If you have a fireplace or a pizza oven that uses firewood, you will agree with me that one of the things that can give you a headache is splitting logs. Unless you have the best log splitter, you will always loathe the imagination of using unreliable methods to split logs. You can even avoid the enjoyable act of warming yourself at your fireplace during cold seasons like winter. But did you know that there are more advanced tools that can make your work easier and fast hence enjoyable? Well, I thought you should know.
There several log splitters in the market, and if you select the best, then you will enjoy splitting your wood into firewood and even make your neighbors envious of you. You, therefore, must be cautious when choosing these tools and come up with the most suitable. You may try several of them until you get what you want. But do you have all the time and resources to do a trial and error? Most likely, you don’t have. That is why this guide is here to help you know what to look for, pick the best tool, and answer those FAQs that may help you. READ on and pick what suits you from the attached list:
Factors to consider when choosing the best log splitters
A log splitter is a device that is used frequently, especially if you have a fireplace that uses firewood. You will, therefore, need to be cautious when buying the tool. The following factors will assist you in choosing what is ideal for you:
- Horsepower or Tonnage
Tonnage is the power necessary to drive the wedge, and it determines the number of logs that you can split into woods. Strength, on the other hand, will determine the time it will take for you to complete this task. The more the horsepower, the less time it will take and vice versa.
- Cycle time
The amount of time taken for the log splitter to reset after chopping the wood is vital when it comes to efficiency and functionality. The shorter the cycle time, the faster and the more comfortable is the tool. Most splitters have a cycle time of twelve seconds, and you, therefore, need to compare different ones.
- Vertical or horizontal operation
The positioning of the splitter tool, whether vertical or horizontal, is also necessary for determining the amount and speed of work it does. Although vertical splitters do not have much power like the horizontal ones, they are more convenient. One does not require lifting logs onto the machine, and it is, therefore, easy to load more substantial pieces of wood. It is also easy to use these tools if you are working on a sloppy surface.
- The material of the splitter
When choosing this vital tool, it is necessary to look at the content making it. It must be durable, easy to maintain as well as comfortable to handle. Steel is one of the elements that do not require maintenance since it is stainless. Hence, the tool will be long-lasting.
- Portability
If you need to split pieces of wood from different places or if you are sharing the tool with your neighbors and relatives, then this machine must be lightweight and portable. Large splitters may be equipped with wheels for smooth movement. It is also necessary to look at the ease of lifting the tool onto a vehicle or a truck. The size is also crucial since a smaller device is more comfortable to move.
- Your budget
A log splitter is a tool that requires to be long-lasting and efficient in its operations. You will, therefore, need to save enough money to purchase this machine. A device that has a better quality may cost more than one with a lower quality.
- The type of tool
When purchasing a wood chopping machine, you should consider the nature of this tool. If you cannot easily access electricity for operation, a manual tool is ideal. Conversely, If on the other hand, you reside in a place where power is readily available, then an electric splitter is perfect for you.
Top 6 log splitters in 2020 (Best Picks)
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top log splitters from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details and price.
Summary of the best log splitters
We understand that you may not be able to try several tools until you get the best due to the challenge of time and money. For this reason, we have tested and verified the best six of these machines. See the list below and choose what is right for you.
Product name | Features/Benefits |
CJ601E 14-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder | A powerful tool that chips and shreds branches effectively Turns branches and twigs into mulch Has wheels for easy portability Has locking knob for safety Two-year warranty |
Kindling Cracker Firewood Kindling Splitter | Safe and easy to operate Shreds firewood with less force than a standard axe 6.5 inch inside diameter High quality cast iron Maintenance-free |
Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe, 28-inch | Ideal for splitting medium-to-large-sized logs Designed for maximum efficiency Perfect balance and power-to-weight ratio Shock-absorbing fiber comp handle Lightweight and strong |
Estwing Sure Split Wedge – 5 – Pound Wood Splitting Tool | A weighted wedge design Allows extra wedge action and sledge Perfect for campers, hikers, hunters, and all outdoor enthusiasts Honed cutting for quick wood splitting |
Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton | Powerful 2 HP electric motor 7-tons splitting force Comfortable one-handed function Automatic ram return Hydraulic pressure Two-year warranty |
Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder, Green | Ideal for converting branches and twigs into nutrient-rich garden mulch Powerful 15-amp motor Compact design with 6-inch wheels for easy portability Safety hopper with locking knob 2-year warranty |
1. CJ601E 14-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder
This wood splitter is a powerful tool that can generate speeds of up to 4,300 revolutions per minute. It efficiently and effectively chips wood and branches of up to 1.5 inches thick, turning them into firewood. Did you know that you can turn wood chips and debris into nutrient-rich garden mulch? Well, with chipper Joe you can reduce, reuse and recycle these unnecessary items into effective mulch for your flowers and trees and hence leave you compound litter-free.
Wood splitting can sometimes be unsafe when using the wrong tools since you can easily injure yourself. But with chipper Joe, you are assured of your safety since it has a safety hopper locking knob for preventing the motor from operating when it is opened. The device also has a reset button for the prevention of overloading the tool.
