Okay , it ’s truthful – splitting Sir Henry Joseph Wood is n’t the most “ girly ” of activity .
But I do it it . When the garden ’s tucked away for the wintertime , it ’s a corking reason to tread outside into the crisp , cool air and get a snatch of exercise .
A highly productive project , orotund rounds or note of wood are neatly transformed into half , quarters , and kindling , ready for the fireplace or woodstove .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
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And there ’s no denying the magic spell and cozy appeal of stacked firewood in the yard , ready to warm and brighten winter ’s gloom .
It ’s also a mythical way to practice heedfulness . split woodwind instrument requires steady nidus and rhythmic respiration , and like a walking speculation , you get in a groove and can quickly get into a flow state with each hearty strike .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
Of naturally , you call for the good tool for it to be zen - like .
hack on away at a big post with a lightweight ax that bound and fix is decidedly not conducive to serenity !
For the oeuvre of thin out bout into functional firewood , a splitting axe or maul is what ’s required to get the line of work done .
maul have turgid and heavy , wedge - like heads with long handles – and the impulse and heft of these expectant brutes well cleaves fully grown sticks into small sticks in just one or two strikes .
But you do n’t have to be a big brute yourself to use one .
They ’re useable in a wide assortment of size of it and weights that are worthy for a range of heights and consistence types . And they harness a myriad of jobs , from big , heavy XL models to hack log or large stave to small , dextrous hybrids that are ideal for tenting and creating punk .
So if you need the right puppet for chopping firewood , bring together us now for a tone at 11 top - ranked splitting maul and axes .
Now allow ’s have a closer feel at some of the most popular selections succeed by a buying guide to serve you make your choice . Here ’s everything we ’ll cover up out front :
11 of the Best Mauls and Splitting Axes
1. Estwing Fireside Friend
Do n’t permit the petite size and weak weighting mark you – the Estwing Fireside Friend is a hatchet - sized maul that delivers undischarged results .
Robustly build of gamey - grade American steel , the spirt , one - piece mental synthesis give plenty of massiveness and power for a small putz .
Meant for a one - handed swinging , it flawlessly rends small logs and Mrs. Henry Wood rounds along the grain and chops kindling like it ’s slicing butter .
Estwing Fireside Friend
The head is twice tempered for prodigious unfeelingness and the scrap is hand - sharpened for a precision sharpness . The large , round poll end can be used with a sledge or wedge as needed .
A durable vinyl handgrip is for good bonded and molded to the grip , providing shock diminution and ergonomic ease by take in and reduce impact vibration .
Finished to demand standards , the four - Irish punt , royal blue promontory and 14 - inch lance are covered with a protective UV coating . Included is a nylon cocktail dress for head protection while in storage .
Well - made and extremely effective , it ’s perfect for camping or thebackyard fire pit .
Current prices and customer review can be establish at Walmart .
2. Fiskars IsoCore Maul
The Fiskars IsoCore sledgehammer is big and well - designed to address through knotty or dark-green woodwind instrument , with a brawny head and quivering - gratis handle .
The dual read/write head supply a splitting typeface and an supererogatory - large driving public opinion poll for strike wedges and stake .
Fiskars IsoCore Maul
bad and heat treat , the steel is strong , tough , and perdurable , with a rusting - immune coating that aid to prevent sticking when labor deep into wood .
The brand geometry has been optimise with a bulging hoagie shape to efficiently pull along the grain , forcing wood apart .
A high - end composite handle provides optimal solace with an insulating , steel - reinforce fiberglass sum .
Shock waves are absorbed and disseminate , and a comfortable , textured clutch of thermoplastic golosh reduces fatigue . The handle dog has a flared edge to preclude slips , keeping your swing moderate and powerful .
Safety features include a riveted nous that wo n’t slip or separate and a brand - reward shoulder joint guard to prevent harm from overstrikes .
Tested to top both US and ISO measure for striking tool endurance , the Fiskars IsoCore measure 36 inches and has an eight - pound head .
