Tag: splitting

Essential Safety Precautions before Splitting Wood

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Essential Safety Precautions before Splitting Wood




Essential Safety Precautions before Splitting Wood

Before you ever think about picking up any tools, safety must be your number one concern when splitting wood. The impact that results from hitting the log with a splitting maul can send wood pieces into the air at great speeds. Much to the detriment of the user and any other person or pet close by. Besides that, the splitting maul could also accidentally slip from your hands and cause serious harm to you and others. Here are a few essential safety precautions before splitting wood.

Wear The Necessary Safety Gear

It is essential that you protect your body from projectile wood chips by wearing protective goggles, steel-toe shoes, gloves, and yes even hearing protection. You should avoid loose clothing or jewelry such as necklaces while splitting. These items could get tangled in a log splitter and that could cause an injury.

Clear Your Work Area

You should split wood in an open field far from windows, vehicles, pets, and children. The projecting wood pieces could hit the glass and shutter it. An open field will also ensure you have enough freedom to swing the maul. You must not allow anyone to be close to your working area to avoid these types of accidents. Prepare a solid, level ground for splitting.

Also Read: ​Splitting Axe Vs Maul – Which One Should I Buy for My Wood Splitting​​​

Use The Right Splitting Technique

Essential Safety Precautions before Splitting Wood

It is important to employ the right technique while splitting wood to prevent unnecessary accidents and to improve the efficiency of cutting. When splitting, always aim at the front and center of the log because overshooting could cause the handle to hit the log thereby harming you or damaging your maul. Make sure you have solid footing before you swing your axe. Also remember to take breaks. You have to know how often to take the break and when to stop splitting altogether.

Split Only Dry Logs

Overexertion can stress your splitting maul and predispose it to breakages, especially if the maul has a wooden handle. Besides, you will use too much effort thus limiting your productivity because of faster exhaustion. For this reason, you need to allow the logs to dry well before splitting them. Dryer woods typically split easily. It will also be lighter and easier to move around since it won't be holding that extra water weight.

Consider Your State Of Health

The common misconception is that only strong men can split logs with a maul. Well, anyone capable of handling the tool can use wood splitting mauls. However, you need to take care while splitting wood. Certain conditions that interfere with motor skills such as Parkinson’s disease may interfere with once able to handle the tool. Furthermore, if you are using medications that have effects on your motor abilities then you should not split wood. Never use these tools while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It only takes a split second for you to injure yourself or someone else.

Maintain The Integrity Of Your Maul

A new maul will do the work without any issues. However, you will need to take care to use a maul in good condition. Proper maintenance is of utmost importance. If the handle of the maul splinters or shows any signs of breaking then you must replace the handle instead of just using some sort of tape to hold it together. Keep the maul sharp and clean.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about using a splitting axe/maul for the first time or you have not been exercising safety precautions then it is time you started. You can observe the above-discussed 6 essential safety precautions before splitting to protect yourself or your loved ones from unintended harm or accidents. Take your time to learn about these precautions and employ them correctly. You will find splitting wood very easy, convenient and very safe. Thank you for reading Essential Safety Precautions before Splitting Wood.

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How to replace an axe handle

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on How to replace an axe handle

How to replace an axe handle

Swinging a large-impact tool like a splitting axe, it is natural that sometimes you will miss. Each miss has takes a huge toll on both your hands and the handle of the splitting axe, whether wooden or fiberglass. The result is that the handle will give way (or break) or the head of the maul will loosen. Wooden handles are more predisposed to breaking while fiberglass handles can last indefinitely. However, a broken axe handle is not the end your log splitting work or the usefulness of the tool.

Have you ever had an axe handle break and then you suddenly realize you don’t really know anything about replacing an axe handle? The vast majority of splitting axe owners will think of finding a professional repair person to do the job while others will think of just tossing it and buying a brand new splitting axe. What may not be apparent to you is that replacing an axe handle by yourself really isn’t that complicated if you just knew the process. The best thing about replacing a splitting axe handle is that you can fix your axe with a new, stronger handle.

So, just exactly how do you go about replacing a splitting axe handle? Rather than replacing your old or broken wooden handle with a new wooden handle, you can replace it with durable fiberglass handle. Fiberglass is costly but it will not require replacement as frequent as a wooden handle would (sometimes as frequent as once yearly). Here is how to replace an axe handle.