Features
- Powerful 14-amp motor
- Generates speed of up to 4,300 RPM
- Has a safety hopper locking knob
- Effectively turns debris into nutrient-rich garden mulch
- Compact design with 6-inch wheels for easy portability
Specifications
- Weight: 25.4 lbs
- Reduction ratio: 16:1
- Cutting diameter: 1.5 inches
- Motor: 14 amp
- Color: green
- Item dimensions: 37.5 x 17 x 19 inches
Ideal for chipping your wood and clearing your yard!
2. Kindling Cracker Firewood Kindling Splitter
You no longer have to use ax when creating kindling for your campfire, fireplace, pizza oven, or wood stove to avoid the risk of injury. With kindling splitter, you will easily, quickly, and safely get what you want. The device has a patented design, and it is made of high-quality cast iron making durable and sturdy and hence can be used by many generations. The tool is safe to use since it does not have any moving blade or sharpened object passing by your hands.
If you have ever used a sharp axe to split wood for your pizza oven, fireplace, campfire, etc., then you know how hectic and risky it can get. But this kindling cracker has a 12inch.H cast iron frame that enables you to place a piece of firewood inside the ring. You will, therefore, hit it with a blunt object such as mallet or hammer driving the wood down to the splitting wedge. The piece effortlessly and quickly splits into the perfect firewood for your use.
Features
- Safe and easy to use
- Durable and sturdy
- Does not have the risk of injury
- High-quality cast iron
- Uses less force than the ordinary axe
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Bolt holes for permanent mounting
Specification
- Power source: hand-powered
- Product dimension: 9 x 13 x 9 inches
- Item weight: 10 pounds
- Inside diameter: 6.5 inches
- Top ring height: 12 inches
The perfect tool for your wood splitting!
3. Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe, 28-inch
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Fiskars splitting ax is perfect for shredding medium-to-large-sized logs, and it is designed for maximum efficiency giving you more one-strike splits. The tool has a perfect balance and power-to-weight ratio for increasing swing speed for multiplying power. It acts as an aluminum baseball bat, and it is, therefore, quick and efficient to use. It also has a lightweight and sturdy handle that is shock-absorbing fiberComp. You can, therefore, use it for long and chip a lot of wood without getting fatigued’.
Fiskars axes are designed with a proprietary grinding mechanism that offers a sharper edge for excellent contact and cleaner cuts. The blades remain bright for long, and it has low-friction coating. You will, therefore, conveniently use it for longer without the need for sharpening. The tool has a perfect weight distribution that gives an optimum power-to-weight ratio that adds swing speed to multiply power.
It can be frustrating to use an ax or log splitter that keeps breaking since it can even injure you. However, Fiskars ax is robust and virtually unbreakable since it has sturdy Stronger-than-steel fiberComp handles and insert-molded heads that make them safe and impossible to break.
Features
- Superior blade structure
- Unbreakable
- Lightweight and strong
- Perfect weight distribution for maximum swing speed to multiply power
- Stronger than steel FiberComp handles
- Inseparable insert-molded heads
- Easy to use
Specifications
- Item weight: 5.29 pounds
- Product dimension: 2 x 9.2 x 31.5 inches
- Length: 128-inches
Perfect manual tool!
4. Estwing Sure Split Wedge – 5- Pound Wood Splitting Tool With Forged Steel construction
The Estwing sure split wedge is a tool that makes wood splitting easy. It has a weighted wedge structure that enables you to shred logs and firewood with ease. The wedge is flexible, and it allows additional wedge action, and it continues throughout the wood line for sure shredding. You will, therefore, be able to split your logs into convenient sizes for easy using.
This tool is a perfect companion for you if you are an outdoor-enthusiast such as camping, hiking, hunting, among other activities. It enables you to split wood into small pieces that are convenient for your use. It is also lightweight and easily portable and usable. The tool is durable since it is made from the most beautiful American steel.
Features
- Strong and long-lasting
- It has a honed cutting edge for easy splitting of the wood
- A flexible wedge that allows additional wedge action
- Weighted wedge design for convenient shredding of logs and firewood
- The wedge has a quick taper head for easy starting
Specifications
- Item weight: 1 pound
- product dimension: 8.9 x 2.5 x 1.8 inches
- material: steel
Perfect for all outdoor activities!
5. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
The Boss industrial log splitter provides excellent quality and performance with its patented technologies. It is convenient, and portable hence enables you to split logs for long with great comfort. It is also possible to tackle larger projects since the tool has a powerful 2 HP electric motor that delivers seven tons of splitting force. The device does not produce harmful emissions, unlike gas-powered units, and you can, therefore, use it indoors or outdoors.
When shredding logs, it is necessary to observe your safety as well as those near you. The boss log splitter has in-built rails that help to keep the wood stable when you split. The front handle also allows for convenient maneuvering; hence, you can use it at whatever angle you feel comfortable. This tool has a patented hydraulic system and a one-handed function that makes it stand out among the rest.
