ReferenceStanley No. 3 specification
Specification plate
- Kind
- Smoothing plane
- Length
- 8 in.
- Iron width
- 1¾ in.
- Weight
- 3⅛ lb
- Catalogued
- 1869–1984
- Corrugated (C)
- 3C, 1898–1970.
- Half sizes
- None
- Bed Rock version
- 603 (1898–1943); 603C (1898–1935).
Sizes, weights and catalogue years from Patrick Leach’s Blood & Gore.
UseWhat the No. 3 is for
A light smoother for small work and for users with smaller hands.
CollectingCollectors’ notes
- Leach calls it “a very common smoothing plane”.
DatingHow old is my Stanley No. 3?
Date it with the collectors’ type study: patent dates behind the frog, the lateral lever, the lever-cap logo and hole, the knob and the iron logo narrow it to a range of years. The study was written around the No. 4; other sizes follow it with minor differences. A Bed Rock 603 or an English-made plane needs other references.
Before you buyWhat to check on a used No. 3
In-person checks
ValueWhat is a Stanley No. 3 worth?
No source we trust publishes a figure. Because it is common, condition and type matter more than the model.
QuestionsFrequently asked questions
How long is a Stanley No. 3 plane?
8 in., with a 1¾ in. iron, weighing about 3⅛ lb (Leach).
When was the Stanley No. 3 made?
Stanley catalogued it from 1869 to 1984. To date your plane, use the type finder.
Is there a corrugated No. 3C?
3C, 1898–1970.
Is there a Bed Rock version of the No. 3?
603 (1898–1943); 603C (1898–1935).
ReferencesSources
Patrick Leach asks that Blood & Gore be credited by name. Where sources disagree we show both. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Last reviewed October 2026