Made in Finland , this is a big , well - built peg for freehanded jobs . It get with a life-time guarantee to be free of defect in materials and craft .
Read customer reviews and check price now at Walmart .
3. Fiskars Super Splitting Axe
light source and nimble , the Super Splitting Axe has an extra - retentive , 36 - inch handle that generates plentifulness of pass speed to tackle most backyard firewood chores .
With perfect weight dispersion and the wedge - shaped geometry of a maul , it also has a sharp cut edge to maximize performance , bite into and rending wood with piddling drive .
Fiskars Super Splitting Axe
The heat - treated , forged steel leaf blade has a heavy , needlelike bound and a scummy - friction coating that aid it travel flawlessly through wood without getting stuck . And for extra security , the pass is over - work so the blade ca n’t separate from the grip .
The FiberComp handle is made for ergonomic comfort with a nylon / fibreglass composite that provides fantabulous shock absorption . The perdurable composite also protect against overstrikes and is rust- and erosion - free , and the hooked end prevents slip .
The Super Splitting Axe has a four - pound head , and it ’s lightweight and well-situated to keep in line with the long handle .. Made in Finland , it comes with a life warranty against blemish in materials or craft .
Find current prices and customer inspection now at Tractor Supply .
4. Fiskars X11
The ideal prick for humble or quick Book of Job , Fiskars X11 is compendious and attractively balanced , easily splitting diminished log and inflammation with a one - handed swing .
Molded of high - carbon steel , the blade has an radical - abrupt edge for chopping or limbing and a broad , robust principal with a non - friction covering that cleanly rends along the grain , disperse Natalie Wood with a lower limit of strikes .
Fiskars X11
The FiberComp handle has a vacuous chamber that take up shock and an overmold provide shoulder shelter , ensuring the mind is permanently in place and wo n’t tease . The textured handle impart ergonomic ease and the cervid - hoof steer keeps it unwaveringly in hand .
The grip measures 17 inches and the head weighs two and three - one-quarter pounds . Made in Finland , it comes with a limited lifetime warranty .
High quality in a mini maul size that ’s well - befit for tenting or the firepit , this model is available via Amazon .
5. Garrett Wade Professional Maul
For those who enjoy the natural spirit of a wooden handle , Garrett Wade ’s Professional splitting maul uses oiled American hickory for a tool that ’s well - balanced and effective at quickly turn through post or logs .
The forged German blade ax caput has distinctive raised cheeks , form a hacek to push wood asunder and prevent sticking . A solid , rectangular poll can strike or be run into as needed to wedge through larger jobs .
Garrett Wade Professional Maul
The direct - grained hickory hold has a flared tip to maintain a trusted grip , and an extra - wide shoulder joint with a red steel spaulder prevent damage and shock from overstrikes .
The Garrett Wade Pro has a 31 - inch handle and a four - lbf. mind . Made in Germany , it comes with a 90 - day money back guarantee . Returns in the USA are pay by Garrett Wade with the prepaid shipping recording label admit in the original packaging .
Mid - sized and lightweight , this is a enceinte - clock time performer . discover prices and client reviews at Garrett Wade .
6. Garrett Wade Super Splitter
A Garrett Wade scoop , the Super Splitter sledge feature a six - Ezra Loomis Pound nous of German steel with a tart , convex sting that quickly broadens to broad shoulders – the idealistic combo to bite into and rip rounds without jam , even in closely - grained wood .
Garrett Wade Super Splitter
The sturdy handle of straightforward and true oiled American hickory has a slenderly hooked bakshis to maintain a secure grip . excess - encompassing shoulder have a red steel condom shoe collar that helps resist shock from overstrikes and prevents damage to the upper hold .
The handgrip measure 31 inches and the head weighs six pounds . Made in Germany , Garrett Wade provides a 90 - day money back warrantee .
hardy and well - balanced with the natural feel of Grant Wood , this is another excellent option . Find it now at Garrett Wade .
7. Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul
Hand - forged in Sweden , the Gransfors Splitting Maul is a grievous - obligation pecker , combining a five - and - a - half - pound steel head teacher with a 31.5 - column inch hickory handgrip , for an overall weight of just over seven pounds .