The Things You Will Require

  • Power or hand saw

  • Power drill

  • 1/4-inch drill bit

  • Hammer

  • Vise grips

  • Bolt or chisel

  • Fiberglass maul handle kit

  • Degreaser

  • Sandpaper or wire brush

Preparation

  • Step 1: Saw off the maul’s old handle close to the head leaving just about 1/4-inch of the wood projecting from the bottom of the head. A power saw or a simple handsaw will do the job.

  • Step 2: Open the vise grips such that the opening is wider than the width of the handle but narrower than the head of the maul. Put the head of the over the vise grips with the remnant of the handle over the open space. The edges of the maul head should rest on the sides of the vise. This way, the top of the maul head will face upwards allowing you to drive the wood out in the same direction it was installed.

  • Step 3: Drill a number of ¼-inch holes through the wood remain in the maul head. Be careful not to drill into the metal wedges in the wooden handle. The holes serve to relieve pressure on the wood from the wedges. This pushes the wood tightly against the inner side of the maul head.

  • Step 4: Hold a large chisel, bolt or similar tool, in the central part of the wood and tap it gently with a hammer to push out the remnant wood from the maul head. Frequently repositioning the chisel or bolt in different places, remove the entire wood.

  • Step 5: Remove the vise grips from the maul head and then clean the handle hole thoroughly to eliminate any grime or grease. In case there is a build-up of gunk and grease then you can spray with degreaser to eliminate them. You can then use sand paper/wire brush to remove all debris and prepare the inside surface of the maul head to receive the new handle.

Installation Process

  • Step 6: Insert your new fiberglass handle in the hole from the bottom end of the splitting maul head. You can then flip the handle and head over. Holding the maul head in your hand, tap the handle from its bottom on a hard surface few repetitions until the top of the handle is level with the top of the maul.

  • Step 7: Rub caulking cord sealer in both of your hands to warm it so it adheres well to the handle. Rub the sealant continually until you form a strand equal in length to the circumference of the handle. Encircle the caulking cord sealant around the handle at the point where the bottom of the maul meets it. Force the sealant down space where the two objects intersect to create a seal that stops epoxy from leaking.

  • Step 8: Now you can slip splitting maul head over the handle so that the top side of the head faces up. Then mix two units of epoxy together in a container prior to opening (each new fiberglass handle comes with epoxy). The delivery comes with instructions to help with how to use the epoxy ingredients.

  • Step 9: You can then pour the epoxy mixture into the hole that is between the fiberglass handle and the maul. Ensure you pour the epoxy slowly initially while checking if the caulking cord sealant really reaches the bottom of the handle and there is no leaking. Go on pouring the epoxy in the hole until the epoxy is flush with the upper part of the handle and top of the head of the maul.

  • Step 10: Once you are sure that the epoxy is well poured and everything is done well, go ahead and set your repaired splitting maul in a cool, dry location with temperature ranging from 75 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It should stay free for up to one week to allow the epoxy to cure properly. Ensure you do not use the splitting maul before the epoxy fully cures.

And now you can say that you really know How to Replace a Splitting Axe Handle

Note: The fiberglass handle might be too long for the splitting maul head. If that is the case then you can use a rasp to try to file it down until it rests flush with the top part of the splitting maul to look presentable. Thank you for reading about replacing an axe handle. Here are some other articles you may enjoy reading.

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Splitting Axe Vs Splitting Maul

Posted on By Willy Green 2 Comments on Splitting Axe Vs Splitting Maul



Splitting Axe Vs Splitting Maul

Gone are the days when we were forced to chop wood thanks to technological advancement that gave birth to crosscut saws and chainsaws. Wood chopping leads to loss of a lot of wood in terms of useless chips that you leave in the woods to rot. Splitting wood has eliminated the terrible inefficiency of chopping. Splitting is highly efficient in preparing larger tree trunks into firewood leading to no waste.

An axe is ideal for chopping wood while a maul is suitable for splitting. However, improvements in the axe head have to lead to the creation of splitting axes. This means a splitting axe is specifically designed for splitting wood just like splitting maul. The confusion now is whether we should split wood using a splitting axe vs splitting maul.

