Wood Splitting Tools: Maul, Wedge, Axe, & Hatchet

pizza · May 18, 2020

i seek guidance from the wood splitting tool aficionados out there..

right now, i have a husky 8lb maul: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...th-34-in-Fiberglass-Handle-HD-MF8LB/206768949

and whatever wedge was available from HD when i bought it.

the husky maul works OK but not great. i think the best thing it has going for it is its heft. either i **** at splitting wood, or this thing's profile is too wide and wedge-like. probably both.

i'm looking to try some nicer tools.

beakie said:
Fiskars X32 or whatever size you like, best of both worlds for splitting.
light, well ballanced, lasts a long long time, hardly ever gets "stuck".

1. a maul is great for tough/knotty woods, but ***** *** when it's clean/green/cold wood... it's just wasted energy swinging around 2x or 3x the weight needed to do the job.

2. an axe is great for what a maul is not, but will get stuck in tough/knotty woods and you waste time & energy trying to get it out.

3. kindling is best left to a hatchet... but it's a learned skill to become proficient with one. easy to lose a finger getting brave with one, but once good it's easy to knock out plenty of kindling when need be.

4. a good height is whatevet works for you. some say on the ground, others like knee height or even higher.
me I like about 15" high, give or take whats available.

5. learn how to swing, it can make a huge difference in how much of a workout you get, how tiring it is, how sore you get, etc.
...

i think that this is good wisdom. i'd like to pick up a new maul, wedge, axe, and hatchet.

i'll be using the tools mostly in the midwest (WI, IL, and MI). who knows, i might use them out west some too in CO or CA if i spend a summer there.

lately, i've been splitting red oak, white oak, and maple.

here are some tools i'm considering:

Maul:
Ochsenkopf OX 635 H-3009 (Big Ox) Maul 3kg head, 4.2kg overall
https://www.ochsenkopf.com/en/products/axes/splitting-hammers/

Wedge:
Ochsenkopf OX 41-1000 Twisted Aluminum Wedge
https://www.ochsenkopf.com/en/products/wedges/
i like the idea of an aluminum wedge for safety.

Axe:
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe (36")

Hatchet:
Estwing Fireside Friend Axe - 14" Wood Splitting Maul
ok, maybe not technically a hatchet. it's like a mini maul?
it's just like, it's just like, a mini-maul:

what are your favorites? i know there are many other good companies including helko. thanks, guys.

measuredtwice · May 18, 2020

FYI, Farm and Fleet has the Fiskars on sale. Some of the prices are lower than Amazons.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/axes-picks-striking-tools/

I haven't tried Fiskars. Just a heads up.

I have a little Estwing for kindling. Don't recall the brand for my maul.

Mohawk Dave · May 18, 2020

Fiskars X27: I have lots of good axes in different shapes/configurations etc: Norland, Swedish, USA, etc... But my X27 is probably the most used. (I love a good hickory handle more however), but that X27 is so damn easy to swing and use. It is probably the most bought/used axe by camping dudes, prepper dudes, outdoors dudes, etc. They used to be made in Finland, but I don't think they are anymore and don't really remember the details. Double check me on that.Edit: As of 2019, Amazon Q&A said they are still made in Finland.

(I also bought another Fiskars axe, I think the next size down, at a yard sale and it had been beat up, left outside, has battle wounds all over it, and it still keeps on kickin. Those handles are way more beefcake than I would've thought. I'm actually impressed.)

Hatchet: I'd look at Fiskars. (I have a nice Gerber with the tree saw in the handle that I keep in the camping truck, I have an Estwing which is strong but I do not like metal handles, and I have other old nice USA and EU hatchets...but still never fell in love with one)

Wedges: I have steel and aluminum, I like steel, and I like a regular wedge, not the 4 sided one. But I do a lot of pine simply b/c that's what is always free and plentiful around here.

I have an old maul that I put a new handle on, works but I have nothing to compare to, so I can not give an opinion on that front.

Ole Slewfoot · May 18, 2020

With the maul and wedge, weight is your friend, and I wore out enough steel wedges I don't think I'd spend money on an aluminum one.

