Best Overall
Wen 56208 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter
Best Bang For The Buck
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe
Best For Kindling
Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter
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wave up next to a crackling Ellen Price Wood fire can be comfort , but the experience does n’t come cheap . Depending on where people populate , it is possible to pay off several hundred one dollar bill for acord(8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep ) of stock split and seasoned firewood . No wonder lots of folks attempt to bring through money by chopping their woods .
problem is , the tiresome , labor - intensive process of swinging an ax can offend the helping hand , shoulder , neck , and back . The resolution ? A log splitter ! While tree still have to be felled and edit out into log with a chain saw , a log splitter occupy care of the concentrated work of creating smaller pieces that will fit perfectly into a firebox .
Keep show to learn more about these helpful puppet and to notice out why one of the following models may be the best log splitter for making those wintertime chore easier .
How We Chose the Best Log Splitters
Anyone who has to split wood regularly will likely revalue the assistance give by a log splitter . Whether it ’s in the pattern of a sharp sword wedge or a strapping gas - powered exemplar , all splitters reduce the amount of forcible effort postulate to split logs for the hearth orwood - burning stove .
Our listing of good word gather the types of logarithm splitters usable and proffer the top picks in each category — manual , reflexive , gas - power , and galvanising splitters . Our testimonial offer an idealistic pick depending on the tonnage the substance abuser require and the size of the logarithm or piece of wood they are looking to part . In our research , we get hold of care to play up product that digest out in term of portability , since we appreciate that logarithm splitters sometimes demand to be hauled around to get the job done . As such , our picks all feature suitable Department of Transportation options , from towable units to one with wheel to others that are tripping enough to be carried around .
Our Top Picks
clock time to hold back out some of the best logarithm splitter uncommitted , opt for operation , quality , and price . Sir Henry Joseph Wood splitting needs alter , and some may necessitate a hefty gas log rail-splitter to split enough wood to last all wintertime , while others may require a belittled manual logarithm rail-splitter that serve only to further split quartered logs into kindling . No matter the needs , one of the following logarithm splitters should fit the bill .
beget up to 13,000 pounds of log - splitting force with the Wen 6.5 - ton electric automobile log splitter . This horizontal electrical logarithm divider include a 34 - column inch stall for splitting logarithm at shank level , or it can be placed on the ground to make adulterate large logs into the cradle soft . The birthplace features elevated “ wings ” to keep log stable and shorten the risk of a logarithm pluck out .
Because an galvanising model wo n’t sire smoke , the Wen logarithm splitter can be used in a garage or a shop , or with a heavy - duty extension service corduroy for backyard operation . The Wen boast a 20 - moment round time and is desirable for splitting logarithm up to 10 in in diam . Its wedge shape - shaped head splits logs into two one-half , which can then be shift in the cradle for splitting into quarters .
Get the Wen lumber splitter atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
For those willing to spend a little elbow soil , buying a logarithm divider does n’t have to let out the bank . Among the most manual of arms of all wood - splitting selection , the Fiskars break open axe weighs just 6.3 pounds and is 36.01 column inch high , making it well suited for tall users . Best of all , it comes at an affordable damage point .
The Fiskars ax is amply manual , but its innovative chamfer convex blade concentrates splitting power with each strike and also puddle it easy to pull the blade out of the wood if the rip is incomplete . This is a
balanced axe
, project to increase swing speed and multiply striking power . It come with a textured , nonslip grip to reduce hand fatigue .
Get the Fiskars lumber divider atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: depositphotos.com
abide just 9.5 inches high and weigh in at 9 pounds , the Hi - Flame logarithm splitter is designed for reducing larger piece from the forest pile into thin , kindling - size pieces , and its small dimensions make it suitable for transporting in a railcar or truck .
The Hi - Flame rail-splitter is made from bright - orangeness pulverization - coated steel and boast a sharpened upright blade weld to a stand home that can be position on the earth or bolted to the top of a logarithm stump for added stableness . Each side of the vertical blade features a slanted sword guide that direct the split wood at a diagonal slant to dilute the fortune of logs getting stuck on the blade . A mallet or maul is require for break enter the firewood .
Get the Hi - Flame log splitter atAmazon .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Best Manual
Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
If a manual feeler is preferred but the hope is to increase speed and reduce Labour Party while chop belittled logs ( up to 6.5 column inch in diameter ) , the Kindling Cracker firewood splitter is just the tag . This manual rail-splitter holds access billet while the user hit them with a
sledge
or mallet — no axe necessary . The Kindling Cracker splitter is designed to be bolted to a big board or even to the eye of a tough Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunk so it wo n’t move or transfer while in use .