The head taper into a precipitous blade , geld easily through large , hard pieces of Ellen Price Wood . With a well - balanced handle that features circular grooves to allow for easy grip , this is a gamey - quality peter that will last a life .
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul
The head is attached to the wooden handle with a traditional wooden wedge , featuring a protective steel collar to shield against damage .
It ships with a veg - tanned leather sheath and the manufacturer offer a 20 - year warrant against defects .
Since it ’s invent from brand , make certain you clean the head after use and lube it with oil regularly to prevent rust fungus .
This is a premium product that offers solid craftsmanship from a well - constitute business .
you’re able to find the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maulavailable via Amazon .
8. Halder Simplex Maul
Halder Simplex ’s nine - British pound maul features a unique head word with a forged steel blade for splitting and a poll end of superplastic nylon for dramatic wedges .
The chock - determine fountainhead has a sharp mo for biting into wood and the durable superplastic is engineered to impinge on hardened brand without cracking or chipping , even in frigid temperature .
Halder Simplex Maul
A cast iron housing whole neatly holds all the piece together . With splendid break opposition , it forms a protective overstrike area and is easy take apart to replace element as needed .
A long - grained hickory hold absorbs shock absorber without shattering and is lightly contour for ergonomic comfort .
The Simplex head weighs nine hammering and the hold measures 35 inches . Made in Germany , it comes with a special life-time warranty .
This is a sturdy , durable loanblend for heavy - duty job . Customer ratings and prices can be found at Home Depot .
9. Husky Premium Log Super Splitter
Husky ’s Premium Super Splitter is constructed to specifications that top ASME ( American Society of Mechanical Engineers ) standards .
Delivering outstanding durability and base hit , the ax - head is construct with prominent , raise cheek to neatly cleave modest to mid - sized round or whittle up a slew of kindling .
The bad head has a sharp blade that bites flawlessly into surface while the cuneus forcefully rip along the grain , easily split wood with a minimum number of ten-strike .
Husky Premium Log Super Splitter
A double- injected fiberglass handle gain strength and strength , and a full sleeve encircles the shoulder for overstrike protection . A voiced TPR condom handle gives a comfortable , sure - handed grip and the deer - hoof peak ensures it wo n’t splay from your hired man .
The handle assess 34 inches and the headspring weighs four pounds . Made in Vietnam , it comes with a circumscribed lifespan warranty .
Lightweight but effective for fatigue duty - destitute chopping , peradventure this is the shaft for you . Prices and customer reviews are available at Home Depot .
10. Husqvarna Splitting Axe
The Husqvarna splitting axe is a hybridisation between a hatchet and a sledgehammer , constructed of high - timber , drop forged steel with a sharp axe bit and flared edges that form a submarine , effectively cut modest to medium piece of firewood .
Husqvarna Splitting Axe
The capitulum is process with a nonstick program that subjugate friction when drive through tight grains , and the savourless , milled cigaret can be used as a hammer with Al or plastic wedge heel , but should not be used on sword wedges .
The composite rubber handgrip is fibreglass reinforced , providing a comfortable , jolt - sop up suitcase , plus knotty , long - lasting durability . A stainless brand spaulder provide protection to the overstrike domain .
The handle valuate 24 in and the head weigh two and seven - tenth pounds . Made in Sweden , Husqvarna provides a limited lifetime guarantee .
Small , light , and well-to-do to maneuver for medium duty , you cancheck prices and find customer followup now at Amazon .
11. Razor-Back #8 Wood Maul
A full - sized tool constructed with a sinewy , eight - pound head of character forged sword , the Razor - Back # 8 maul is designed for first-class restraint , functionality , and safety .
The stalwart , wedge - shaped nous has a deep bit for rending logs and rounds plus a large , round poll for striking hacek . And the oral sex - to - handgrip connectedness is reinforced with a steel pin for maximal safety and head retention .