What Is a Splitting Axe?


A splitting axe is a tool with a tapered head made of metal and generally weighing about 3 to 6 pounds. It is designed to split wood along its grains in order to break the fibers apart unlike the traditional axes that cut wood along across its grains. When you swing the splitting axe down, the force produced by its head causes the wood hit to split.

AXE VS MAUL

This tool has a handle made either of wood or composite material. Generally, a wooden handle is more comfortable and aesthetically appealing but may be break easily due to impact, heavy use or wrong use. A composite material such as fiberglass may not look great but is very durable. The handle may also influence the overall weight of the splitting axe.

What Is a Splitting Maul?


A splitting maul is a wood splitting tool with a metal head weighing approximately 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 kgs to 3.6 kgs). Mauls have a wedge shaped head although certain modern models feature conical heads or swiveling sub-wedges. The head is wider than that of a splitting axe and this makes it better at splitting wood than traditional axes. The wide head ensures that maul does not stick in the wood when splitting wood, a major problem with traditional axes. The wedge section of a maul’s head must show slight convexity to prevent jamming.

The handle of this tool differs slightly from that of the splitting axe in design and functionality. Maul’s handle is closer to the round and straighter than that of an axe. The design makes the handle great for levering and swinging. The handles can be made from hickory, fiberglass, and plastic. Plastic handles are very durable meaning they are more difficult to break than handles made from wood or other material.

How Does A Splitting Axe Differ From A Splitting Maul?

It is common to hear some people refer to a splitting maul as splitting axe. However, there are numerous clear differences between these two tools. Let us consider a few of these differences:

1. Weight

As you might have learned from the above definitions, a splitting maul weights between 6 and 8 pounds while a splitting axe weighs between 3 and 6 pounds. This difference is weight is a double-edged sword so to say. Since splitting axes are multi-purpose and lighter allowing you to use it for longer without developing fatigue quickly but it reduces the efficiency of the tool. Splitting mauls are a little bit heavier but this gives them more efficiency in wood splitting.

2. Head Design

Perhaps the biggest difference is in the head design of these two tools. Splitting axes feature tapered heads with sharper blades. For this reason, it can cut wood as well as split wood and this is what makes these tools versatile and multipurpose. Mauls, on the other hand, have fatter and blunter heads with wider wedge making it extremely efficient in splitting wood along its great grains.

For this reason, splitting mauls require pure effort to work. If you use the right technique, you can find splitting firewood with a maul extremely easy. This explains the reason why you will find it extremely difficult to chop wood with a maul but it is possible with a splitting axe.

3. Handle Design and Material

Another clear difference between a splitting axe vs maul is the handle. A maul usually features a longer handle to guide the tool into the ground after it as finishes splitting the wood and not back in the direction of your feet. This is an important safety feature that prevents eliminate the risks of injuries due to unintended accidents.

Most splitting axes feature shorter handles in order to allow it to achieve wood splitting and wood chopping. The shorter handle allows you to lean over to limb a tree lying on the ground so that the splitting axe swings above the ground. To tell the difference between the two tools based on the handle, use your arm length as an approximate guide. If the handle of the tool is longer than your arm then it is a maul, and if the handle is shorter or equal length then it is splitting axe.

In most cases, splitting axe handles are made of wood but recently more brands are choosing to use composite materials. Splitting mauls, on the other hand, most commonly feature other materials such as plastic, fiberglass or hickory but wooden handles are also used.

4. Price Differences

There are no clear-cut differences between splitting axe and maul when it comes to price. However, if you compare a maul costing 50 dollars with a splitting axe costing the same amount, the splitting maul will be of a lesser quality. In other words, a splitting maul is just slightly costlier than a similar quality splitting axe.

Splitting Axe Vs Maul – What Is The Conclusion?

If you ask me, the choice is ultimately personal. The size of the wood piece you intend to split and the amount of work you have at hand should be the greatest determinants. In dealing with large chunks of wood, a maul will be a better alternative than an axe. You will split quicker but you will be exhausted much faster given the weight and size of a splitting maul.