Photo: amazon.com
The log is then placed into the circular steel holder , and the user hits it firmly , take the logarithm downward onto the steel
split up zep
. This fully manual divider does n’t necessitate sustenance , fuel , or electrical energy , so it can be used anywhere .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Kindling Cracker logarithm splitter atAcme ToolsorNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Vertical
Champion 25-Ton Full Beam Log Splitter
The Champion Power Equipment logarithm splitter provides the ability to change over quickly from horizontal to vertical performance , thus avoiding the pauperization to plagiarise large , heavy logarithm onto the carriage . This forged boy generates 25 net ton of ram force to effortlessly split up large logs up to 24 in in length that weigh up to 100 pound . The cycle time for split each log is just 11 second .
This is a gas - power splitter with a powerful 224cc single - cylinder engine that comply with Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and California Air Resources Board ( CARB ) regulations for low emission . Weighing in at a burly 434.3 pounds , this heavy - duty logarithm splitter is not easy to pilfer , but there ’s no need . It comes mount up on its wheelbase and includes an ATV / UTV 2 - inch clod hitch for pulling it into remote locations .
Get the Champion log splitter atAmazonorNorthern Tool+Equipment .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Compact
Kabin Kindle Quick Kindling Log Splitter
When storing a big log splitter is out of the question , view the Kabin Kindle quick log manual splitter that weighs just 12 pounds , is a bare 15.5 inches gamy by 9 inch spacious by 10.25 inches deep . This compact manual rail-splitter is portable and well suited to taking on camping trip or just to the
backyard
for break up minor log with a mallet or sledge .
Photo: northerntool.com
The Kindle Quick is made from solid cast steel in a tripod contrive for stability , and it comes with a acute hoagy blade in the center that rive firewood in two , reduce the amount of strike personnel require to split the wood .
Get the Kabin Kindle log splitter atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Commercial
Countyline 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter
The market for 25 - ton gas - power log splitters is very free-enterprise , and most machines in this category offer horizontal and upright operation . There are a couple of things that put this Countryline poser apart . First is the DOT - approved tires , so unlike many that can only be tow across fields , this one is road quick . Second is the first-class 196cc Kohler engine . It is a highly regard power building block known for reliability , easy starting , and comfort of maintenance .
The Countyline 25 - ton commercial logarithm splitter can deal logs up to 26 inches long in erect mode and 36 column inch in diam . The bicycle prison term is 11.5 seconds . The 8 - inch flame splitting hoagie is plan to be effective in both wet and distorted logarithm , which other machines can struggle with .
Get the Countyline 25 - long ton logarithm rail-splitter atTractor Supply Co.
Photo: amazon.com
Best Gas
Countyline 40-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter
When it come to high carrying out , few log splitters can contend with the 40 - ton gas splitter from Countyline . Like many gas models , this alternative has telling tunnage combined with horizontal or upright operation and a cycle sentence of just 9.5 second . That kind of rapid production induce for reliable performance for those who split logarithm for a sustenance .
Providing the power source for this beast is the 429cc Kohler CommandPro gas motor known for its reliability and lastingness . Despite the large content , it is a dispirited - care , scummy - emissions unit that is EPA and CARB compliant .
The chassis is fitted with DOT - approve pneumatic tires , so the Countyline 40 - gross ton log rail-splitter can be towed to wherever it is need .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Countyline 40 - ton log splitter atTractor Supply Co.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Log Splitter
The following gene may come into play when determining the best log divider for single needs — be it a gravid - scale power tool or a manual model . A manual hydraulic logarithm rail-splitter does require some trade union movement but not nearly as much as using an axe . galvanic splitters or gas - power models postulate only that the user lift the log into the cradle .
Types of Log Splitters
Although some are manual , many logarithm divider are heavy - duty tools that run on hydraulics . Hydraulic fluid is pumped through a cylinder to produce enough pressure to force a big sword bar — shout a ram — into the ending of a log . The ramsplits the firewoodinto halves or after part , depending on the eccentric of blade steel used .
Unlike manually swinging an axe , which practice force play and impact to split a logarithm , the best logarithm splitter use steady , even pressure , causing the logs to split slow and consistently . A hydraulic log rail-splitter comes in two basic configurations : horizontal splitters and erect logarithm splitters . Each of the hydraulic rail-splitter has its benefits and thoughtfulness .
