There is no better tool to keep your fingers safe from the blade than a push block. The blocks are used to feed the material through the machine blade instead of your fingers, which means they need to be durable. Unfortunately, I’ve found that not all push blocks meet the necessary toughness criteria. However, the ones that my woodworking team and I have meticulously selected and tested do meet these rigorous standards.
Reviews of the Top Push Blocks for a Table Saw
1. Fulton Safety Push Block Kit
It’s always better to have more, so I favored the Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Set as the top choice. You get 5 pieces within the kit, you get an assortment of push sticks and push blocks all in bright safety orange for visibility during use.
The bright orange color also makes it easy to spot the push blocks and push sticks when you’re trying to locate them. The push blocks feature rubber foam pads on the bottom for better traction and control, plus it prevents any damage to the surface of the entire workpiece.
What I Like
- The rubber soles offer a consistent, non-slip grip that's essential for safe woodworking.
- Its bright orange hue ensures the tool is always visible, reducing the chances of mishaps.
- Coming with two push sticks provides options and versatility in handling various materials.
- Featuring three distinct block types caters to a range of specific needs and project intricacies.
- The ergonomic design of the handle ensures prolonged comfort during use.
- Constructed from durable polymer plastic, it promises longevity and resilience.
- An added bonus is that the rubber soles can easily be washed, ensuring a clean grip every time.
What I Don't Like
- I've observed that the push sticks, though functional, tend to have a bit more flexibility than I prefer.
- For some craftsmen, having all five pieces in the set might seem excessive, especially if they only require specific tools.
2. Delmar Tools Push Block
Not everyone needs 5 pieces. Maybe some of you are just looking for a push block, then what better choice than the Delmar Tools Push Block? It’s a patented design and has a ton of extra features on it to make operation easier.
The centrally-located grip handle offers enhanced control and stability. With the integrated rolling wheel, I can effortlessly tweak the settings for impeccable rip cuts. For those aiming to rip thin stock or make narrow cuts, I’d personally recommend this as one of the best push blocks for table saws.
While the device might initially appear intricate, I appreciate that it arrives fully assembled, ready for immediate use.
What I Like
- The assurance of a lifetime warranty speaks volumes about its quality.
- The bright orange color not only catches the eye but enhances visibility.
- Its adjustable components offer customization for different tasks.
- The larger size of the push block provides added safety and control.
- The heavy-duty construction ensures it can withstand rigorous use.
- It's versatile enough to handle a spectrum of woodworking assignments.
- The fact that it comes fully assembled saves time and hassle.
- The design effectively prevents kickback, a common concern in our field.
What I Don't Like
- I've noticed it doesn't always offer the firmest grip.
- Making height adjustments can occasionally be a bit challenging.
3. Fulton Safety Push Block
If you’re not looking for anything too advanced, then the Fulton Safety Push Block is a great choice. There are two best table saw push blocks included, which means when one wears out or is damaged, you have a spare one to take over.
This pair of push blocks are also made in safety orange for visibility and there is the same rubber pad material on the bottom featured on the push block 5-piece set. What’s more, the pads are removable and washable.
Each block is made from injection-molded polyethylene plastic for durability that can handle wear and tear.
What I Like
- Its construction from durable material ensures longevity.
- The safety orange color is both eye-catching and a practical choice for visibility.
- Having two push blocks in the set provides versatility.
- The inclusion of removable rubber pads offers adaptability.
- Being able to wash the pads is a thoughtful feature for cleanliness and consistent performance.
- The grip is ergonomically comfortable, reducing hand strain.
- It's versatile enough to suit a range of woodworking applications.
- The quality it offers at such an affordable price point is commendable.
What I Don't Like
- Periodic cleaning is necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
- If the pads accumulate dust, they might not grip as securely as desired.
4. Milescraft 3403 Grabber
With a name like Grabber, you can expect the push block to have maximum grip. It’s also a great choice if you’re tired of the plain orange push blocks. The Milescraft 3403 Grabber is yellow with a red handle.
The handle provides a comfortable and firm grip you so can have complete control over your material while keeping your fingers away at a safe distance from the blade.
There is also a rubber bottom on this block that won’t mar your workpiece just for a good grip. The Grabber is also larger than other push blocks, which makes it easier to use.
What I Like
- Its size is notably larger compared to other table saw push blocks I've encountered.
- The combination of yellow and red makes it both distinct and easily visible.
- I appreciate its versatility as a tool.
- It's compatible not just with table saws, but also router tables and jointers.
- The ergonomic handle design significantly reduces hand fatigue.
- It offers an impressive degree of control, essential in our craft.
- The heavy-duty design assures me of its durability and resilience.
What I Don't Like
- Applying a bit more strength might be required on finished surfaces.
- The rubber bottom, while sturdy, can feel a tad stiff.
5. POWERTEC 71031
Let’s get down to the basics. If you just want a plain bright orange push block without unnecessary features but still provide optimal safety for all cutting tasks, then the POWERTEC 71031 is the best push block for table saws for you. It’s just a simple orange design that protects your fingers from the saw blade.
The natural rubber friction pads will hold your material tight against the rip fence and protect the surface at the same time. The tool works with radial saws, several table saws, jointers, and shapers and features an ergonomic design as well as a small profile for limited space.
More table saw accessories:
What I Like
- Its design is refreshingly straightforward.
- The intuitive nature means you can pick it up and get started without needing a user manual.
- The bright orange hue enhances its visibility, a safety plus in my book.