Fiskars are indeed pretty great.

Estwing hatchets hold up better to throwing, but I have not seen one of those maul ones.

Again with the maul, its mostly about weight, I never felt a fancy design made much difference, but some protection at the base of the handle is good, and I like an oval profile so you have tactile feedback to keep the tip aimed straight on. the all steel round handle ones are very robust, but I get off angle and waste energy more often with them. the most important thing is to become proficient ambidextrously to alternate left and right swings without losing rhythm.

I may not be an aficionado, but I did spend 17 years in a house where heat for cooking, hot water, and space all came from wood.

Fatboy148 · May 18, 2020

Mohawk Dave said:
Fiskars X27: I have lots of good axes in different shapes/configurations etc: Norland, Swedish, USA, etc... But my X27 is probably the most used. (I love a good hickory handle more however), but that X27 is so damn easy to swing and use. It is probably the most bought/used axe by camping dudes, prepper dudes, outdoors dudes, etc. They used to be made in Finland??? IIRC, but I don't think they are anymore and don't really remember the details. Double check me on that.

(I also bought another Fiskars axe, I think the next size down, at a yard sale and it had been beat up, left outside, has battle wounds all over it, and it still keeps on kickin. Those handles are way more beefcake than I would've thought. I'm actually impressed.)

Hatchet: I'd look at Fiskars. (I have a nice Gerber with the tree saw in the handle that I keep in the camping truck, I have an Estwing which is strong but I do not like metal handles, and I have other old nice USA and EU hatchets...but still never fell in love with one)

Wedges: I have steel and aluminum, I like steel, and I like a regular wedge, not the 4 sided one. But I do a lot of pine simply b/c that's what is always free and plentiful around here.

I have an old maul that I put a new handle on, works but I have nothing to compare to, so I can not give an opinion on that front.

.

I agree with the Fiskars splitting “maul”. When they first came out, they only had the short handle. They then released the longer handled version so I had to have it. At 5’8”, I use the short version more than the longer handled unit. Having said that, I do most of my splitting either on my neighbor’s processor or my Iron and Oak gas powered splitter.

I disagree on the Fiskars hatchet. I don’t really like it as it’s not heavy enough to do any work. For kindling, I like the

https://www.kindlingcracker.com/

I bought the first King Kindling Cracker for my son who has young boys in the house and I didn’t want to see them smash their hand with a hatchet, axe or splitter. I then bought one for myself and my daughter. I purchased from Northern when they had their free shipping and $10.00 off $50+. I have a five or six pound sledge with maybe a 24” handle that I use for this.

As far as wedges go. I would be sure to have at least two. One can/will get stuck and you will be SOL and struggling!

ETA Northern link:

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_kindling-cracker

The put the King on sale for $89.00, then another $10.00 off w free shipping.

joshmodelskidoo · May 18, 2020

Only fancy log splitting tools we had was a 22 ton log splitter. Aside from that a plain maul and a duel head axe. We never found a log that splitter wouldn’t split. I believe it was a 2 speed or 2 stage dad said once when i was a kid. It wasn’t fast by any means but if you could pick it up it would split it. Had knotted pine you couldn’t get your arms all the way around that we split at a buddies house

seber · May 18, 2020

Learning how to swing the maul is the best answer. I'm a skinny retired desk worker but I can swing a maul all day. With the right technique it isn't any trouble at all. Slide your guide hand up to the head when you lift and slide it back as you swing. Pull the haft slightly toward yourself as you swing to increase the power without increasing force. The top of the piece to be split is ideally about waist high. I was able to ring the carnival bell when I was a 90 pound high schooler using the technique.

jonshonda · May 18, 2020

That Fiskars X27 get the nod from everyone, even the boys who like the high end stuff.

