A table saw is one of the most important tools of any woodworking workshop, granting you the power to make a diverse range of cuts with precision, be it rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, or bevel cuts. As with table saws themselves, various accessories enhance their usability and safety. One such accessory is the table saw push block.
If you are just getting started or already have some experience in the workshop, the push block might look simple, but believe me, it is a crucial piece of equipment. The primary purpose of a push block is to keep your hands safe by allowing you to feed wood into the table saw blade without getting your fingers too close. Additionally, it provides better control, ensuring cleaner, more precise cuts, and reduces the chance of kickback, which is quite common with table saws.
However, the pressing question remains – Which is the best table saw push block for your needs?
Best Overall
Best Kit
Best Value
When considering a push block for your workshop, think about these questions:
- What types of cuts are you aiming to execute?
- How large or small will the cut pieces be?
- Will you be dealing with irregular or oddly shaped wood pieces?
Remember, all push blocks aren’t the same. Some are more suitable for long cuts, while others shine with small detailed pieces. By the end of this guide, you’ll know the ins and outs of various push blocks. With my experience using them, I hope my advice and suggestions make your choice easier. Let’s go through them and see which one suits your woodworking needs best.
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What I Look For in a Table Saw Push Block
| Versatility | Can you use it on multiple machines such as a table saw, a router table, or a jointer? Are you planning on ripping panels only or do you need better control for more delicate cuts? |
| Durability | How strong/durable is the push block? Does it withstand a lot of pressure? |
| Adjustability | Can you adjust the handle for better control? Can you adjust the height and the legs for different types of cuts and materials? What is the minimum width cut? |
| Addons | Does the push block come with additional add-ons? Can you add a sacrificial heel? |
| Stability | Is it stable? Does it feel robust? Does it hold the material tightly when cutting? |
The Best Push Blocks for Table Saw Overview
For beginners and experienced woodworkers, all of these safety push blocks are great for woodworking. I’ve personally relied on the Micro Jig Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block for a good amount of time, and it’s truly an awesome tool. But honestly, the other options are solid too, and won’t disappoint.
- Best Overall – Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block
- Best Kit – Fulton Safety Push Block Kit
- Best Premium- GR-200 Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block
- Best Value – Zebekk Push Block
- Best Bundle – Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle
- Best Basic – Grr-RIP Block Smart Hook Pushblock
Let’s take a look at the specific models more in detail.
The Best Safety Woodworking Push Blocks Comparison
| Push Block (Kit) | Adjustable | Addons Available | Material | Good For | Min. Width Cut (Strips) | Sacrificial heel | Quality of bottom grip |
| Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block (GRR-Ripper Review) | Yes | Yes | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic All Power Tools | 1/4″ | Yes | Very Good |
| Fulton Safety Push Block Kit | No | No | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic All Power Tools | NA | No | Average/Low |
| Grr-Ripper GR-200 3D Push Block | Yes | Yes | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic All Power Tools | 1/4″ | Yes | Very Good |
| Zebekk Push Block | Yes | No | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic All Power Tools | 1/4″ | No | Very Good |
| Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle | No | No | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic All Power Tools | NA | No | Average/Low |
| GRR-RIP BLOCK Smart Hook Pushblock | Partially | Yes | Plastic, Rubber | Wood, Aluminum, Plastic Joinerter, Router Table, Band Saw | NA | No | Very Good |
What is The Best Table Saw Push Block?
These are my top picks for the best push blocks for table saws for your woodworking shop.
1. MicroJig Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block
Photo: amazon.com
- Brand: Micro Jig
- Adjustable: Yes
- Addons Available: Yes
- Bottom Grip Quality: Very Good, High Quality
- Replaceable Grip: Replaceable Legs
- Cutting Range: 1/4 to 5 Inches (5 1/4 Inches with blade under Grr-ripper)
- Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 4.5 Inches
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
Why I Picked It
The Grr-Ripper is all about safety. Anyone who’s worked with table saws, routers, or jointers understands how intimidating these tools can be. The Grr-Ripper is designed to ensure that you can work with these tools while maintaining a secure distance from their blades acting as a buffer that keeps your fingers and hands safe.