This type of Sir Henry Joseph Wood divider features a horizontal bed or cradle onto which the logarithm is order . Using a blade ram , the rail-splitter pushes the log into a point sword vane at the other end , which splits the log lengthwise . Horizontal log splitter are the most common type and are comparatively easy to operate .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Horizontal splitter are generally adequate for splitting mediocre and smaller log up to 12 column inch in diam . Those planning to split a lot of large logarithm will encounter it can be difficult to lift and position them in the birthplace of a horizontal splitter . Both the weightiness and the cumbersome size and shape of the logs can take a toll on the back and shoulders after a while .
erect splitter offer a distinct advantage over horizontal divider for splitting large , labored log . With a vertical splitter , the logarithm is rolled over to the divider and then tipped up onto a flat steel denture that sit at ground degree . On a erect divider , the point steel is part of the ram itself .
When the ram is activated , its sword is forced into the end of the logarithm , separate it apart . As the sharpen ram splits the log , the slice descend to the sides , and the large stay on turn can be repositioned on the steel stand for further splitting . The best wood splitter for heavy logs typically operate on in a perpendicular position .
Photo: tractorsupply.com
A combo horizontal / vertical splitter propose the best of both earthly concern because it can be used to break up logs of all sizing , from small ones to enceinte , heavy ones . This eccentric of jazz band splitter varies slimly from a horizontal - only splitter in that the sharpened steel blade is put on the ram , just as it is on a erect - only splitter .
Manual vs. Automatic
Most log splitter operate on either gas or electricity , although manual models made of steel or stamp iron are also available . Each type is suitable for certain splitting jobs , and each has benefits and downsides .
Gas-Powered
If there is a lot of wood to split — or if there is a need to split Sir Henry Wood where there ’s no electrical sales outlet — a gas log splitter may be the best choice . Gas locomotive splitters are typically more muscular than electric splitters ; as a result , they ’re ready to hand for logarithm great than 12 column inch in diameter and hardtypes of firewood , such as reddish brown and maple .
The downside to a gaseous state log splitter is that it can be quite loud , so get word protection is recommend . Gas log rail-splitter also ca n’t be used inside a service department or workshop because they make hazardous fumes .
Electric
If splitting wood in the backyard , neighbors will be thankful for a quiet galvanic log divider . This type of splitter can also be used safely in a service department since there ’ll be no smoke to postulate with — or fuel to salt away . An electric log splitter is n’t as potent as a gas - driven one , so it ’s best suited to lumber diameter under 12 inches .
Using an electric logarithm splitter require the use of a lumbering - duty exterior extension electric cord , normally 12- or 14 - calibre , depend on the producer ’s recommendations .
Manual
A two - handed log divider whole kit and boodle manually — it still apply a hydraulic cylinder , but is n’t powered by gas or electricity . Instead , it comes with two long handle the drug user pumps back and forth to force hydraulic fluid into the cylinder to maneuver the ram . While using a manual log rail-splitter need some elbow joint grease , it ’s still much less work than swing an ax to split logs .
A second type of manual log splitter feature a splitter blade that face upwards in the center of an smoothing iron bearer into which a small logarithm ( about 5 inches in diam ) is positioned . The exploiter then hits the log with a pound or mallet to drive it down over the leaf blade , rive the access two . The splitter may need to be decamp down to a sturdy surface to keep it from moving when striking the logarithm with the hammer .
Tonnage
One of the first things many notice when shopping for log splitters is a reference to tonnage in merchandise epithet , such as “ 6 - ton ” or “ 20 - gross ton . ” Tonnage is the amount of major power the splitter uses to force the ram . The high the tonnage , the more muscular the splitter .
However , since there are no industry guidelines that regulate tonnage , there ’s no warranty that a 10 - long ton splitter from one manufacturer will provide the same force as others . This is where research helps . It ’s lively to choose a reputable brand and do some exploration into whether a splitter lives up to its advertised tonnage .
The information below cater a general musical theme of how much tunnage is needed from a logarithm splitter in terms of logarithm diam and wood hardness . Wood hardness is betray on the Janka weighing machine , and log made of concentrated wood are more hard to split . Keep the following tonnage ranges in psyche when selecting a splitter that accommodate the size of the log that regularly need to be divide .
Photo: istock.com
Cycle Time
Also called “ return cycle metre , ” this is the amount of clip it ingest the log rail-splitter to to the full extend the ram and retract it back to its start position . Most logarithm splitters feature 10- to 20 - second cycle times . Cycle time can change even on the same machine based on wood callousness and whether the logs contain a plenty of knot , which are harder than other portion of the log .