I enjoy vintage finds much more then I do buying new (when possible). I have late 1800's and early 1900's splitting equipment that I put new hafts on, and I really enjoy using. It is fun to pick out and find good hafts amongst all the junk in the store. I scrape the sealer off, sand it, burn the grain, stain, and BLO. All my splitting equipment when hung on the wall looks exactly the same vs. handles of different color, material etc! Actually all my garden/yard tools with wooden handles look exactly the same due to having the same treatment applied to them.

lilredex · May 18, 2020

My splitting tools are a steel wedge, a hammer, a chainsaw and that maul shown in the first post.

For the bigger pieces, cut an "X" in the end about an inch deep (chainsaw), then use the wedge and hammer to break down into four pieces. It is now easier to go further with the maul if need be.

A long time back, I used to just beat them with a maul with very limited success. Then I saw the wedge technique demonstrated, watching an old episode of "The Rifleman" when a guy dressed as "Abe" was showing Mark how to easily do it.

the intimidator · May 18, 2020

My votes on the fiskars as well not very often I need to get a wedge out.. That being said I'll also cross cut crotches and really knotty stuff to make splitting easier

Dave455 · May 18, 2020

I do a bit..

My thoughts -

Maul - that’s not a brand I own but if the steel is good it looks like a good tool. The reinforced handle is a must!

Wedge - I’d go for a steel one. Make sure you have a comfortable sledge hammer to hit it with!

Axe - in my experience Fiskars don’t produce brilliant stuff, but I haven’t used that exact tool. I’ve seen the smaller version in the same style and they’re not great. They may work well as a relatively blunt instrument, but don’t take a good edge. Bear in mind that you already have a splitting maul, so your axe can be a good deal finer. I like Gransfors, but there are any number better than Fiskars.

Hatchet - the Estwing looks like a great tool, in fact I was thinking of getting one myself, but it doesn’t replace a small hatchet (think about splitting kindling for example). Again, Gransfors are the winners here I reckon, but plenty of choices.

Also consider a ‘wood grenade’ if you have them in the U.S. On some sizes of logs these are just great, and do everything with one smack!

SteveCh · May 18, 2020

I probably have a dozen mauls and axes I've used over the past half century. My favorite was always a double-bitted axe, just felt perfect when swinging it and I've put at least three handles on it over the years.

Then I was perusing Bailey's catalogue and bought the shorter Fiskar's, I believe they didn't offer the longer one til later.

At first, it felt a bit awkward after those years with the double-bit axe. But after a little time, a couple days' use, it felt good. Since then, I haven't used anything else. I haven't had a chance to use the longer [X27 I think it is] Fiskar's. I am so comfortable with the original, I stick with it.

Once or twice a year, I'll grab the double-bitted and split a few rounds, but then I put it back aside and go back to the Fiskars. They also sell an inexpensive sharpener, and since buying one of those, I haven't picked up a hand file for the axe.

2oolhound · May 18, 2020

seber said:
Learning how to swing the maul is the best answer. With the right technique it isn't any trouble at all. Slide your guide hand up to the head when you lift and slide it back as you swing.

I agree getting a good technique is important but my technique has no place for this "sliding your hand up near the head to lift" business. This would indicate you stop your chopping action after the swing and you have to raise the ax or maul with your arms. That's a waste of time and energy. You swing down with full force and as the wood splits you pull the head out and keeping your hands at the end of the handle using the momentum to arc the head in a huge circle and up and around for another swing just as hard and fast. You move around the block like it was a clock without ever stopping the ax. (you have to have a clear path around the block). In 30 seconds you've split a 20" block. When you're doing a block that splits easily just hit the outside edge so you split the wood but don't stick your ax into the chopping block below. I'd split the round that was on the chopping block then split rounds that were just laying around on the ground on their sides. With enough momentum your ax will split those too. In a few minutes you'd have to stop and pile the split wood because it was difficult to walk. That ax head should always be moving fast and never stop. I hated watching guys split one piece at a time. Oh, and make sure there's no one around in case the head flies off or something

seber said:
Pull the haft slightly toward yourself as you swing to increase the power without increasing force. The top of the piece to be split is ideally about waist high.