The gripper is equipped with nice and ergonomic handles. They provide a comfortable grip, ensuring your hand doesn’t tire easily or slip. Together with adjustable components, makes it versatile enough to adapt to different woodworking tasks.
The non-slip bottom grips are one of the best features the tool offers. Even if the lumber is smooth or has some moisture, these grips ensure that the block, and by extension your hand, doesn’t lose contact or control.
But the real benefit of the Grr-Ripper lies in the peace of mind it offers. The fear of a blade mishap is real. It doesn’t just safeguard you physically but also mentally. That is what I appreciate the most. You can focus on the project, rather than constantly worrying about potential accidents.
- Great for small and irregular pieces of wood.
- Additional add-ons and accessories are available.
- Versatile with multiple adjustable components.
- Awesome nonslip grips for increased control.
- Ideal for various woodworking tasks.
- Price higher than some alternatives.
- Learning curve for beginners.
Why Choose the Micro Jig Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block?
- Provides downward, inward, and forward force for maximum control and safety.
- Prevents material lift-off and reduces kickback risks.
- Guides stock securely against the fence for precise cuts.
- Handles difficult cuts efficiently, like bevel cuts and thin wood strips.
- Can be used for a range of tasks, including stock feeding, freehand routing, and face jointing.
My Thoughts
While there are cheaper alternatives in the market, none really match the Grr-Ripper Push Block in terms of features and quality. This is a classic example of “you get what you pay for.” It’s not just about having a tool that helps with woodworking, but one that makes you feel confident, and comfortable and ensures safety.
I’ve been using it for a few years, and it offers everything I need. The price is well worth the safety, precision, and peace of mind it provides. What is also worth mentioning, is that one is not enough and you will need two push blocks, especially when working with longer boards.
I’ve had the Grr-Ripper in the workshop for a few years now – Read my Grr-Ripper review.
2. Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block and Stick Set
Photo: amazon.com
Adjustable: No
Addons Available: No
Bottom Grip Quality: Average
Replaceable Grip: No
- Budget-friendly for a five-piece set
- Five varied tools for multiple tasks
- Rubber pads ensure great traction
- Bright orange for high visibility
- Not ideal for heavy-duty projects
- Regular cleaning needed to maintain grip
Why I Picked It
The Fulton Safety Push Block and Stick Set include all the necessary tools for your workshop activities. It is made to easily handle different surfaces and angles, so you don’t have to twist and turn like you might with other blocks to get the right cut. This set is a package of five tools: a straight-handle push block, an angle-handle push block, a large push block, and two types of push sticks.
All the tools feature a bright orange color that not only heightens visibility during operations but also ensures you can spot them quickly in a (hopefully not dark) workshop. These tools have rubber foam pads that give a great grip without damaging your material. They’re versatile and affordable, but might not be the best for really tough jobs due to their plastic construction.
Safety kit designed to be your essential safety protection
3. Microjig Grr-Ripper GR-200 3D Push Block
Photo: amazon.com
- Brand: Micro Jig
- Adjustable: Yes
- Addons Available: Yes
- Bottom Grip Quality: Very Good, High Quality
- Replaceable Grip: Replaceable Legs
- Cutting Range: 1/4″
- Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 4.65 inches
- Weight: Adjustable Spacer, Stabilizing plate
Why I Picked It
The Micro Jig Grr-Ripper GR-200 is an upgraded version of the GR-100. While it retains all the features of the GR-100, the GR-200 stands out with its extra stabilizing plate and a broader adjustable spacer. These enhancements provide improved stability, particularly useful when working with larger wood slabs or narrower strips, elevating the safety level.
- The stabilizing plate slides beneath the block’s main body, firmly holding even thin workpieces against the fence. It is like having a movable fence, ensuring consistent alignment, particularly useful for tasks like resawing or bevel edging.
- The adjustable spacer, attachable on either side, offers extra grip and stability. It extends the block’s gripping reach, which comes in handy when working with larger stocks. Plus, it enhances the Grr-Rippers’s cutting width and acts as a handy balance for straight-line ripping.