For professionalfirewoodproducers , a fast round metre means more log can be split in less metre , but for the average somebody who is n’t in a hurry , dull wheel time may be acceptable .
Auto Return
On most logarithm splitters , one lever tumbler is pulled and held down to exsert the ram , and then a second lever is pulled and held to retract the tup . While many DIYers happen this to be an acceptable way to split woods , the cognitive operation goes quicker if the log divider has auto yield .
With the auto - tax return feature , a log is place , then a undivided lever is depressed , and when the lever is released , the random memory counter to its retracted situation — there ’s no extra lever to hold down . This allow the user to quickly remove a split logarithm and set a new one on the machine while the ram is shrink back to its starting berth .
Portability
Most DIY logarithm rail-splitter sport two back bike useful for moving the splitter from one spot to another — just rise the opposite end and fight like a wheelbarrow . Larger commercial-grade - eccentric splitters are often build onto a laggard base that can be connected to the back of a pickup truck and tow into the woods for splitting logs on - site .
Compact log splitters save on memory board space and are typically still hefty enough to practice for part firewood for personal heating use . Maximum log length is limited , often to around 16 inch long , so a chainsaw may be necessary for swerve long logs to length . Manual splitters and splitting axis also take up less storage space than powered splitter .
On the small end , a manual splitting wedge shape may weigh as slight as 9 punt and be less than 1 foot all-embracing and tall . These compendious manikin are portable and often come with golf hole in the base so user can stabilize them by bolting them down to tree stumps . At the other terminal of the exfoliation , gas - powered splitters can weigh hundreds of pounds and come mounted on their prevue or wheelbase , some of which can be as big as a compact car .
Additional Features and Accessories
Log splitters are square in conception and do n’t number with a peck of bells and whistles . Their main aim is functionality , but a few extra features and accessories may be ready to hand .
FAQs
swing an ax to split logs is hard work and can quickly lead in sore arm and shoulders . Fire logsare an alternative , but spitting your logs is invariably more sparing . Whether powered or manual of arms , log divider are designed to concentrate some of the undertaking colligate with this undertaking . For those want an easier way to get the caper done , a few question are expected .
Q. How does a log splitter work?
The best log splitter work by forcefully push a log into a sharp blade or pushing a sharp steel at the end of a brand read/write memory into a log to separate it aside . Most log splitters are powered by electricity or gas motor , though some are manual . Either case may practice fluid mechanics to apply splitting force , though some manual models trust on the exploiter hitting the logarithm onto the brand with a mallet or sledge .
Q. How big of a log can a 25-ton log splitter split?
Most manufacturing business render a maximal log duration , which for 25 - ton logarithm rail-splitter is normally 24 to 26 inches . They may also give the maximal logarithm diameter or the weight unit of the logarithm . Much will depend on the forest that is being separate . For example , straight - ingrain pine is a lot easier to split than gnarly honest-to-god oak tree . As no two pieces of wood are the same and the maximum manufacturer ’s quotation mark may be in ideal circumstances , it makes sensory faculty to buy the most powerful machine available within your budget .
Q. How much power does my log splitter need?
Thicker and denser log , or logs that are still partly loaded , require splitter with more world power than is needed for small log , dry log , or softwoods such as cedar and pine . During our research , we attend at a variety of unlike exemplar and the size of the logarithm they were capable of splitting . While there are no exact trope , generally speaking , a 4 - ton splitter would be expected to manage logs up to 6 inches in diameter , whereas a massive 24 - inch tree trunk requires at least a 20 - ton divider , if not larger .
Q. What is the difference between a full-beam and half-beam log splitter?
Full - shaft splitter come with a cylinder mounted at the towing destruction of a large ray . Half - beam splitters mount the piston chamber in the center of the beam , which makes them more thickset . The latter run to be less expensive , though full - radio beam log splitter are usually more static for towing . There is a misconception that half - beam divider are less powerful than full - beam splitters . This is seldom the case , and we find that exemplar of up to 35 tons are wide available .
Q. Can you move a log splitter by hand?
It depends on the model . A quick look at our top picks reveal manual log rail-splitter weighing as lilliputian as 9 pounds . These usually have a built - in grip , make carrying them around relatively easy . By contrast , powered log splitters are pretty great and can be several hundred pounds for throttle - power simulation . A handle and large wheels will make moving a small divider easier , but the largest poser come mounted on trailers or their wheelbase for tow with trucks or ATVs .
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