Leaking Log Splitter

[bassJAM]

Have this splitter from a now defunct company. I share this with my dad, brother, and BIL, so over the last dozen years I think everyone has done some sort of repair.

Here's the splitter:


It's leaking on this threaded pipe through the threads on the cylinder return port (circled red below). I think the issue is the stress of pulling the valve handle ends up loosening the pipe/valve connection so now the entire valve assembly spins on the pipe. On the original design the "cylinder extend" line (dashed yellow above) was solid metal which I think helped keep everything secure, but at some point that's been replaced.



My initial thought was using fully threaded pipe and adding jam nuts to keep things secure, but (knowing very little about hydraulics) I'm going to assume these are tapered threads so that's not going to work?

My other thought was making a brace between the cylinder and valve (red below) and strapping the valve assembly (blue below) tight to the cylinder to prevent movement like this:



What other ideas, suggestions, improvements, does the GJ team have?

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Just tighten the damn thing up another turn or 2

 

[bassJAM]

Just tighten the damn thing up another turn or 2

It's just going to loosen up as I use it. I want a permanent fix.

 

[PCustoms]

It's just going to loosen up as I use it. I want a permanent fix.

Remote mount the valves, then use a hose with swivel fittings.

You can't really tighten it as is, the valve will loosen. Then to tighten the valve you need the hoses removed...

Also black iron ******* (likely cheap ones at that) really aren't right for hydraulics.

 

[blazemaster83]

All of this^

 

[Rinspeed]

Just relace the ****** with a quality one. McMaster Carr has a bunch of them in various lengths and you will most likely have it tomorrow morning.

 

[NUTTSGT]

The side opposite of the ram cylinder appears to have 4 mounting holes, probably full of dirt. I'd fabricate a steel mounting pad and some U-bolts to clamp it to the cylinder. Once it's in place, rearrange the hoses, just pay attention when you design the mounting plate.

 

[RTM]

If you look at online pix of splitters by Dirty Hands, you might be able to return it to its factory design, rather than the messy retrofits everyone did.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dirty-Hand-Tools-22-Ton-Gas-Log-Splitter/50223053

 

[bassJAM]

Remote mount the valves, then use a hose with swivel fittings.

You can't really tighten it as is, the valve will loosen. Then to tighten the valve you need the hoses removed...

Also black iron ******* (likely cheap ones at that) really aren't right for hydraulics.

Thanks. Looks like relocating it shouldn't be too bad, and I think I can turn the handle 180° so I can use the 4 mounting holes already on the valve.

 

[bassJAM]

If you look at online pix of splitters by Dirty Hands, you might be able to return it to its factory design, rather than the messy retrofits everyone did.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dirty-Hand-Tools-22-Ton-Gas-Log-Splitter/50223053

Part of the problem is this solid line that probably kept the valve assembly from moving is gone. And I'm not sure it was that secure of a mounting system to begin with.



Looking on another forum I'm not the first person to have this issue:

 

[bassJAM]

As suggested I relocated the control valve. Most importantly, I just happened to have a can of spray paint leftover from another project that almost perfectly matches the grey color of the beam for the steel plated I mounted it on! I split wood for about 4 hours on Saturday, no leaks and the ram control handle is still positioned in a comfortable spot.

 

[FTG-05]

Just relace the ****** with a quality one. McMaster Carr has a bunch of them in various lengths and you will most likely have it tomorrow morning.

This. My Huskee is connected the same way - but with a good steel fitting; see pic. It's never leaked.

 

[PCustoms]

This. My Huskee is connected the same way - but with a good steel fitting; see pic. It's never leaked.

I happened to walk by the front door at home depot a while back and was surprised to see they were all setup like this.

Also surprised to see the price tag, considering...

 

[larry4406]

@bassJAM I like your solid mount solution!

I am helping a friend of mine with that exact same Dirty Hands splitter and all its hydraulic leaks! His has the stainless steel "work line" that yours is missing.

 

[FTG-05]

I happened to walk by the front door at home depot a while back and was surprised to see they were all setup like this.

Also surprised to see the price tag, considering...

Oh and I forgot to mention: When I had the cylinder seals replaced several years ago, the rebuilder accidentally dropped it and it fell on the handle enough to break it. He made me a new handle, but the joint never leaked even after that.

 

[bassJAM]

@bassJAM I like your solid mount solution!

I am helping a friend of mine with that exact same Dirty Hands splitter and all its hydraulic leaks! His has the stainless steel "work line" that yours is missing.

I found out Dad replaced the cylinder and the old steel line didn't match up so he replaced it with a rubber line. I think that's the root of the issue with mine.

I also lost about 3" of stroke with the new cylinder, it doesn't matter to Dad but with my boiler I can fit really long logs so I normally buck logs much longer than him.