Why Choose the Micro Jig Grr-Ripper GR-200?
- Comes with an extra stabilizing plate for better balance and support during cutting.
- Wider adjustable spacer offers more gripping area when working with larger wood pieces.
- Provides downward, inward, and forward force.
- The extra features can handle intricate cuts, bevel cuts, cutting thin strips, and making delicate cuts more easily.
4. Zebekk Push Block
Photo: amazon.com
- Brand: Zebekk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Addons Available: No
- Bottom Grip Quality: Excellent
- Replaceable Grip: No
- Cutting Range: 1/4″
- Dimensions:7.01 x 5.61 x 4.49 Inches
Why I Picked It
The Zebekk push block, similar to the GRR-Gripper, introduces a few improvements that could make it even better to use.
Its standout feature is the top-mounted knob for adjusting the middle leg’s position – a design that contrasts with the GRR-Gripper’s knobs at the front and back. This not only saves space but also makes adjustments easier, enhancing user-friendliness.
The middle leg glides smoothly on its rail, and the perfectly fitted rubber sole offers excellent control and stability during cuts.
However, the Zebekk doesn’t include extra accessories like an adjustable backstop, stabilizing plate, or adjustable spacer. Despite this, it performs exceptionally well, providing a cost-effective alternative to other push blocks on the market.
- Superior adjustment mechanism for easy and accurate settings
- High-quality materials and construction for durability
- Great grip and stability from the well-designed rubber sole
- The added weight enhances control and reduces movement
- More affordable yet equally effective as higher-end models
- Lack of side-to-side handle adjustment may affect ergonomics for some users
- Visibility could be improved with brighter colors for enhanced safety
- Missing addons like an adjustable backstop or stabilizing plate
Stabilizes for cutting bevel rips, resawing, irregular-shaped stock, dowels, dados and more
My Thoughts
Honestly, the Zebekk is pretty solid. Sure, it doesn’t come with all the extras, but it does the job well and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The fact that it’s heavier is a plus in my book – feels more stable. The only real downsides are the handle not moving side to side and maybe the color could be a bit brighter for safety. But overall, if you’re looking for something that gets the job done without fuss, this is a pretty good pick.
5. Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle
Photo: amazon.com
Adjustable: No
Addons Available: No
Bottom Grip Quality: Average
Replaceable Grip: No
- Added featherboard for precision
- Strong diamond grip
- Bright and easy to spot
- Safety-first tall handle
- Featherboard fit issues
- Takes a bit to adjust the featherboard
Why I Picked It
When working with tools, you always want to feel secure and The Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle provides that. One of the things that sets this push block set apart from the other tools is its special handle that keeps your fingers further from the blade, ensuring you work with confidence. And if you’re aiming for precision, the included featherboard is a huge plus. It helps keep your wood piece steady against the fence, so you get that perfect cut every time.
The tools’ bright yellow color is easy to spot, so you won’t be searching around, and the diamond grip ensures everything stays firmly in your hand. Plus, the tall handle on the push stick is designed to keep the fingers safe.
The bundle also comes in a PRO version (Milescraft 3406 GrabberPRO) that additionally includes the GrabberPRO Push Block. The Grabber PRO Push Block comes with legs in sizes of 1″, 1/2″, 1/4″, and 1/8″. This means you can cut neat strips, even as thin as 1/8″.
Safety kit designed to be your essential safety protection
6. MicroJig GRR-RIP BLOCK Smart Hook Pushblock
Photo: californiaairtools.com
- Brand: Micro Jig
- Adjustable: Partially
- Addons Available: Yes
- Bottom Grip Quality: Very Good
- Replaceable Grip: No – Need to replace the entire tool
- Cutting Range: NA
- Dimensions: 9 x 3.5 x 3.5 Inches
- Weight: 2.24 ounces
- Smart hooks enhance control
- Textured pad for secure grip
- Ergonomic handle design
- Built-in vertical wall for precise cuts
- Pricier than simpler models
- The grip pad may wear out faster for heavy users
Why I Picked It
The MicroJig GRR-RIP BLOCK Smart Hook Pushblock is an impressive tool designed for enhanced control over various woodworking tasks. When using table saws or jointers, this push block offers precision and safety, especially with its unique “smart hooks” feature. These hooks, found at each end, automatically drop down to grip the tail end of a board, giving you superior control. If you’re pressing in the board’s center, the hooks retract. This distinction provides a significant edge over regular, standard push blocks.
