Key takeaways
- Compare six push sticks and blocks for table saws by handle design, size and storage, from POWERTEC sets to the Hedgehog block and DEWALT replacement.
The POWERTEC push block and push stick set is the best overall pick here for most table saw users, because one pack gives you both a stick for narrow rips beside the fence and a block with a grippy base for pressing wider stock down and forward. A push stick is a handheld feeding aid that keeps your fingers away from the spinning blade when you push a board through the cut, and it is the simplest piece of safety gear in the shop. Choose a V-style or L-style stick for narrow strips, a push block for jointers and router tables, and keep spares so you never skip one.
Quick List
- DEWALT N506021 Push Stick – best as a replacement for the push stick that came with DEWALT jobsite saws
- POWERTEC Push Block and Push Stick Set – best overall for covering narrow rips and wide stock in one pack
- POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (Two-Style Listing) – best for a dual-handle stick built for table saws and jointers
- POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (single-stick listing) – best for a dedicated stick to hang by the saw
- Hedgehog Push Block – best for thin, high-grip control past the blade
- Magnetic Push Sticks, 2 Pack – best for parking sticks on a metal saw table or cabinet
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| want one pack that handles narrow strips and wider boards | POWERTEC Push Block and Push Stick Set |
| need a thin block that fits between the blade and fence | Hedgehog Push Block |
| own a DEWALT jobsite saw and lost or broke the original stick | DEWALT N506021 |
| want sticks you can stick to the saw cabinet within reach | Magnetic Push Sticks, 2 Pack |
| want a deluxe stick with ergonomic handles for table saw and jointer | POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (Two-Style Listing) |
| need one more dedicated stick for a router table or band saw | POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (single) |
No single tool is right for every cut. Many woodworkers keep a stick and a block at each machine, so a pack or a pair is usually a better plan than relying on a single device.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. DEWALT OEM N506021 Push Stick – Best Saw-Specific Replacement
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The N506021 is the push stick listed for DEWALT table saws such as the DWE7491RS, and retailer listings give its size as about 16 inches long and 2.3 inches wide. It is a brand-matched replacement rather than a general-purpose accessory, so it makes the most sense if you already own a compatible DEWALT saw and want the stick that fits its storage clip.
A long replacement stick is easy to underestimate. At roughly 16 inches it gives you leverage to push a board all the way past the blade without moving your hand close to the cutting line, and it clips back onto the saw so you reach for it by habit. For DEWALT owners the real value is that the part is made to match the saw’s storage point, which means the stick is on hand every time the saw is rolled out. If you own another brand, treat it as a generic long stick and make sure you have a place to hang it.
If you do not own that saw, the stick still works as a plain push stick, but its shape and storage features are designed around DEWALT’s own parts. Confirm compatibility on the product page, because DEWALT also uses a separate small holder part with a similar part number.
- OEM replacement for DEWALT table saws, per the listing
- About 16 inches long and 2.3 inches wide per retailer data
- Ergonomic grip as described in the title
- Single stick
- Material: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Fits the saw’s onboard storage
- Long enough to keep hands back from the blade
Cons
- Brand-specific, so less useful if you own a different saw
- Single piece, no push block
Compared with the POWERTEC set, the DEWALT is the narrower fix but matches its saw exactly.
2. POWERTEC Push Block and Push Stick Set – Best Overall
This POWERTEC pack fits table saws, router tables, band saws and jointers and features dual ergonomic handles with a high-grip surface. Because it combines a push block with a stick, you can use the stick for narrow rips and the block for pressing flat stock against the table, which is the usual pairing recommended for table saw feeding.
Sets like this are a convenient way to build a basic feeding kit. A block gives you downward pressure on the face of the board, which holds it flat against the table, and a stick delivers forward pressure near the end of the cut. Using the two together is how many shops handle a narrow rip: the block holds the stock against the table over the blade while the stick pushes the trailing edge through. Because the set also fits router tables, jointers and band saws, it can follow you around the shop.
It suits anyone setting up a shop who wants coverage without hunting for separate parts. The listing name does not state exact dimensions or the number of pieces, so confirm those on the product page.
- Push block plus push stick in one set
- Dual ergonomic handles for grip
- Fits table saws, router tables, band saws and jointers
- Grip surface for control
- Number of pieces and dimensions: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Covers two kinds of feeding tool
- Usable across several machines
Cons
- Plastic construction can be cut by the blade
- Size details not in the listing name
Next to the Hedgehog block, the POWERTEC set offers more variety, while the Hedgehog is thinner and more specialized.
3. POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (Two-Style Listing) – Best Deluxe Stick for Table Saws and Jointers
This listing is for a POWERTEC deluxe push stick with ergonomic handles that fits table saws, router tables, band saws and jointers. POWERTEC’s deluxe line includes a magnetic V-shaped stick about 11-1/2 inches long and an L-shaped stick about 8-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches, and other listings in the family are sold as two-packs, so confirm which model you receive.