This is good, pulling the head towards you just as it hits also creates a slicing motion but you still are aiming for the bottom edge of the round (don't want to pull too much and hit yourself in the shin). This slicing motion is really great for just chopping wood like making notches in the side of a log.

And of coarse if the head sticks in keep the swing in motion while flipping the whole round right over your head and down onto the block with the back of the ax head hitting the block 1st. The wood usually splits that way but you also may need to wedge or grab another ax and go at it from the other side of the round.

Rinspeed · May 18, 2020

The old Sotz Corporation's Monster Maul was the **** back in the day, I've seen them on Ebay and they go for pretty good money but they worked very well. The company is long out of business.

Trapps · May 18, 2020

I have been using a Stihl Pro Splitting Maul with success on maple and pretty knotted up pine. Granted it's all aged between 6 months and 14 months; the older stuff is easier.

Ton ton · May 18, 2020

OT, but nice canoe, Trapps.

PMD1966 · May 18, 2020

Made my own version of a Monster Maul. Weighs about 40 pounds. Will split just about anything with one hit.

AZ Pete · May 18, 2020

Rinspeed said:
The old Sotz Corporation's Monster Maul was the **** back in the day, I've seen them on Ebay and they go for pretty good money but they worked very well. The company is long out of business.

Another Monster Maul fan, here. I heated with wood for about 10 years. I cut wood for a couple of neighbors too.

I started with wedges and 8# sledge. Then someone bought me a Monster Maul, I never had use for the wedges after that. They are heavy, but do a great job.

pizza · May 18, 2020

thanks for the suggestions, everyone. both on tools and technique.

Trapps said:
I have been using a Stihl Pro Splitting Maul with success on maple and pretty knotted up pine. Granted it's all aged between 6 months and 14 months; the older stuff is easier.

this appears to be a rebrand of the Ochsenkopf OX 635 H-3009 (Big Ox). i wonder which i can get for cheaper. i think i'm pretty much set on this maul. i love the way it looks, and i can't find any bad reviews of it. nice wedge geometry, it has kind of a hook on the bottom for dragging stuff, and the handle looks great. the red band (rot band) metal handle protector seems well designed also. i have a gedore hammer featuring the rotband, and it's one of my favorites. such a nice handle, seriously!

https://www.kctoolco.com/gedore-600-ih-500-engineers-hammer-rotband-plus-500-g/
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000UYUMDG/

Rinspeed said:
The old Sotz Corporation's Monster Maul was the **** back in the day, I've seen them on Ebay and they go for pretty good money but they worked very well. The company is long out of business.

i've seen some similar looking mauls, but i don't know how they really compare:
Mintcraft Pro 32911
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mintcraft-Pro-32911-Wood-Splitting-Maul-12-Lbs/382292008063
Ironton Heavy-Duty Splitting Maul — 12-Lb.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200621546_200621546

measuredtwice, i don't have a farm and fleet super close to me, but i'm driving to a friend's cabin tomorrow. maybe there will be one on the way. i think i will get a fiskars x27.

Fatboy148 said:
For kindling, I like the

https://www.kindlingcracker.com/

I bought the first King Kindling Cracker for my son who has young boys in the house and I didn’t want to see them smash their hand with a hatchet, axe or splitter. I then bought one for myself and my daughter. I purchased from Northern when they had their free shipping and $10.00 off $50+. I have a five or six pound sledge with maybe a 24” handle that I use for this.

nice! i actually saw someone using that thing in a movie or documentary, thought it was a great idea, and forgot all about it. i'll probably get one.

another intriguing option is the leveraxe

https://leverax.com/
i wonder between that and the kindling cracker which is the better system for busting wood into kindling. anyone here ever use one?