If you have to deal with smaller pieces of wood or just splitting around the chunk edges than a splitting axe would be a better alternative. This choice is also great for shorter and smaller users because they are easier to swing, lighter to carry and may achieve the same results a splitting maul can deliver in similar sized wood chunks. Hopefully you now have a better idea on whether to use a splitting axe vs splitting maul.

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Best Splitting Maul – Buyer’s Guide & Review

Posted on By Willy Green 13 Comments on Best Splitting Maul – Buyer’s Guide & Review



 

Best Splitting Maul – Buyer’s Guide & current Review

Chilly winter or cold nights in the jungle presents numerous health challenges. Even in our houses, it may not be enough to rely on HVAC. No wonder most homes have at least a fireplace. What about making fire in a campsite or during an emergency situation. The needs of fire are limitless. However, one this is sure: You will need to fuel it to burn steadily and continuously. The obvious fuel choice is wood. You will need constant supply of wood. At the center of it all is the best splitting maul.

What Is A Splitting Maul? 

As mundane as it may sound, some people may not know what a splitting maul is. The fact that this tool has many names does not help either. It may go by many other names including sledge axe, blockbuster, hamaxe, block splitter or go-devil. Regardless of what you would call it, a splitting is a type of heavy axe with long handle. It splits pieces of wood along their grains (inside of the wood).

This is not to confuse a splitting maul with a regular axe, also known as splitting axe. A regular axe such as felling axe or clamp axe cuts pieces of wood against their grains. Thus an axe is what you will need to feel a tree by cutting into its bark. In terms of design, splitting mauls feature wedge-shaped heads and longer handles. In terms of usage, a maul swings downwards to split. But, a splitting axe swings across to fell a tree.

Image

Product Name

Our Rating

Price
Fiskars Iso Core Maul 36-inch Five Stars

****

 $84.99

Estwing Fireside Friend Axe

 Four Stars

****

 $34.98

Husqvarna 32" Wooden Splitting Maul

 Four Stars

****

 $124.99

​​​​Estwing Sportsman's Axe 12"

 Four Stars

****

 $49.99

​Truper 32415 12-Pound Splitting Maul

 Four Stars

****

 $69.99

Our Pick: Fiskars Iso Core Maul 36-inch

Our number one top recommendation is the Fiskars Iso Core 10lb Maul. It features a versatile 2-face design that allows use as splitting and driving tool. Its anti-shock and anti-vibration capabilities make it ideal for both personal and professional use. Another feature of efficiency is handle flair which offers superior grip. Further protection is provided by Iso Core’s insulation sleeve. The sleeve captures shock before it can reach your hands.

Iso Core delivers superior wood penetration. This is the work of its advanced blade geometry. That means you will split a wood with a single strike. Its 8-pound head features strong steel construction. The steel is coated to improve rust and corrosion resistance. Fiskars has high confidence in their models just like we do. They offer a lifetime warranty. Despite its great quality, the maul is extremely affordable. Thus it will give you value for your money.

How to Choose the Best Splitting Maul

Many questions usually linger in the minds of those out to shop for a particular product. Am I buying the right thing? How can I be sure of its quality and performance? These are just a few of the questions many people ask. Do find yourself asking a question when looking for the best splitting maul to buy? I guess you do. I hope this guide will help answer some of your questions. Here is how to choose a high-quality splitting maul:

1. Weight of the Splitting Maul 

The overall weight of a splitting maul has great bearing on its performance. Generally, heavier models are great performers. This is much of the splitting force comes from the weight of the head. Personally, I would go for maul heads weighing 8 pounds or more. The heavier the poundage, the more force you will be capable of bringing down onto the wood. The result is a faster splitting of logs.

However, there is one drawback with heavier mauls. You will have to use extra effort with each swing. The result is that you will tire faster than you would with lighter models. The good news is that the effort is compensated for by faster splitting prospects. Lighter models will deliver less poundage. It will be difficult to split a log with a single strike. Thus you will do little in a long time.

Base your choice on your physical strength. Choose heavier models if you have the physical strength handle them. When making a choice, keep other users in the back of your mind. It is better to buy a maul that anyone in the family (except kids) can use comfortably. Lighter models can function both as splitting axe and splitting maul.

