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Manual Log Splitting Tools
Manual Log Splitting Tools. Splitting wood by hand is one of the oldest of human tasks. The old saying that if you split wood by hand it heats you twice is true. Manual wood splitting is hard work, but the job can be made easier with the right selection of tools. Hand operated wood splitting tools include axes, mauls, wedges, sledgehammers and hand...
Splitting wood by hand is one of the oldest of human tasks. The old saying that if you split wood by hand it heats you twice is true. Manual wood splitting is hard work, but the job can be made easier with the right selection of tools. Hand operated wood splitting tools include axes, mauls, wedges, sledgehammers and hand mauls.
Axe
The axe has been used for centuries as a wood splitting tool. An axe generates wood-splitting power through the speed the head develops as the tool drives downward. It is a terrific tool for splitting softer hardwoods such as pin cherry or paper birch, and it will split most softwoods including white pine or spruce quite easily. However, it lacks the bulk needed to split harder woods, such as oak, black locust or hickory. A better option for these woods is a splitting maul.
Splitting Maul
A splitting maul is the ultimate manual wood-splitting tool. The tool has a solid wedge-shaped steel head and welded steel handle, making it virtually indestructible. The splitting maul generates its power from the sheer bulk and weight of the tool. The wedge-shaped head also resists becoming stuck in a log. Think of a heavy-duty splitting maul as the marriage of a sledgehammer and a traditional splitting wedge.
Splitting Wedge
A wedge is used in conjunction with a full-size or hand sledgehammer. The tool is inserted into a crack or checking mark on a log end and then driven down by striking it with the hammer. As it penetrates the wood, it forces the material to cleave. Splitting wedges usually weigh around 5 lbs. and can be purchased at home improvement retailers, hardware stores or fireplace shops.
Sledgehammer
Used in conjunction with a wedge, a sledgehammer is a powerful wood-splitting tool. The tool has a hardened steel head with two flat faces. Some have shatterproof fiberglass handles, while others have a handles made from white ash or hickory. The units can also be purchased at home improvement or hardware stores and typically weigh 6 to 8 lbs. Unlike a wedge, which has a limited range of uses, a sledge hammer can also be used to drive fence posts or break up masonry.
Hand Maul
A homeowner may need to split smaller logs into kindling. For this application, a hand maul is a handy tool to have around. With a head weight of 4 lbs. and a short handle, it is an idea tool for working in close quarters. It is held in one hand, while the user steadies the piece of wood with his other hand.
