIPPER 3D push block any better? It comes with a higher price tag, but does have some added features that are helpful.

This model is one of the safest push blocks available. It provides you with full control over your stock. This is due to its 3-directional force:

  • First is the downward force to eliminate kickback.
  • Then inward force to firmly push the workpiece against the board.
  • Finally, forward force to achieve that clean straight cut.

This is why I can use the Grr-Ripper 3D vertically as well.

Its design features an adjustable central grip as well as two separate channels. One of these two channels is protect your hand from the saw blade. It has a broad base, which is great for allowing mobility while still having control over your work.

Product Specs

  • Item Weight: ‎2 pounds
  • Product Dimensions:  ‎‎7 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Material: Plastic & rubber
  • Warranty: Extended 3-year manufacturer’s warranty  (authorized dealers only)

It’s also customizable, meaning you can make minor adjustments to the block to fit your current project. For example, if you’d like to work at a wider angle you can adjust the channel’s width.

This model is effective on all sizes of wood. You can use it on router tables, band saws, and jointers, it actually makes them less dangerous. It’s ideal for precision cutting down to 1/4″.

Its handle and base are similar to those of the Grr-Rip smart hook. Yet, the handle in the  Grr-Ripper 3D block is adjustable. Just like in the Grr-Rip hook, the green pad eventually wears off over time.

Pros
  • Total control over your workpiece because of its  3-directional force.
  • You can use it on a variety of projects since it’s customizable.
  • Aside from wood, you can use it with plastic and aluminum.
  • Safe to use and it’s all because of its very detailed design.
Cons

Best Budget: Fulton Safety Push Block

The Fulton push block is an excellent choice if you need a low-cost but durable push block. You can get a pack of two blocks with your order, and Fulton provides great value.

Product Specs:

  • Item Weight: 15.8 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: ‎6″ long – 3″ wide
  • Material: Plastic & foam rubber

The Fulton push block gets the job done at a reasonable cost. It grips on your workpiece while keeping your hands away from the table saw. But, because it’s on a budget, it lacks the safety features found in the two Microjic models I reviewed earlier.

The base of this block is made of foam rubber that can be easily washed with water. However, the grip is not nearly as good as other brands and it does slip at times.

Pros
  • Very affordable. If you don’t have high expectations for a push block, this is a good option for you.
  • It moves smoothly on wood because of its 3/16″ thick foam padding.
Cons
  • It’s very small which limits your control over your workpiece.
  • It doesn’t offer the firm grip necessary at all times.

Best Push Block Multi-Piece Set: Fulton Safety Woodworking 5 Piece Set

Fulton did a good job creating this push block set. The Fulton safety woodworking 5 piece set is available for a reasonable price, and you get a lot with your purchase.

To begin with, the entire set is bright orange. Fulton chose this color intentionally to make it stand out when working with cutting machinery. Also, this color makes your tools easier to notice in your workspace. I appreciate this feature because workshops can be hectic, and the last thing I need is a missing tool.

Product Specs

  • Package Weight: ‎2.07 pounds
  • Products Dimensions:
  • Large push block: 19″ long – 2.075 wide
  • Angle handle: 6″ long – 3″ wide
  • Straight handle: 6″ long – 3″ wide
  • Push stick: 11.025” long – 5/8” wide notch
  • V-style push stick: 8.05 long” – 3/8″ wide
  • Material: Plastic & foam rubber

The set includes a straight handle push block, an angle handle push lock, a large push block, a push stick, and a v-style push stick. You can use any of these tools depending on the nature of your project.

In fact, you can combine such tools for greater versatility. For example, you can use the v-push stick to cut a piece of wood from a distance while having the regular push block on the other side. This will assure the stability and control of your stock.

Unfortunately, this set isn’t designed for heavy projects. Unlike the Grr-ripper 3D block, the type of plastic used in manufacturing this set isn’t very sturdy, which I believe explains why it’s cheaper

Pros
  • It’s highly visible, allowing you to distinguish and be alerted while cutting wood.
  • It has different sized tools, allowing you to work on a variety of projects.
  • Given that it has five tools, the set is reasonably priced.
Cons
  • You can’t use it for heavy-duty tasks since the plastic it’s made of won’t hold up.
  • The grip can become slippery. Make sure you clean it of sawdust regularly.

Best Push Stick: Powertec 71338 Plastic L-Push Stick

If your work requires a push stick or you prefer using it, you should check out Powertec 71338 plastic L-push stick. It’s inexpensive and one of the most practical L-push sticks available.

Product Specs

  • Item Weight: ‎‎9.6 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: ‎8.63 x 5.9 x 2 inches
  • Material: Plastic & foam rubber

Unlike typical push sticks, this Powertec model gives you more control over the wood piece thanks to its angled handle.