2. Single-Piece Forging or Socket?

Inspect the way in which the handle mounts into the head. Is the socket strong and durable? The amount of time your maul will serve you depends on the quality of the mount. Some models feature single piece forging. This means no such sockets are necessary. This gives single-piece models excellent durability. There will be minimal chances of the head coming off the socket during use.

Certain models feature wooden and metallic wedges. Good examples are those made of a steel-head and a wooden or plastic handle. These wedges help to fasten the handle to the head. The problem is that such sockets have the tendency failing with time. Imagine what would happen if the head comes off in the middle of a swing. Thus it would be better to go for mauls forged into single-piece.

3. Is The Maul Balanced? 

High-quality mauls should feel balanced when being used. They also provide good leverage for accurate strikes. How do you tell the balance of a maul you have not even used? Balance defines the way the head is weighted in relation to the handle length. It also depends on the overall design and shape of the tool.

Splitting mauls with excellent balance are very easy to use. In fact, you may not need to employ any efforts to split wood. You simply lift the sledge axe. The swing will make use of kinetic energy (physical force) provided by the balanced design. .Yet, few manufacturers have achieved 100 percent balance. So it is your job to find out how a maul feels before you buy it.

In case all components of the maul sit well when brought together, such unit will have good balance. You must know that well-balanced mauls usually need perfect craftsmanship. They are almost always handcrafted. Therefore, they may not necessarily be cheap. Find more about how balanced a particular maul is. Visit online shops and reviews from verified purchasers. In a hardware store, simply take the tool and try swinging it.

4. The Maul’s Handle 

The handle is the point of contact between you and your tool. It determines the grip, comfort, and ergonomics associated with using the maul. Traditional models of splitting mauls feature wooden handles. I bet you will agree that handles made from wood are comfortable and elegant. Today, manufacturers use fiberglass and other composite materials.You can read more about How to Replace a Splitting Maul/Axe Handle.

Such materials are durable and lightweight. However, they may not deliver the same amount of comfort wooden handles provide. Very high-quality models with non-wood handles feature anti-shock and anti-vibration ergonomics. These features will make the mauls easier on your wrists when working.

Grip is extremely important. Ignore it and you can suffer at the handles of your own maul. High-quality models add an anti-slip feature on the handle to prevent unnecessary slippage. Such features are easier to add on handles made of composite materials. Wooden handles are quite fixed. Choose composite material if you are going to use your maul extensively. It sounds funny but mauls with wooden handles are still the most expensive.

5. Wedge Size and Sharpness 

The strength and splitting efficiency of any splitting maul depend on its wedge. A common misconception is that you do not need a sharp wedge to split wood. The fact is that a splitting maul must be sharp. But, it should not have fine edges seen with axes. When shopping for maul, check the edges of its wedge. It should be as sharp as possible.

Wedge size is another important consideration. Large wedges will have higher penetrative force. This will make your work easier and faster. The surface of the wood a large wedge will hit is wide. Such mauls are also heavy. The combination of large, heavy and sharp-edge wedge deliver the best splitting efficiency.

6. Your Budget 

Unless you a millionaire, spending on anything is always a struggle between needs and savings. You have to face the fact that you must take the slightest opportunity to save. Does this mean you are doomed to only buy cheap stuff? By no means should you even consider this? Try to strike a balance between your budget and the quality of the maul you desire. Set aside the amount you are willing to spend. Then you can make your choice based on that budget. Sometimes it pays to buy a high-quality and costly stuff once and for all. A high-quality maul may be a little costly but it will give you years of reliable service.

Top 5 Splitting Maul Reviews

 

1. Fiskars Iso Core Maul 36-inch

The Fiskars Iso Core is a 10-pound splitting maul with two-face design. It has a splitting face and a driving face. Fiskars is a household brand and one of the most famous. The brand has been providing the market with some of the best garden and outdoor tools. The first of Iso Core’s innovative technology is optimized blade geometry. The blade offers incredible penetrative power. Even the toughest logs will bow to its power.

The maul boasts of Fiskars Iso Core shock system. The system allows the maul to absorb strike shock and vibration. The objective of this patented system is to minimize the beatings your body will have to take with each strike. Iso Core will transfer twice as less vibration and shock compared to other models. This will mean that you can split logs all day long without a problem.

