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Best Ax For Splitting Wood of 2024

Philip Jackson
  Apr 20, 2024 11:15 AM

 In this review, the Gilsons Lyceum Reviews Team researched the 15 best ax for splitting wood to help you find the product that’s right for you and your garden. You can see some famous brands as Kindling Cracker, Fiskars, Estwing, INTERTOOL, LEXIVON, TABOR TOOLS, WilFiks, KSEIBI, glorousamc, Gbivbe.


Overview

An axe that's well-suited to the work of chopping up a lot of wood for use in the fireplace or stove can make the process much more enjoyable. It doesn't matter if you're dealing with dried firewood or freshly-felled logs; splitting tools are designed for the job. In general, their axe heads are heavier and the polls (the back end of the axehead) hardened for use as hammers to drive in splitting wedges are commonly hardened. In terms of felling axes, splitters aren't any better than mauls, but they're far superior to any other form of tool for breaking down wood on the ground.

In general, felling axes have a problem because their profiles are too narrow (or, put another way, their cheeks are too thin) and their axeheads are too light to really produce the force necessary to split apart a huge log or round of wood. Because they become stuck (pinched) more easily, narrow-profiled axes can be frustrating while you're splitting a log for the fifth time.

This is a comprehensive look at the best splitting axes (and mauls, if applicable) available today. In no particular order, I tried to strike a balance between the more expensive premium splitting axes and mauls and the more affordable (but still good) axes. Discover everything there is to know about them by continuing to read! This table summarizes my study if you don't have time to read it all:


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1
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Kindling Cracker
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
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    Kindling Cracker
3
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    9.6
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  • Brand
    Fiskars
4
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    9.6
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    Fiskars
5
  • SCORE
    9.6
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    Estwing
6
  • SCORE
    9.4
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    Estwing
7
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    INTERTOOL
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    INTERTOOL
9
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    INTERTOOL
10
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    LEXIVON
11
  • SCORE
    9.0
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    TABOR TOOLS
12
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    WilFiks
13
  • SCORE
    8.8
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    KSEIBI
14
  • SCORE
    8.6
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    glorousamc
15
  • SCORE
    8.6
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  • Brand
    Gbivbe

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Log size

An axe's size and weight are the most important considerations when it comes to splitting wood. While a splitting maul is vital for large pieces of wood, you don't need to use it every day when preparing firewood.

To split your average-sized pieces, you'll need a good-sized splitting axe if you're having trouble swinging these things with proper form.

Axe type

There are a wide variety of axes to choose from when it comes to splitting wood. From the cheapest mass-produced hatchets to the most exquisite hand-forged heirloom pieces, manufacturers like Gransford Bruks provide a wide variety of options.

Is a modern synthetic handle more appealing to you than a wood-based one? Perhaps a plastic handle would be more convenient for you if you don't want to deal with the effort of oiling your wooden handle.

Overall Weight

In comparison to mauls, which have heads that can weigh up to 8 pounds, standard splitting axes have heads weighing anywhere from 3 to 6 pounds. To get the job done, you'll need an axe that weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, as these are easier to handle and can manage most splitting tasks.

In the belief that bigger is better, many individuals buy the largest splitting axe they can find. There is nothing wrong with a maul that weighs eight pounds, but if you can swing it all day without tiring, an axe is a superior option.

Budget

The more expensive something is, the less likely it is to be the best. To my amazement, I've had high-end axes that cost hundreds of dollars fail on me.

For more information on Fiskars axes, check out this piece I published. Fiskars offers a wide variety of axes at a reasonable price, and they're actually quite good.

The Head Weight

If you have a heavy head, you can exert more force. However, a 9 lb splitting maul isn't necessary to split most firewood. Splitting wood can quickly become a chore if you spend too much time wielding a large axe.

Between 3 and 6 pounds, an axe suitable for splitting wood weighs on average around 5 pounds. This is an ideal weight for many people. Despite its size, it packs enough punch to get the job done.

Length of the Haft (handle)

Because the haft serves as the handle, it has an impact on your swing. Larger handles are preferred by certain users because to the added force they provide. However, as long as the length is between 26 and 36 inches, it doesn't make much of a difference.

As far as safety goes, if you're not the right size to wield a weapon, it's best not to do so. An axe with a length of 30 inches is ideal for splitting wood.


Faqs

What’s the difference between a splitting axe and a maul?

Essentially like the maul, the splitting axe is just another form of the maul. A maul's weight ranges from 6 to 8 pounds, making it unwieldy for most users. It's only really needed for the toughest of logs. I only use the maul when the splitting axe has failed me despite my best efforts, but the two tools accomplish the same thing.

On the other end of its head is an additional weight that helps to break through the wood's grain. Not only will it be heavier than a conventional axe, but it will also be more cumbersome to use.

For example, an axe with a wedge-shaped head is significantly more common than an axe that is used to chop wood. This is the key to the efficiency of a splitting tool.

What’s the difference between a Splitting axe and a Chopping axe?

Splitting axes and chopping axes have two major differences. Firstly, the head of the splitter is hefty and thick, with a dull blade or "bit" attached. To cut through the wood fibers rather than split it along the grain, a chopping axe is thin and pointed.

For one thing, the handle length of a splitting axe is substantially longer, allowing for a greater amount of force to be created during a swing. The blade won't swing towards your legs when you split the wood with the help of this device. It also ensures.

Can you use a felling axe to split wood?

Trees are felled with the use of a felling axe (obviously). This is because the swing of a good felling or chopping axe is usually a sort of sideways action as you hack away at the tree. Although this would be difficult to accomplish with a splitting axe, it is excellent exercise for increasing muscle!

To cut into the wood rather than force it apart along the grain, we need an even thinner and sharper blade on a felling axe. A strong steel wedge, not a narrow blade, is required for splitting. If you try to split wood with a felling axe, you'll wake up the next morning to find it still there.

What’s the best length axe for splitting wood?

As long as it's not too long, the better. At roughly 36 inches in length, the most common full-sized splitting axes or mauls are in use. This is the longest you'll find. Wood splitters commonly choose a length like this since it is considered to be the optimum length. However, the size of the wood you need to split is a factor.

Medium-sized kiln-dried firewood that has already been pre-split and only needs to be halved to fit in your stove can be divided with a smaller splitting tool.

Is an AXE or maul better for splitting wood?

Blade type is the most significant distinction between the two weapons. On the following page, you'll notice that an ax has a blade with a very sharp cutting edge. With proper care, this blade will remain razor-sharp for years. On the other hand, a maul's flat head and sharp blades on the sides distinguish it from an axe. A maul has the advantage of being able to split and cut logs, something an ax cannot.

An axe is the better choice of the two. I like the feel of an ax and the extra safety of a sharp blade on the skull, despite the fact that both work just perfectly.

What is the best maul for splitting wood?

One of the most frequent tools used to break down lumber is the maul. Steel mauls are the finest option if you plan to engage in regular wood-splitting activities. In this manner, it will not be broken by the impact of strikes and its swing precision will not be lost.

When splitting wood, keep in mind that using a large sledgehammer can be more difficult to control. There is less power and accuracy in using a large sledgehammer. These aren't the finest options because of these drawbacks.


Conclusion

Splitting axes, or mauls, are the best axes for splitting wood. These are typically long-handled and have a heavy, wedge-shaped head that aids in slicing the wood into smaller pieces by splitting it down the grain.

A large splitting axe should be plenty for most users, but I recommend a medium-sized splitting axe for the majority of your logs and a large one for the really huge things in your woodpile.

The presence of two companion pieces ensures that no log will be unable to be split! A few extras are all that is needed to complete the set.


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