Also, because of its L-shaped form, you don’t have to apply pressure repeatedly to assure force while cutting your stock.

However, its handle is close to the table saw blade, which I like since it provides me more control, but it can be dangerous.

Pros
  • It’s sturdy and lasts significantly longer than other pushing sticks.
  • The angled handle provides a secure grip.

Cons

  • It puts your hand near the saw, which might be uncomfortable and unsafe.
  • Its base is relatively small. So, you must concentrate on your handle grip to keep the wood piece from drifting.

Push Block for Table Saw Features

Lets take a look at the features you need to pay attention to when buying the best push block for your table saw.

 Grr-Rip Smart Hook Push BlockGrr-Ripper 3D Push BlockFulton Push BlockFulton 5-Piece SetPowertec L-Push Stick
Durable?YesYesNoNoYes
Affordable?NoNoYesYesYes
Works on different projects?YesYesNoYesNo
Good grip?YesYesNoNoNo

Compatibility

This is the first thing you should think about before getting a push block. You must ensure that the push block you buy is compatible with your type of work and the table saw you own.

A multi-piece set is ideal if you work on a variety of woodworking projects that require different cutting techniques. Whereas the adjustable parts will provide you with the necessary flexibility to work on various projects.

Also, the more you feel like you need more control, use a push block with a wider surface area. This broad surface will make it easier for you to move around while maintaining control. The Grr-Ripper 3D push block is ideal for such situations.

However, if you mostly work on cutting wood panels or boards, a regular push block should work just fine.

Material

Plastic is the most often used material in push blocks, which is why you’ll find it in the majority of well-reviewed products. The reason for this is that plastic is lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive, which is all I need when looking for a push block.

A man held a push block tightly grip on a piece of wood block.

There are also models of blocks that are made of a combination of plastic and rubber, with the rubber functioning as the base. These models are most likely lighter than solid plastic versions. The Fulton push block is a good example of this construction.

The fact that these models are light is fantastic, but it also means that they don’t provide as much leverage and control. That’s why they don’t handle accidents well; if they get too close to the saw, they almost always break.

Wooden blocks, similar to those seen in DIY tutorials, are also available at the store. The problem with wooden blocks is that they aren’t as customizable as plastic blocks and can be more expensive.

You may come across metal push blocks. I all know that a well-structured metal block could be effective, but it can also be extremely dangerous to use. In case of an accident, in which the metal saw collides with a metal block, the saw’s blade will be severely damaged.

Durability

It goes without saying that the push block’s material must be strong and durable. I don’t need to describe the risks that can occur if a push block breaks in the middle of a cutting process.

Handle

Since the handle serves as the steering wheel in this tool, injuries may occur if it’s not well-designed.

To safely move your workpiece through the table saw with the block, make sure the handle has a firm grip and fits your hands properly.

Base

Always test how effectively the block’s base holds wood, regardless of the material it’s made of. No one wants a slippery push block, so it’s critical that the block’s base make a solid attachment with the wood when it’s being cut.

Double-check that the block’s base legs have good control on the table. Also, when purchasing rubber-based blocks, look for rubber that is easy to clean. I appreciate how rubber provides a firm grip while being gentle on my workpiece.

Man using push block to cut wood on table saw

However, I must clean them regularly because when rubber becomes dirty, particularly with wood dust, it becomes slippery. That’s why getting a push block made of a difficult-to-clean rubber can be a nightmare.

FAQs

When Should a Push Block Be Used?

When operating a table saw, you need to use a push block to guide the stock through the cut. The blocks protect your hand while also allowing you to maintain solid control of the stock. Push blocks are not entirely necessary, but they increase your safety while helping make your cuts more accurate.

When Should You Use a Push Block vs a Push Stick?

You can use a push stick when cutting small pieces, but you must use a push block for larger workpieces and stock. When working with a small piece, it’s occasionally better to use a stick to keep your hands safe. However, if the wood piece is large, a push block can be used because it provides pressure and gives you more control than sticks.

Table Saw Basics for Beginners

Conclusion

Always prioritize your safety. Investing in a table saw push block means that you keep all of your fingers by the time you finish cutting boards, which is priceless.

It also means you gain a higher degree of accuracy on your cuts. Enjoy your woodworking!

Allen runs a popular home website, and understands what it takes to educate audiences through online content. Through his focus at home, Allen developed an insatiable appetite for home improvement projects that he could do for cheap on weekends. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience, which he shares in detail in articles like How to Build A DIY Dining Room Table. His ability to clearly share these DIY ideas is a huge asset, and he is a valuable resource to the home improvement community.