Downwindtracker 2 · May 18, 2020

I like a splitting maul with a axe handle, I find it easier to control. That is the secret to splitting, where you hit it.

pizza · May 19, 2020

Fatboy148 said:
...King Kindling Cracker...I purchased from Northern when they had their free shipping and $10.00 off $50+....
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_kindling-cracker

The put the King on sale for $89.00, then another $10.00 off w free shipping.

i'm seeing the King/XL for $129.99

i just bought one! looks great, thanks again for the rec.

used coupon code (they call it "keycode" i guess because they're special) 269021.

northern tool said:
This keycode entitles you to $20 off your purchase over $100. *Not valid with other offers. Excludes: gift cards, Advantage memberships, prior purchases, shipping and tax. Offer expires 7/28/20.

it came to $109.99 + tax if applicable, shipping was free

Downwindtracker 2 · May 19, 2020

I've picked up splitting mauls at the fleamarket, when we had one, for $5, and replaced the handle. I like the ones with an elliptical shape. I do sharpen it, but not axe sharp. What I work at is polishing the two faces. Having said that, my favourite ones are hydraulic .

Trapps · May 19, 2020

Ton ton said:
OT, but nice canoe, Trapps.

Thanks - I could post a whole thread of canoe trip stories. Sadly, it's been 2 years since it has been in the water. :sad:

pizza said:
...
this appears to be a rebrand of the Ochsenkopf OX 635 H-3009 (Big Ox)...

I did not know this, but I'll agree it's a great tool! Handle fits my paws perfectly. And that sleeve is seemingly indestructible, even with my technique which is way more 'thug' than 'finesse.'

bas157 · May 19, 2020

I'd say the Fiskars X27. I also have the Fiskars splitting maul but use the X27 about 95% of the time. if I can find a Monster Maul for cheap, I'll pick it up. I've seen knockoffs of the Monster Maul but no idea how good they are or if it is just crappy steel in those.

Dredwolf · May 19, 2020

Even though we are in the "mild" south, we heat with our wood-burning insert since 2008.

I have split a lot of rounds, and even though I bought a hydraulic log splitter a few years ago, I still swing a maul a lot. The best has always been my father's Craftsman 8lb with a fiberglass "straight style" axe handle. That handle is finally splintering in the eye now, so I have tried many others, and it seems the blade grind is always wrong. I'm still searching for the replacement handle for the Craftsman.

This winter, I bought a Husky 8lb maul like the OP, and have been slowly working on the blade grind with a hand file, trying to get it to match the old Craftsman maul profile. It is much better now and does not stick like the the Roughneck maul that makes a better doorstop than maul.

There is a lot to be said for technique, though. My father taught me in my pre-teens, after I was amazed at his "single swing and the oak explodes apart" technique. I have not really thought about it in years, but this winter, my 24 yr old son-in-law was amazed at his 50+ father-in-law making quick work of oak rounds from the same tree that were taking him 5+ strokes to split.

So I tried to show him how I did it, and with him intensely studying what I was doing, he said it looked a lot like a classic Samurai two handed sword chop, with stepping into the down stroke as the maul passed over my right shoulder. He was about to test his observations when my daughter came over after seeing us talking, and informed her husband that he seemed to be doing all the swinging with his arms and "Dad is putting his whole body into it". She promptly picked up the maul, struggled a little with the weight, but busted a 13-14" round in two swings, and went back to the house.
After we both recovered from that display, he tried to copy what I was doing, and by the second round, I was hearing the distinct sound of a splitting maul doing its job on red oak.

I'll admit looking at the Stihl Pro maul several times, after getting the Stihl Woodcutter hatchet to hang off the belt for my chainsaw chaps.

My wife uses a Gerber/Fiskars hatchet for the kindling, but I have been looking at a Kindling Cracker for her.

Ton ton · May 20, 2020

My grandpa could split wood with a single swing even though he had arthritis pretty bad.

bczygan · May 20, 2020

I use a froe.

Bill

Fatboy148 · May 22, 2020

pizza said:
i'm seeing the King/XL for $129.99

i just bought one! looks great, thanks again for the rec.

used coupon code (they call it "keycode" i guess because they're special) 269021.

it came to $109.99 + tax if applicable, shipping was free

Oh man....

It’s back......

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8521188#post8521188

I see this is your thread. Just to tie the two together.....

Wood Splitting Tools: Maul, Wedge, Axe, & Hatchet

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