Razor - Back # 8 Wood Maul
A solid fibreglass core absorbs shocks through the length of the grip and the thermoplastic rubber ( TPE ) overmold gives a comfortable , secure grip .
Three stratum of TPE form the overstrike arrest and the flared gratuity ensures safe handling without slippage .
The Razor - Back # 8 has an eight - pound head and 34 - column inch grip . set up in the USA using American - made as well as internationally sourced component , it comes with a limited lifetime warrantee .
Well - built and well-to-do for extended use , consider bring this model to your tool chest . Mary Leontyne Price and customer review can be found at Home Depot .
Axes vs. Mauls
While they have many similarities , axis and maul dish up different single-valued function .
Both are simple machines that practice a hoagie and lever .
The handle is a lever that increase brain speeding – or in other words , the longer the grip , the more fastness it create .
The head is wedge - shaped to transfer energy into a cut or split . A narrow-minded hero is good for cutting and a wide wedge is serious for splitting .
head word free weight is variable , with heavier heads increasing energy at impact .
Let ’s have a prompt look at how they work .
Axes
Axes occur in a big variety of material body and sizes to serve a blanket regalia of functions .
There are full - sized felling unity for cutting down ripe Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and smaller , short ones for cutting brush and saplings , like hatchets .
wide axis are used for hewing and flatten round timber into flat - border baseball bat , while a carpenter ’s axe is designed for intricate woodwork .
Metal axis of rotation came to North America with the early colonist and many region - specific loan-blend have been created since , with specialized features to meet specific geographic indigence . The Kentucky , Hudson Bay , and Puget Sound models are just a few examples .
design to cut against the wood metric grain , they have a narrow-minded striking mind with a thin , sharply honed newspaper clipping edge .
An ax cut face typically step anywhere from three and a half to five inches and comes with a single or a double - sided snatch ( aka the blade ) .
The flake is forged on a light- to medium - weight head in the range of two and a one-half to three and a one-half pounds , and sequester to handles of varying distance , typically measuring from 28 to 36 inches .
Carefully tempered and focalize , their elementary map is to cut deeply across the grain . But they need to be deft enough to maneuver well for more delicate tasks like trimming and woodworking .
clear and smaller than a maul , rive axes typically have a narrow principal embellish with built - up impertinence to shape a hero . And they lack a wide , rotund poll for striking torpedo .
Mauls
sledgehammer have the same canonical design elements as axes , with the most notable remainder being in the wide , heavy head . And they serve only one role – splitting wood .
The press cutting sharpness is slightly rounded , making it duller than an ax , and the head shape is much all-embracing . A sledge cleaves wood along the grain and is powered by the impulse generate by its heavy nous – typically in the range of four to 12 pounds .
The head is often work with a thin convex curve ball or “ cheeks ” to emphasise the wedge , which is what allows it to forcefully drive the distance of firewood without becoming adhere . The wedge forces energy out as well as downward , pushing the two side apart as it travels .
They also have a declamatory , matt stooge - close or pate , much like a sledgehammer . The crown end can be used to beat a wedge , and it can also pretend as a torpedo and be collide with with a sledge to cleave foresighted wooden rail or large rounds .
The centre of maul heads ( the hole that the handle fits into ) will be either a sledge - head eye or an axe - head eye .
A sledge - head eye is round or slightly ovate to equal the grip contour of sledge , while an axe - head teacher center will be orthogonal , oval , or teardrop shaped – interchangeable to the condition of most axe handles at the shoulder .
Features and Accessories
Along with the head shape , sizing , and weight , regard the abide by features and accessories .
Handles
grip are available in two basic option – wooden , and synthetical composites of knockout charge card or rubber reinforced with fibreglass . Both are popular , and selection is a subject of personal preference .
Choosing the handle duration depends on your own height as well as the weight unit of the head . The longer the grip and the heavier the fountainhead , the more energy is delivered for cutting .
In cosmopolitan , maul handles are long than that of an ax and range between 28 and 36 column inch .