Another incredible feature that sets the Iso Core apart is the handle flair. The feature keeps the maul firmly in your hands while you swing. This means a lot to your safety. It will reduce the chances of accidental slippage that can lead to nasty injuries. To add to your comfort, the maul features an insulation sleeve. The sleeve stretches a few inches from the head. It serves to capture initial shock before it can reach your hands.

To guarantee you years of reliable service, the maul features durable material. The construction material of the head is forged; heat-treated steel. The rust-resistant coating of the steel means the maul will remain looking new after years of use. To crown it, Fiskars show you confidence in the quality of Iso Core 8lb maul by offering a lifetime warranty. Actually, the maul is job site tested and approved before release to the market.

Pros

  • Advanced blade geometry guarantees easy wood penetration

  • Two-faced design is versatile

  • Riveted, inseparable head offers excellent durability

  • Soft grip and smart design handle provides for hours of use

  • Handle flair provides for your security

Cons

  • Not as beautiful as handcrafted models

  • Missed strikes can break the handle over time

  • Plastic handle is light but has questionable durability

 

2. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe

Estwing Fireside Friend is a good alternative if for any reason you cannot buy the Iso Core. This 4-pound maul has advanced features that make it ideal for any homeowner or survivor. It presents a nice blue finish that masks its great quality and performance. The maul originates from America. It features premium steel forged into a single piece for unmatched durability. The lack of detachable parts is a blessing. It guarantees strength, durability and years of reliable performance.

The maul features a nylon vinyl handle that provides excellent grip. The handle is extremely good in absorbing shock thus adding to comfort during use. It does this by reducing vibration due to impact by as much as 70 percent. Handling the maul is easy due to superior balance and temper. At 4-pounds, Estwing Fireside Friend is one of the lightest mauls. It can be used by almost anyone who knows how to split logs with a splitting maul.

The maul features a rugged ballistic nylon sheath to ensure your safety. The tool has a tempered 2-3/8-inch cutting edge. This will penetrate through all types of wood, even the hardwoods, for easy cutting. It needs only minimal effort to split even wide logs. This will save you a lot of productive time.

Pros

  • High-quality grip reduces shock and vibration

  • Compact in design but lightweight

  • Single-piece forged design is strong and durable

  • Beautiful, hand-polished finish

  • Tempered cutting edge has incredible penetrative power

Cons

  • Handle is too short for taller users

  • Too light to split larger logs

  • Single-piece forging is great but limits versatility

 

 

3. Husqvarna 32" Wooden Splitting Maul

Husqvarna is a popular brand and for good reasons. They have not disappointed with their 32-inch wooden splitting maul. Permit me to say that this tool is crafted almost to perfection. From design to performance, this unit has an edge over other 32-inch mauls. The head weighs 6.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds shy of that of Iso Core by Fiskars. The heavy head and long handle give this maul superior balance.

It has a double-faced head made of high-quality steel. There is a wedge face for splitting wood and a solid hammer for driving steel wedges. The feature gives the tool high levels of versatility. You can use the tool for more than splitting logs. The long handle is crafted from hardwood. Coupled with a glossy finish, the handle looks luxurious.

The steel two-face head fits the handle perfectly through wood and steel wedges. This ensures the head strongly fits on the handle. Thus it will not detach despite extensive use. The maul will come with a nice leather sheath designed for its wedge. Such sheath protects the wedge from environmental elements. The result is years of service without corrosion or rusting.

Pros

  • Splits large logs fast and easy

  • Useful as a sled or in combination with splitting wedge

  • Handcrafted hardwood wooden handle

  • Well-balanced and works accurately

  • A leather sheath protects its wedge

Cons

  • The hardwood handle comes unfinished

  • Long handle locks out shorter users

 

4. Estwing sportsman's Axe 12"

In case you love to split firewood in style then go for the Estwing Sportsman's Axe 12". With a 12-inch handle, it is one of the most compact splitting mauls. The maul is so compact; you can even use it by a single hand. Similar to other Estwing mauls, this tool features single forged piece. The piece is made of strong and durable steel. Such design and construction material means the tool will take on tough woods, but never bow.

It features a weighted wedge design that will ease any chopping and splitting job. The wedge is very sharp and this will split all types of wood with a single strike. The other side of the face is a hammer for driving applications. These are features of versatility. You do not have to worry about discomfort during an extended splitting task. Estwing Sportsman's Axe 12" features a handle made from genuine stacked leather.