Auto-retracting heel technology hooks the tail-end of your board
Another standout feature is the block’s textured rubber pad, ensuring your hand doesn’t slip as you maneuver your workpiece. The block’s ergonomic handle is cleverly angled to ensure your workpiece remains snug against the rip fence.
If you’re aiming for vertical usage with a band saw or router fence, the block has a built-in vertical wall, making sure pressure against the fence remains horizontal.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, when choosing the best push block, there are numerous excellent options available. However, if I had to pick one, the MicroJig Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block stands out due to its exceptional features.
The push block is fully adjustable to handle different types of cuts and materials, there are a lot of add-ons available and the grip is strong enough to safely hold workpieces in place. Pretty much everything you want and need from a push block. It provides safety and I feel safe while working on my projects.
I’ve had the pleasure of using this push block for a good while now, and I couldn’t be happier with it. I also invested in a few additional add-ons, like the sacrificial heels, which have further improved my working experience. But to be frank, a single push block often falls short. For tasks like ripping lengthy wood pieces or using a jointer, you’ll truly benefit from having a set of two (Read my Review).
As an alternative if your budget is limited, I would recommend the Zebekk Push Block or the Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block and Push Stick Set. It contains everything you need to start.
KEEP READING: Best Table Saws for Beginners
Push Block or Push Stick?
Push blocks and push sticks are one of the main important safety jigs when working with power tools.
At a glance, push sticks typically resemble a narrow piece of wood or plastic with a notch on one end. They’re used to safely guide wood past a saw blade, keeping your hands away from the sharp edges.
Push blocks, on the other hand, have a broader and flatter base, often equipped with rubbery grips on the bottom. They not only protect your fingers but also give you better control over your workpiece, ensuring it stays firmly on the table.
Why Should You Use a Push Block?
The primary reason? Your safety. When working with power tools, you want to feel comfortable and secure. A push block ensures just that. It helps reduce the chance of kickbacks, those dangerous movements from a piece of wood when it gets caught in a machine. More than that, using a push block can significantly improve the precision of your cuts.
For anyone starting with woodworking, I’d say this is one of the first and minimal investments you should make. The difference it brings in terms of safety and accuracy is substantial.
Can I Make My Own Push Block?
Yes you can, crafting your own push block is entirely possible and is one of the simplest DIY projects. If you’re looking for guidance, there’s no shortage of templates and step-by-step tutorials online to walk you through the process.
However, while homemade push blocks can be quite effective for specific tasks and can provide satisfactory results, they may not always stack up to their commercial counterparts. Commercially made push blocks often come with added features, such as enhanced adjustability and sturdier construction. Most notably, a unique advantage of store-bought versions is their superior anti-slip bottom grip, which can be challenging to replicate at home.
Watch on Youtube: Homemade Push Block
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve got you covered with all the essential info – check out the FAQs below to clear any doubts.
When to use a push block?
Use a push block when working on a table saw, router table, or jointer to safely guide wood without putting your hands near the blade or cutter.
What is the best safety push block for woodworking?
The best safety push block varies based on personal preferences and needs, but the MicroJig Grr-Ripper 3D Push Block is highly recommended due to its impressive features.
Can you replace rubber pads on a push block?
Typically you can only replace specific components of the push block that contain the rubber pads such as legs. Otherwise, if you have a simple non-adjustable push block you need to get the entire push block.
What is the difference between an adjustable and non-adjustable push block?
An adjustable push block lets you change its settings to accommodate different sizes and types of wood, while a non-adjustable one has a fixed design and size.
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