How to use a log splitter

by: Allen Foster, BestReviews Staff

Posted: May 20, 2023 / 04:47 AM CDT

Updated: May 20, 2023 / 04:54 AM CDT

IN THIS ARTICLE:

If you have a fire pit, a wood stove or a fireplace, you need wood to fuel it. While small branches may be sufficient for tiny, portable models, if you have anything larger, you will want to learn how to use a log splitter so you can build the best fire.

Believe it or not, the secret to splitting logs isn’t having a sharp instrument, such as an ax. It is better — and safer — to use a blunt, heavy tool that splits the wood but doesn’t cut it.

Many people use the terms chopping and splitting interchangeably. However, they are actually two different tasks that require two different tools.

When you chop wood, you are cutting across the fibers of the wood. To do this, you need a tool that’s slender and sharp. Conversely, splitting wood means you are prying apart the wood fibers — you do not want to cut through them. To do this, you need a heavy tool that is blunt and has a wide V shape.

If you use a tool designed for splitting when you are trying to chop, you won’t have much success because it won’t be sharp enough to cut through the log, which can be a safety hazard. It also will be too wide to get the blade very deep.

If, on the other hand, you use a tool designed for chopping when you are trying to split wood, the head will embed in the log without prying it apart, and you will quickly get frustrated.

You might think wood is wood — when set aflame, it will burn. While that is true to some extent, starting and maintaining a fire with split wood is just better because working with a split log gives you four distinct advantages over trying to use a whole log.

While there are definite advantages to using split wood in a fire, there may be instances when you choose to use whole logs. If you have an occasional smaller log, for instance, you could opt not to split it for safety reasons, such as not having the proper equipment to split small logs. Another reason to use whole logs is when light is more important than heat — a whole log won’t produce as much heat, but it will take longer to burn.

A splitting maul is like an ax, only it is blunt and wide.

With a manual log splitter, you need a sledgehammer to drive the log down onto the blade of a stationary tool.

An electric log splitter uses a motor to drive the log into a wedge.

Ryobi 5-Ton 15 Amp Electric Log Splitter

This 5-ton splitter is suitable for logs up to 20 inches long and 10 inches in diameter. It features two-handed operation for safety, and the heavy-duty steel frame is designed for durability.

Sold by Home Depot

Kabin Kindle Quick Log Splitter

The Kabin is a smartly designed manual log splitter made of cast steel. The base has four bolt holes for easy attachment to a stump and the extra-wide mouth and tall base help prevent jams.

Sold by Amazon

Razor-Back 8-Pound Wood Splitter with 34-Inch Fiberglass Handle

You can use this tool to drive wedges or split logs. It has a 34-inch fiberglass handle and a forged steel head for durability. This splitting maul is rugged enough for professional use.

Sold by Home Depot

Razor-Back 4-Pound Sledge Hammer with 15-Inch Fiberglass Handle

If you need a smaller sledgehammer to drive logs into a manual splitter, this forged steel model is a solid option. It has a 15-inch handle and a reinforced steel pin that securely holds the head to the handle.

Sold by Home Depot

Inno Stage Heavy-Duty Firewood Log Carrier

After the splitting is done, you need a way to transport your firewood. This scratch-resistant, waxed canvas tote bag can be carried by one or two people and holds logs as long as 23.4 inches.

Sold by Amazon

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

IN THIS ARTICLE:Split logs dry faster.Split logs are easier to light.Split logs produce more heat.Split logs are safer.Set up a work area.Place the log on end, and aim to split it in half.If you get tired, stop.Set up a safe work area.Place the log on the top of the splitter where it is held on end.If you get tired, stop.Designate a safe work space.Read the owner’s manual.If you get tired, stop.Sold bySold bySold bySold bySold by