For optimal wood penetration, the maul features a sharp and geometric cutting edge. Most wood will split with a single strike that is well-executed. The cutting-edge measures 2-3/8-inch. Its compact size means you can carry it easily without attracting undue attention. The Estwing Special Edition is one of the most affordable splitting mauls in the market.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact in design

  • Stacked leather handle provides superior grip

  • Forged in a single piece for strength and durability

  • Sharp and geometric cutting edge for splitting efficiency

  • An affordable splitting maul

Cons

  • Handle too short for taller users

  • More strength required to split wood due lightweight design

  • Pockets on hammerhead not appealing

5. Truper 32415 12-Pound Splitting Maul

Truper 32415 may not match the quality and performance of the other splitting mauls we have reviews so far. However, it has salient features that set it apart as a great maul. Its strongest point is affordability. Are looking for a good quality sledge axe yet you have limited cash to spend? I bet Truper 32415 would be an ideal choice.

The tool has a massive 12-pound head with 27-inches handle. The heaviness of the maul makes it ideal for splitting large diameter logs. The weight of the head also means most longs will come apart with a single, well-executed strike. The handle feature medium length stainless steel construction. The handle is rubber guarded to prevent unnecessary slippage during use. Besides excellent grip, the handle is comfortable and ergonomic.

Handcrafting usually allow artists to pay attention to detail. Therefore, the results are always great quality. Truper 32145 is a handcrafted product of a Mexican company. Although made by hand, the maul features modern technology. The result is great balance and leverage. The technology ensures reliable performance of the maul in various applications. The combination of these features will guarantee you quick and efficient results.

Pros

  • Durable steel construction

  • Handcrafted for strong, durable and stylish finish

  • Splits large logs swiftly, easily and efficiently

  • Rubber guarded handle provides comfort and protection

  • A highly affordable maul

Cons

  • The heavyweight may not auger well with some users

  • The handle should have been longer

  • Comes with blunt blades

Conclusion

I know the information we provided you with is mouthful. Yet, it is what you need to make the right decision in finding the best splitting maul for your needs. Finding a high-quality splitting maul will guarantee you enough supply of firewood for any application. All the brands and models we have included in our review are tested for quality.

Although they differ in quality and performance, we believe they are the best considering their prices. They will deliver performances only comparable to those of extremely expensive models. Now the ball is in your courts. To buy one, simply click the link provided. You will see for yourself why we consider them the best. You can even read real customer reviews to help you make an informed choice.

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Best Splitting Axe – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Best Splitting Axe – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews



Best Splitting Axe - Buyer's Guide & Reviews

You’ll be surprised to see the versatile use of a good axe and how effective it can be. Whether you are a casual user or a pro at using an axe, this simple guide will help you to better choose the best tool for your wood. This is a guideline and review based on personal experience while using the axes as well as how other buyers have reacted to its usefulness. After going through this user guide, you’ll get a clear idea of what you should look for in your desired axe. Follow these step by step details to choose the right axe for your particular situation. At the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of exactly what it is that you want from your axe as well as what it is capable of doing. These are the best in the market right now.

Top 5 Best Splitting Axes

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Splitting Axe Vs Splitting Maul

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Best Splitting Axe Buying Guide

The first and foremost thing that you need to consider while buying an axe is your purpose. Why are you buying this axe? What are you gonna cut with it? How long do you wanna work with this axe?

Cause there are so many options for axes in the market. And if you don’t set your purpose straight you can’t get the best tool out of the market. Sure, there are plenty of multipurpose axe as well but that doesn’t give you the quality of service that you want from your axe or splitting maul.

After considering your purpose you need to consider your budget. You need to think for yourself how much you are willing to spend for a particular axe. Your budget allows you or stops you from buying any certain product so you need to set your budget carefully. Now that we have gone through the basics, let’s look at the specs that we need to focus on while buying the best wood splitting axe for you;

Length and Weight

Length and weight of an axe are one of the crucial factors. If you want to chop bigger and thicker pile of wood then you need to focus on a rather long and heavy axe. But if you want to cut down a small pile of wood and use your axe as a hatched then you need to move to a shorter version of the axe.