- I'm fond of the rubber friction pads which ensure a steady grip.
- The handle's comfort reduces strain during prolonged use.
- It does its job effectively and without fuss.
What I Don't Like
- It comes as a singular piece, without additional components.
- The absence of a rear hook or storage bag is something I do notice.
Push Blocks for Table Saws Buyer’s Guide
Material Quality and Durability
For something that is meant to protect you from an item as dangerous and as powerful as a Laguna table saw, the pushblock should have adequate safety features along with very durable construction.
Speaking from expertise, it’s common to encounter push blocks for table saws primarily made of plastic. Initially, this might seem somewhat off-putting to some. However, in our professional assessment, certain plastics, like injection-molded polyethylene or polymer plastic, exhibit exceptional durability.
In my experience, push block prices don’t always directly reflect their strength. Instead, it often corresponds more with the complexity of their features. Interestingly, wooden push blocks are also an option, allowing for a do-it-yourself approach to crafting one directly in your workshop.
Making your own pushblock can save money, but after several block reviews, I feel that hard and durable plastic provides more protection. If you need extra features such as a stabilizing plate, an adjustable handle, an adjustable spacer or advanced auto-retracting heel technology, making your own won’t be your best bet.
Unless you are planning to paint the wood a bright color, the best table saw push block will still be one you can purchase from the store. Painting your wood could compromise the surface and the grip of even the best push block and maybe even transfer some color to your workpiece.
The durable plastic on a good push block will be bright safety orange, yellow, or any other bright neon color [1] for visibility. This includes visibility during use and when you’re trying to locate it in your workshop.
Handle
Then handle will affect how long you can use the push block. A well-constructed and comfortable handle will yield longer work hours. You don’t need to purchase a high-end table saw push block to enjoy a solid but comfortable grip.
The handle is even more important on a long push block or larger table saw push blocks because they will require more effort and forward force to use.
The grip should be molded in a way that conforms to the palm of your hand and fingers. Without these molded indents, it could be easy to lose your grip and sustain injuries, which isn’t the only danger as you could also damage the workpiece in the process.
Grip Strength
Like good quality push stick for table saw, your best table saw push block must have a superior grip strength to do its job. Preferably, you need the top push blocks to be able to have traction on any surface, or at least on the material you frequently work with. If not, your material could go flying into the blade or your table saw block will slide off the material towards the blade, which will compromise your safety.
I can attest that the grip strength is largely determined by the sole of a top-tier table saw push block. This seamlessly leads us to our next important consideration..
Rubber or Foam Pads
In addition to providing a superior grip, the rubber bottoms on the ideal push blocks need to be easily cleanable. It is also worth considering whether the pad on the table saw push block is replaceable, as this allows for easy maintenance. If the pad becomes damaged over time, having the ability to replace it ensures that the push block remains functional and effective, even with prolonged use.
I’ve observed that whether you opt for rubber bottoms or foam pads, both types offer commendable performance. A well-designed push block should have a grip that’s both gentle and strong, ensuring it doesn’t mar or scuff the surface of your workpiece.
During my rigorous tests with various table saw push blocks, one consistent challenge stood out: dust and debris. It’s fascinating and somewhat ironic how the very grip designed to hold firm can become a magnet for dust. Once that dust settles on the rubber pad, it clings tenaciously, turning the block’s strength into a potential drawback. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword in that regard.
This is the primary reason why it’s so important to find a table saw push block that has washable and removable bottoms. Some can be hand washed and other models can be machine washed. It doesn’t matter how you clean them, as long as you do once in a while or you will notice a poorer grip over time.
Features and Functions
Now for the part where I outline all the features, functions and components, you can get for your money. The best value pieces are, of course, the ones that come with multiple pieces. However, they are also more expensive, but luckily push stick and push block combos are not considered pricey. You don’t need to invest in a high-end push block to keep your fingers safe.
You want the push block and push stick that comes in a combo (if that’s what you choose) to be as versatile as possible. That way, you can use the same tool with many of your machines. A push block and even a push stick should work with a table saw, router table, jointer, shaper, and maybe even band saws.
If you want a basic single push block design, there are plenty of options on the market with the best ones listed above. However, there are also more complicated designs such as ones that have superior balance support, can even grip metal surfaces, and others that even come with extra accessories like a moving blade guard.
The choice really hinges on the complexity of your projects and your specific needs for the push block and stick set. Personally, and this sentiment is echoed by many contractors, I believe in investing in a table saw push block and push stick set. This way, if one component doesn’t hold up, you have others at the ready to step in. It’s a prudent approach in my view.
FAQ
When should you use a push block on a table saw
You should use a push block on a table saw whenever you are feeding the material through the blade. You should use it right when you intend to push the material for the cut, and we also recommend using a push block in tandem with a push stick for better control.
Can push block rubber pads be replaced?
Yes, the push block rubber pads can be replaced. This safety feature will wear out eventually, so if the padding is removable, you can replace it with the same or other materials to give new life to your pushblock. There is no need to purchase new models.
My Top Pick For a Push Block for Table Saws:
Fulton Safety Push Block Kit
The best push block for table saws can be found within the Fulton Safety 5-piece kit. The package includes 3 push blocks and 2 push sticks that can prove useful for any application. Made from hard and durable polymer plastic in bright orange with grippy rubber bottoms, the blocks will give you max control and visibility.
To maximize the use of table saws, here are the top pages we recommend:
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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