Dual handles are the key feature to look for here. Holding one handle with your pushing hand and steadying with the other keeps your wrist and forearm aligned with the cut, and the V-shaped notch on the pointed stick hooks the end of the board without relying on friction alone. A magnetic V-stick can also hold itself against a metal fence rail while you adjust the board. If you plan to rip many narrow strips, the deluxe family is a reasonable place to begin.
The V-shaped notch hooks the trailing end of a board, and the L-shape lets you push both down and forward on a narrow strip. Both are good for ripping thin pieces between the blade and the fence.
- Deluxe push stick with ergonomic handles
- Fits table saws, router tables, band saws and jointers
- Family includes V-shaped and L-shaped sticks
- Pack contents: confirm on the listing
- Magnetic features: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Handle shape promotes a safer grip
- Useful on several machines
Cons
- Listing title is truncated, so confirm contents
- Plastic edges wear with use
Compared with the single-stick POWERTEC listing, this one may come as a multi-stick pack, so check the count.
4. POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick (Single-Stick Listing) – Best Dedicated Stick
This second POWERTEC deluxe stick uses the same name and describes dual ergonomic handles with a high-grip surface for table saws, router tables, band saws and jointers. It reads as a single-stick option, which makes it a sensible choice for adding one more stick to a machine where you do not need the full set.
A second stick is worth owning even if you already have one. Having a stick at each machine means you never walk across the shop with a board in one hand and borrow a tool from another station. This single-stick listing fits that purpose: it is a small, focused addition that you can hang next to the router table or the band saw. Remember to check the handle shape in the product photos, since a shape that is comfortable for one hand may feel awkward for another.
Because POWERTEC sells several look-alike models, verify the shape (V or L), the length and whether it has magnets before you rely on it for a specific cut. The listing name does not specify these details.
- Deluxe push stick with dual ergonomic handles
- Fits table saw, router table, band saw and jointer
- High-grip handle surface
- Shape and length: confirm on the listing
- Single stick, per the listing name
Pros
- Simple, focused tool
- Handle designed for control
Cons
- Details are sparse in the title
- No push block for flat stock
Next to the POWERTEC set, this stick is the minimalist choice without the block.
5. Hedgehog Push Block – Best Thin Block for Control
The Hedgehog is a one-piece push block with an offset handle designed for table saws, router tables and jointers. Manufacturer-style descriptions give the body a thin profile, about 3/8 inch wide, with a small heel at the back that catches the end of the board, and a neoprene strip on the bottom for grip. The offset handle keeps your hand away from the blade while you press down and forward.
Thin blocks shine on a narrow rip. When the gap between blade and fence is only a few inches, a normal block will not fit, but a block with a body around three-eighths of an inch thick can ride in the gap and press the board down while the heel pushes it forward. The offset handle also keeps the pushing hand to one side of the blade path. On a jointer, the same block spreads pressure over the face of the board so you can plane it flat without your fingers on the cutterhead.
One retailer description differs from the others, describing a tall handle and a polymer body, so check the listing you are buying. The thin body is what makes the Hedgehog useful for narrow rips, where a fat block would not fit between the blade and fence.
- One-piece push block with an offset handle
- Thin body, about 3/8 inch per manufacturer-style data
- Heel at the back to push the board forward
- Grip pad on the bottom
- Material and exact size: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Fits narrow gaps between blade and fence
- Offset handle keeps hands back
Cons
- Single tool, so no stick for very narrow strips
- Listing descriptions are inconsistent, so confirm the design
Compared with the POWERTEC set, the Hedgehog is the more compact specialist block.
6. Magnetic Push Sticks, 2 Pack – Best for Parking on a Metal Saw
This two-pack of magnetic push sticks is listed for table saws, and magnets let you park the stick on a cast-iron table, a steel fence rail or a metal cabinet so it is within reach when you need it. A stick that is easy to grab is a stick that gets used.
The magnet is the selling point. If the sticks live on the table saw’s steel fence rail or the side of a cabinet saw, you will see them every time you cut. That visibility matters more than the shape, because the push stick that is not within reach is the one that ends up unused. Since the listing does not provide dimensions, measure the length when it arrives and keep at least one longer stick around for deeper pushes.
The title does not name a brand, shape or size, so treat it as a generic option and confirm the material, dimensions and magnet strength on the product page.
- Two sticks per pack
- Magnetic storage, per the title
- Intended for table saws
- Shape and length: confirm on the listing
- Material: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Two sticks in one pack
- Easy storage on metal surfaces
Cons
- Unbranded, with limited specifications
- Magnets can collect metal chips
Next to the POWERTEC deluxe sticks, this pack is more about storage convenience than ergonomic details.