Features
- To-rated electric log splitter
- Unmatched quality and performance
- Convenient and portable
- Suitable for large projects
- Built-in side rails for stability
- A front handle for easy maneuvering
- A patented hydraulic system
Specifications
- Item weight: 40 x 13.5 x 20.5 inches
- Item weight: 117 pounds
- Motor power: 2HP
- Warranty: 2-year residential warranty
- Hydraulic pressure: 3500
The perfect tool for both indoor and outdoor!
6. Sun Joe CJ602E 15-amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder, Green
Sun Joe electric wood chipper is an ideal tool for turning branches and twigs into garden mulch that is rich in nutrients. It has a powerful 15-amp motor that effectively shreds and chips branches up to 1.5 inches thick. The tool, therefore, enables you to have a debris-free compound as well as a beautiful flower and trees garden.
With this tool, you don’t have to worry about moving it from one place to the other since it is easily portable with 6-inch wheels. The device is also safe for use as it has a safety hopper with a locking knob, which prevents the motor from operating when opened. The tool also has an automatic start switch that is located beneath the safety hopper.
Features
- A strong 15-amp motor
- Generates speed of up to 4,300 rpm
- Effectively shreds and chips stick and limbs up to 1.5 inches thick
- Designed for lightweight jobs
- No smoke, fumes, unpredictable starters and costly tune-ups
- Easy to assemble and virtually maintenance-free
- Reduces yard waste up to 1/17th of its initial size
Specifications
- Item weight: 26.2 pounds
- Product dimension: 19.7 x 17.3 x 37. 8 inches
- Color: green
- Speed generation: 4,300 rpm
- Motor power 15-amp
Perfect for log chipper!
Frequently asked questions about log splitters
You have been having several issues in your head about log splitters that you may need to be answered, which is familiar to all log splitter enthusiasts. We have a sample of the FAQs and their answers for you. Keep reading:
Q. What is a log splitter?
A log splitter is a machine or tool that is used to chip or shred logs of large pieces of wood into small sizes for use in your pizza oven, fireplace, campfire, etc. It may be manually operated, electric, while others can use gas. There are different types and sizes of these tools that you can select depending on the amount of work you are doing. The frequency of use of your device also matters.
Q. What are the advantages of using a splitter log?
A log splitter is a tool that quickly produces firewood, thus saving you time and money. You can significantly reduce the cost of the supply of split wood by chipping the log by yourself for use during the cold seasons.
Q. Do log splitters require maintenance?
The maintenance depends on your tool. If you have a hand-operated/manual device like an ax, it may not need support. However, electric and hydraulic engine powered log splitters require regular inspection and services. It needs changing oil, replacement of hydraulic fluid filter, servicing component lubrication, and inspecting the tool for leakage.
Q. Should I sharpen wood splitter’s splitting wedge?
If you use the splitting wedge appropriately, you will not need to sharpen it. The wedge remains sharp for an extended period as long as it is used for shredding wood and not any other material. The tool should also be stored properly to prevent rusting, which may cause it to become blunt.
Q. What is the recommended fluid for a log splitter?
Different log splitters may use various hydraulic fluids to function. It is, therefore, necessary to check the operation manual of a particular tool and know what is appropriate. The type of fluid used depends on the outside temperature where you are using this device. For temperatures above 50oF, AW-68 is the most suitable.
How often should I check and change the fluids?
Before using your device, you should ensure that the fluidis checked. The engine needs to be changed annually or based on active users as per the owner’s manual. It is also advisable to change the hydraulic fluid filter every year, but the fluid can last longer if the system remains clean. As long as the oil is clear and looks new, you can use the tool for more than one season. However, if you allow dirt and water to enter the system and if there is oxidation, then the fluid will require frequent changing.
Q. Are manual log splitters suitable?
Manual log splitters may be an ideal choice for your needs since they are portable hence easy to use. They are quicker, less costly, and safer than electric or gas splitters. The tools are maintenance-free, unlike others, and therefore you will conveniently do your work without any worries.
How to use a log splitter for beginners
Final Words
With the best log splitters, you no longer have to worry about the onset of cold seasons since you will have prepared for it. You can shred wood comfortably and conveniently without any fatigue or injuries. These tools will help you to convert large pieces of wood into small convenient ones for use in your fireplace, camping place, for your pizza oven, and so on.
You can also comfortably turn the debris and wood chips in your yard into nutrient-rich mulch for your flowers and trees, with the right wood shredders. These tools help you to save on time, cost of buying split wood as well as the inconveniences of lacking firewood when you so much need it. It is, however, necessary to select the best tool that suits your needs well, not to regret later. With our list above, you can be able to pick what is best for you and work with it for long, producing the desired outcome.
So decide what type of tool you want, the work you have, the features that suit you, then click on the links provided to pick what is ideal for your job!
Log splitting will cease being a headache and become so enjoyable that you will always look forward to it.
References
- http://logsplitterplans.com/guides/log-splitter-topics.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_splitter
- https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-electric-log-splitters
- https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-hydraulic-log-splitters
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