Material of the Axe

You need to review what the axe is made of. Both the axe head and the handle. Different materials give different advantages to the axe. Some make it sharper, some make it shock resistant and some make it heavier. Depending on your need you should consider which type of material would be the best fit for you. There are wooden handle, synthetic handle, polymer handle, ash handle and many other options while choosing your desired handles. And the head is mostly made out of forged steel but you need to review if it is laminated or not or if there’s any mix of the chemical in the head or not.

Style of the Handle

You need to decide whether you want a straight handle or a curved handle. Curved handle makes it easier to chop down the woods as it feels more natural in the hand. In the other hand, straight handles are easier to control but it creates more friction. So, if you wanna work for longer then curved handle should be the one for you but if you wanna get the work done quickly then you should go for the straight handles.

Bit of the Axe

Well, there is the two-bit option while purchasing an axe. You get to buy the single bit ones which are more like a knife and the double bit ones which are more like a dagger. You should select your bit depending on the purpose of the axe. If your work needs axe which has the blade on both sides then you should go double bit otherwise you should go for single bit axes.

Modern or Antique

You have to take into account whether you want a modernised axe or an antique one. If you want an antique one it might cost more penny and if you want a modern one then it might be more productive. You can go to a pawn shop to figure out whether it is an antique piece or not.

Top 5 Best Splitting Axe Review

If you have mastered these specs of buying an axe then you are good to go. All you need to do now is bring out your credit card and look through these following options. These are the ruler of the current axe market based on their performance and their receptions. Here is my top five best splitting axe reviews;

 

1.Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch

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  • check for any sign of breakage in the product as that would allow you to get an instant replacement.

  • check to see how easy it is to sharpen the head of the axe. The head is soft and sturdy at the same time making it easier to sharpen.

  • The wideness of the blade is debatable because it takes multiple chops for wider logs.

2.Estwing E45ASE 26-Inch Special Edition Camper's Axe-All Steel

 

  • check out the signature blue color in the handle. And who doesn’t love blue, right?

  • The axe might break down at the end if any faulty swings are made with it.

3.Estwing E44A 16-Inch Camper's Axe-All Steel with Shock Reduction Grip

 

  • All of the Estwing’s products have a very long lifecycle; this particular axe will last for decades.

  • Smooth blades make it easier to chop woods in one swing and do not stick to the wood.

  • Signature shock reduction techniques are added to this piece of art as well.

  • Easy to carry and light in weight so it’s a great addition to your camping bag.

  • Good for chopping small logs and medium sized logs.

  • Harder to cut semi-soaked wood with this tool.

  • One piece body makes the handle create more friction with the hand.

  • Can’t use the axe for chopping larger sized woods. It would take more time to do so.

4.Estwing E14A 12-Inch Sportsman's Axe with Leather Grip & Sheath

  • The handle is made out of stacked leather so it gives you superior grip on the axe.

  • A laminated coating is provided all over the axe making it immune to rusting.

  • Shock reduction grip makes you work with more ease without worrying.

  • The blade is super sharp and the curves are well balanced making it much easier to chop down big chunks of wood.

  • It can be used both an axe and a hatchet making your investment on it more worthwhile.

  • The leather cover on it is made in Taiwan which is kinda odd considering the whole thing is made in America and it’s a signature American thing.

  • It is hard to operate if you need more power or consider using both hands.

  • The ring area of the handle might leave a minor mark on your hands while using it.

5.Husqvarna 19" Wooden Splitting Axe

 

  • Heavy blade makes it easier to cut down a thick pile of woods.

  • It’s completely rust free making your tool last for a very long period of time.

  • The body is made of wood giving you the traditional feel of an axe.

  • The length and the weight are distributed in such a way that it takes less effort to cut down wood and you get a perfect swing every time.

  • The head can be easily sharpened as it is made out of forged steel.

  • The look of this tool is boring! They could easily make this axe into a fantastic looking one.

  • Some say the head of the axe is too heavy to handle.

  • The head tends to get stuck on the log.

Conclusion

So, my dear woodpeckers. It is obvious that these axe's are now ruling the axe market and you can’t really point out a best from these few. The best one for you actually depends on your purpose of using the tool.

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