Specs Compared
| Model | Type | Pieces | Length or size | Handle | Magnetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT N506021 | Push stick | 1 | About 16 in long, 2.3 in wide | Ergonomic grip | No |
| POWERTEC Push Block and Stick Set | Block and stick | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | Dual ergonomic handles | Confirm on listing |
| POWERTEC Deluxe (Two-Style Listing) | Push stick | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | Dual ergonomic handles | Confirm on listing |
| POWERTEC Deluxe (single) | Push stick | 1 per listing name | Confirm on listing | Dual ergonomic handles | Confirm on listing |
| Hedgehog Push Block | Push block | 1 | Body about 3/8 in thick | Offset handle | No |
| Magnetic Push Sticks | Push sticks | 2 | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | Yes |
How We Chose These
This guide is based on desk research, not shop trials. We started with the push sticks and blocks in the current catalog, then read the listing names and any manufacturer or retailer specification fields. We compared the type of tool, the number of pieces, the handle design, the stated size and whether it can be stored on a metal surface. Because many of these items have short titles, we flagged missing information and told readers to confirm it. No measurements are quoted for any product. The advice on safe feeding follows general woodworking guidance found in saw owner’s manuals.
What to Look For
Push Stick or Push Block
A push stick is long and narrow with a notch or heel that pushes the trailing edge of a board. It is the standard choice for ripping narrow strips next to the fence. A push block is wider and sits on top of the board, pressing it down while pushing it forward, which is better for jointer passes and for holding stock against the table. Many woodworkers use both on a table saw: a block to hold down and a stick to guide near the blade.
Common manuals suggest a push stick whenever your hand would otherwise pass within about six inches of the blade. That means almost every rip on a table saw that is narrower than about six inches. Check your saw’s manual for the exact rule.
Handle and Grip
Look for a handle that fits your hand and keeps your fingers away from the cutting line. An offset handle, like the Hedgehog’s, moves your hand to the side. A dual-handle design lets you push with one hand and steady with the other. A grippy base, such as a neoprene strip or textured rubber, reduces slip on dusty wood.
Material and Wear
Most push sticks are plastic or wood. Plastic is durable and does not absorb moisture, but the blade can notch it. Replace any stick that has a deep notch, since a damaged heel can slip. Wood sticks are easy to make from scrap, which is why many shops keep a pile of homemade ones. A magnetic stick adds convenience but also attracts steel dust.
Size and Reach
A longer stick, around 11 to 16 inches, keeps your hand farther from the blade than an 8-inch one, and a taller handle gives more downward pressure. A block that is too thick will not fit between the blade and fence on a narrow rip, so check the body thickness. A worked example: to rip a strip 1 inch wide from the edge of a board, set the fence 1 inch from the blade, push the board with a stick behind it, and finish the cut with the stick, never with your fingers.
Which Cuts Call for Which Tool
Match the tool to the cut. For a standard rip of a board that is wider than the gap, a push block with a heel holds the stock down while a stick follows. For a narrow strip against the fence, a thin stick or a thin block rides in the gap. For a very narrow strip, under an inch or so, many woodworkers switch to a different method altogether, such as a thin-rip jig or cutting the strip from the wider side so the offcut falls away from the fence. For crosscuts with a miter gauge, a stick is not the right tool; clamp a stop block and keep your hand on the gauge instead.
Tapered cuts, dado passes and cuts on short stock all raise the risk because the board gives your hand less to hold. Use a taller block with a handle in those cases, and keep both hands on the tools rather than the wood. If a feeding aid does not fit the cut, make a jig; do not hand-feed.
Building a Simple Kit
A practical kit has at least one long stick for rips, one thin block for narrow gaps, and one wide block for hold-down. Add a spare of each so a damaged tool does not tempt you to skip one. Mark a spot on the saw stand or the wall where each tool hangs and return it after every cut. Replace notched or cracked pieces without delay. These tools are simple to replace, so there is no reason to run a worn one until it fails.
Safe Use
Keep the blade guard and riving knife on when possible, stand slightly to the side of the line of cut, and keep your thumb curled away from the blade. Let the saw reach full speed before feeding. Do not reach over the blade, and stop the saw before clearing small offcuts. Unplug the saw before changing blades or making adjustments.
Questions
Do I need both a push stick and a push block?
For a table saw, having both is wise. The stick handles narrow strips, while the block handles wider boards and hold-down. If you must pick one, a stick covers the most common risky cut.
When should I use a push stick?
Use one whenever your hand would pass close to the blade, which usually means rips narrower than about six inches. Many manuals set the same rule, so check yours.
Can I make my own push stick?
Yes. Cut one from plywood or hardwood scrap with a notch at the end and a handle you can hold comfortably. Make several, and replace them when the notch wears.
Are magnetic push sticks better?
They are more convenient to store on a metal table or cabinet, but the magnets do nothing for control while cutting. Choose them for storage, not for safety.
How often should I replace a push stick?
Replace it when the heel is chewed up, the handle cracks or the stick no longer holds a board. A worn stick can slip and put your hand near the blade.
Will a push stick prevent kickback?
No. It keeps your hands away from the blade, but kickback is controlled by a riving knife, a properly aligned fence and good feeding technique. Use the stick together with those protections.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer and distributor product pages for POWERTEC push sticks and the Hedgehog push block
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for the DEWALT replacement stick and the magnetic two-pack
- Table saw owner’s manual guidance on feeding aids and safe hand position
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