Wood splitting tools

[pennwalk]

I don't split a lot of wood but now and then I do a little light splitting. I have a sledge hammer and a couple of wedges and a maul. I have seen axes with splitting aids formed into the head. Do any of those work? Do mauls need to be sharpened from time to time?

Chris

 

[20 20]

I allways used just a simple splitting maul, the trick is to slighty turn it has it hits the wood. This will cause the wood to split instead of just sticking the maul into the block. It does take a little practice but makes a 100% difference.

 

[Welshman]

I have seen axes with splitting aids formed into the head. Do any of those work?

Chris

I bought one at Lowe's and it works really well. Great tool for the price.

 

[MotorSeven]

Mauls are supposed to be dull. I like an 8 lb-er for splitting used one for many years. But, I also like the Fiskars Super Splitter. This is a different concept than the maul. With the maul I usually go for the middle and put some umpfh behind my swing. With the Fiskars I can swing nice and easy and aim between the middle and the edge of the round, working my way around the center, then after it's whittled down spit the center.The thing is almost effortless and it is very sharp... requires sharpening periodicity and use of gloves. Also the handle is dang near Motor7 proof which is quite an accomplishment

Now I reach for the Fiskars much more than the 'ole 8 lb-er.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7854-X25-28-Inch-Splitting/dp/B00004SD7B]Amazon.com: Fiskars 7854 X25 28-Inch Splitting Axe: Patio, Lawn & Garden[/ame]

 

[IndyIan]

I now have a Collins 6lb maul, 36" handle. The whole handle slides through the head so I haven't managed to break it yet, other plastic handle designs have the handle and head "glued" together, which lasts a cord or 3 for me... I had an 8lb maul but I split better with the 6lb'er
I'm tempted to try the 36" fiskars splitting axe though, I split on the ground and previous short handles would end up in my leg eventually... A lighter head can allow you to actually put more energy into the swing, like an aluminum bat vs. a solid wood one. I'm also tempted to try reducing the weight of my current maul by grinding off the back but maybe that will affect its balance?
If I can't split it with the maul after a few swings I set it aside and when I get a few stubborn chunks saved up, I just rip them in half with my 372. Cutting with the grain goes fast even in hard maple or oak.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Wood grenade works wonders.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Olympia-Tools-65-504-Patented-Splitting/dp/B00002N801]Amazon.com: Olympia Tools 65-504 Wood Grenade Patented Diamond Shape Splitting Wedge: Home Improvement[/ame]

 

[Joe H]

Bought a Fiskars 36" from Amazon. It works too good, bought the 28" to go with it.
Amazon is the cheapest place, no tax and free shipping.
Now I have 5 old axes and 2 new ones. Fiskar is the answer.
Joe H

 

[studor]

I have two splitting mauls, sledges, wedges, a thing the looks like a dent puller with a wedge on the bottom and a a 22 ton hydraulic unit. When I was splitting by hand I found the mauls worked best slightly dull and with a fiberglass handle. Having read about the Fiskars on here I might be tempted to try it but the other stuff already takes up a lot of room in my workshop

 

[DAY]

Whatever tool one uses, they ALL work better with the occasional application of beer. . .

 

[Kyle241]

I actually just posted my new maul, the Fiskars X27. Very happy it and already have split a few cords.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/garden-tools/228016-fiskar-x27-splitting-maul-pics.html