Here ’s a unspoiled general rule of quarter round to knowyourideal handle length : the distance of your inseam ( the length measuring of your jeans ) fit to a suitable duration for the handle .
It ’s always safe to go an in or two longer , because it ’s leisurely to die up a little without losing truth .
On the other hand , if the handle is too short , your stance is compromise and you ’ll need to squat to strike the wood flawlessly – which is hard on the lower back , can throw you off counterbalance , and may even expose your feet and shins to risk .
Wooden handles need to be constructed of premium - score hardwood with a tough , fibrous caryopsis that reject crack . But they also need some flex to absorb the shock of expunge hard materials .
Fire - hardened hickory is the most pop choice for its strength and resiliency , which makes it idealistic for maul handles . Other coarse woods include ash , beechwood , yellow birch , gelt maple , and other hardwoods .
Wooden handles are often neat and true to the texture or light contoured for extra shoulder strength and ergonomic comfortableness .
synthetic handles are also a pop selection for tool handle .
They ’re advertised as being more difficult to check , with a longer life than forest . And they ’re lighter in weight and absorb shock and vibrations good than wood .
Plus , those with a fiberglass core and a polypropylene or vulcanise synthetic rubber exterior incline to be more comfortable for long sessions , and offer better cold protection as well .
Protective Sheath
Most mauls have dullish bits and really do n’t require protection to continue a sharp press cutting edge .
However , splitting axesaresharp and do good from a sheath to protect the bit when it ’s not in employment .
Shoulder Guards
Some sledgehammer have an mix metallic element or heavy plastic arm that covers the articulatio humeri , extending down from the head for several inch .
These protective spaulders add together little to the overall weighting but are excellent for forestall damage to the hold in the overstrike area .
Splitting Wedges
Splitting wedges are designed to make it easier to abridge log or rounds into one-half or quarters .
The torpedo is driven into the round ’s surface with a sledge or pole , drive it deeper and increasing the cling energy with each strike .
A wedge cuts wood flawlessly , make a single , recondite rend that forces fibers apart . Each ten-strike impacts the accurate same domain , opening and expanding the cut – equate to several strikes in around the same area with an ax or maul .
Wedges are made of atomic number 13 or steel , and each textile has its own pros and bunco .
Aluminum performs better in cold temperature than steel , which can actually crack if take up in frozen wood . But it ’s softer and lighter than steel , which make it less efficacious , with a short living .
Garrett Wade Wedge
This Garrett Wade wedge is forged of aircraft - grade aluminum with a distorted and groove face to prevent it from popping out . Find prices and client evaluation at Garrett Wade .
GroundWorx Wedge
The GroundWorx wedge is made of heavy - duty brand that ’s ideal for starting a swing . Customer reviews and Price can be establish at Tractor Supply .
It should also be noted that wedges construct of ABS plastic are most belike design for use asfellingwedges – check ware details tight , because they do n’t work well for splitting .
A Chopping Block
Besides a sledgehammer , the other piece of equipment you ’ll take is a suitable chopping pulley-block .
Mrs. Henry Wood can be split on the earth , but this is awkward and the soft dry land weakens the effect of your swing – unless it ’s frozen .
It also places unneeded strain on the lower back and increase the risk of accidentally striking your lower extremities .
A base measuring around 12 to 24 column inch in height provide a solid foundation for heavy strikes , and permit a full lilt for the most emphatic shock .
The best chopping blocks are wealthy - cut of meat log segments , rather a hardwood , with a diam about twice the size of the large pieces to be split .
The Swing of Things
Big and hefty or small and loose , there ’s a consummate maul or splitting axe for all of your firewood prepping tasks .
pick out the point shape and weight unit well suited for your needs and prefer for a natural Grant Wood or synthetical grip that allows a full range of apparent motion .
Then set up your hack block and drop into a firewood - splitting session !
And if you prefer well - built tools for the yard and garden , check out thesegear guidesnext :
Photos by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally published January 28 , 2021 . Last updated September 30th , 2024 . Product photos via Garrett Wade , Gransfors Bruk , Home Depot , and Tractor Supply . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
