More importantly, a hatchet is a super versatile tool that can be used for all sorts of applications other than simply chopping wood; so campers, hunters, and outdoorsmen, in general, will most definitely find a friend in this style tool. The SnugNiture Firewood Kindling Splitter with Cover is a reliable device for processing regular cordwood upwards of one foot long, and about 7.5 inches in diameter that’s offered at a very reasonable price point considering the quality of craftsmanship and inclusion of a cover. If you regularly split large logs, a model may be worth the investment. You can calculate your required ton rating based on the logs you want to split, and a 4+ ton rating is suitable for logs up to 6 inches in width. Cycle rating

As soon as you hold this wood splitter in your hands, you can feel its quality. This is a very sleek-looking, single-piece item that has been made entirely from cast iron. It features a round cast iron frame with a cast iron wedge in the middle – this is where the blade is. If you have downed trees on your property that you want to turn into cordwood once properly seasoned, or are in possession of some particularly wide diameter rounds, a mechanized splitter is hands down the best way to go. Manual Log SplittersA. A basic cast iron model will last for years with very little attention. You can clean it with a stiff brush and warm soapy water and remove stubborn deposits with mineral spirits. An occasional wipe with a light oil will help prevent rust, and if you like the decorative appearance, you might want to give it a coat of paint every couple of years. Featuring bolt holes on the base for fixed mounting to a stump or other anchor if you choose to, you can set this splitter up inside the house, in the garage, or out in the yard. The hexagonal base offers great stability on its own, so if you choose to keep this tool portable and not mount it, it will still perform just fine. Built with a cast steel construction, this tool is built for long lifespan, and shouldn’t really require any maintenance. The SnugNiture Splitter is furthermore just 10 pounds and inherently quite compact at only 12 inches tall, so it stores nice and out of the way when not in use. It’s also easily brought along on campouts, beach days, and more.

If you’ve never used a grenade log splitter before, then the conical/diamond-shaped design will probably seem a little strange to you at first. However, its simplicity is its strength. This log splitter may be compact, but it’s made from heat-treated iron to give it long-lasting strength. It feels pretty heavy when you hold it, which gives it a high-quality feel. You’d think that kindling is a pretty simple product, yet there are a surprising number of ways to make it, including an axe, pole splitter, hinged splitter, and kindling splitter. Built with dimensions similar to the size of a milk crate, and weighing just 12 pounds, the brand has furthermore engineered this tool to be wonderfully portable and easy to store. A manual log splitter is basically one step up from using an axe. They still require a certain amount of physical force for log splitting, although this does depend somewhat on the design that you go with.In terms of noise, I’d say that this log splitter is quieter than an axe. It was also quieter than many of the other splitters that I tested, making it ideal for people with neighbours in close proximity. I used the Faithfull FAIFG4 4lb Club Hammer with this wood splitter, and found it to be the perfect weight and size. However, you could also use a mallet, or even a heavy piece of wood – so long as you have some weight in your hands, just about anything would work. Built from galvanized carbon steel for excellent durability and rust resistance, you can feel free to use this machine outdoors as well if there’s no space for it next to your wood stove or fireplace.

If you have some heavy duty wood processing to complete, your kindling splitter will only go so far. A gas or electric powered log splitter is an invaluable tool for separating bigger, beefier logs that will take the vast majority of labor out of working through your woodpile. The OKRONIS Firewood Splitter is an innovative and highly effective option that features a removable secondary blade allowing you to split one piece of firewood into either two or four pieces – dramatically reducing your workload. Measuring just 12 inches by 6.5 inches, this is a compact little splitter that can separate logs up to about 14 inches long, and 6 inches in diameter.If you have more substantial splitting needs, then you’ll probably want to opt for a gas or manual model. Gas splitters offer more power than electric models, so they can handle tougher jobs with ease. While manual splitters also require a bit more effort to use, they’re often less expensive than their gas counterparts. How to Choose a Quality Log Splitter Tell your friends and family about my idea so we can help prevent them from chopping their fingers off with an axe. If you’re choosing an axe, a length of between 30 and 45 centimetres should give you sufficient leverage and good balance without being too heavy. If you want a multi-purpose tool, a handle at the shorter end of that range is easier to carry around. You don’t need a large axe-head to split kindling. Note that the brand recommends this tool for splitting conifer species, so tougher hardwood logs like oak, cherry, and maple might be a bit challenging to push through.