Splitting logs for the winter can be quite the hassle if you’re doing it manually. And in case you’re using an ax, then get ready for some trouble.
My husband found this out the hard way last winter when chopping wood for the fireplace. His old ax kept getting stuck in the logs, and the way he was pulling at it, an injury was only waiting to happen.
That’s when my son introduced him to manual log splitters. Neat and efficient, these machines have all the splitting power of regular axes and none of the hassles. Since then, he’s tried out quite a few models, and I’ve been the primary researcher behind each.
Howdy folks! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’m going to get you acquainted with the best manual log splitter in the market. These are the top models according to me, and are sure to deliver top-notch performance.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Top 5 Product Reviews
1.Firewood Kindling Splitter
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Firewood Kindling Splitter
Pros
Cons
- A safe and easy way to make kindling with no moving blade or sharpened object passing by your hands. The Log Splitter is a top-grade cast iron splitting head mounted inside of a 12in.H cast iron frame. To make a perfect piece of kindling, place a piece of firewood inside the iron safety ring and strike with a blunt instrument, such as a hammer, mallet or even another piece of wood.
- To split a piece of wood, place it inside of the frame and strike it with a hammer. This drives the wood down onto the splitting wedge for a quick, easy split. There is no need to swing a sharp axe blade dangerously close to your hands. It s the perfect companion for your backyard stack of firewood, creating perfect kindling for your fireplace, fire pit, pizza oven, sauna, barbecue or smoker.
- Kindling Splits firewood with less force than a standard axe. It consists of one solid piece of high-quality cast iron, so it s something that your grandkids grandkids will use to split their own kindling, if cared for and used correctly. The only maintenance it needs is a bit brushing off and maybe a touch of paint from time to time to look like new for generations. Create kindling for your campfire, wood stove, fireplace or pizza oven and you don't want to risk injury by using an axe.
If safety and simplicity at low cost are what you’re looking for, then this is the one to go with. This log splitter from Kindling Splitter offers an affordable and completely safe alternative to using sharp axes and similar instruments. At the same time, it’s incredibly durable and can be used by anyone.
Why Buy This Product?
The reason for selecting this product in the first place is its quality build. Since it’s made from top-grade cast iron, this is an instrument that you can use for the long haul. In fact, with a bit of maintenance and painting from time to time, it can actually last for generations to come.
Both the frame and the cutting head are made of high-quality iron, and splits firewood with much better force than an ax. You simply have to put the piece of wood inside the frame and strike it with any blunt instrument such as a hammer.
This drives the wood onto the cutting head for a smooth split. This means, once you begin using it, you can chop wood without needing to face the danger of using sharp and bulky instruments.
In fact, I have split wood several times with it for my pizza oven, and it’s absolutely a delight to use. Just remember to place the wood in the right position on the ring, and strike with enough force to drive it down. The rest takes care of itself. And the icing on the cake is that it’s extremely affordable, which means you get much more than you pay for.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While I can’t deny that this is a rather well-made product, I have to admit that it would have been more helpful had the log-ring been adjustable. Not all logs fit nicely inside the ring, and it’s often an issue to get more massive logs to come out of the frame. But that, of course, depends on the person doing the splitting.
2. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Pros
Cons
- [POWERFUL]: Hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 Tons of driving force
- [LARGE CAPACITY]: Splits logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
- [EFFICIENT]: RAM return spring for quick resets
For those looking for the perfect blend of power, efficiency, and capacity, the LJ10M from Sun Joe is the best option. With 10 tons of driving force behind it, this machine can make short work of any log you throw at it. Having seen it in action myself, I can vouch for that fact.
Why Buy This Product?
The first thing that came to my mind when I saw this unit in action was power. Equipped with a hydraulic ram that delivers up to 10 tons of driving force, it allows easy splitting of logs up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide.
The secret behind the machine’s power is the manually operated two-speed pump that can generate the massive force. Apart from efficient cutting, the ram also comes fitted with return springs for easy resets.
I also love the durable steel frame construction of the product, which ensures that it lasts for years. Add to that the portable build, long handles for maximum leverage, and wheels, and you’ve got one of the best log splitters that money can buy.
The unit doesn’t require any kind of power or fuel to operate and is backed by a two-year warranty. And oh! I almost forgot to mention the nifty log cradle that prevents the split logs from falling out. Overall, it is a well-designed log splitter at an affordable price.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Despite the great power, there is one thing that needs to be improved in this product. And that’s the speed at which it operates. I tried splitting logs with this unit while my son used an ax, and he was done before me. However, considering the safety that this unit affords, I guess I’ll stick pick it over an ax any day.
If you were impressed by the 10 tons of cutting force of the previous product, then you’ll just love this one. Packing a massive 14 tons of cutting force, this unit helps to chop wood with efficiency. At the same time, it’s easy to use, ergonomic, and highly affordable. Read on to know more about this nifty splitter.
Why Buy This Product?
If you look closely, this smart log splitter is a modified ax, but one that doesn’t need you to do any hard work. Designed with an added focus on safety, it’s perfect for use by any members of your family without the risk of injury or harm.
Using it is simple: I just have to place the wood under the ax head, raise the weight, and let it drop. The weight (and gravity) does the rest, and the log gets split. If one drop doesn’t do it, you can simply apply a few more to get the job done.
The ergonomic design helps to ensure that you don’t strain yourself while using the product. And since it’s made of high-quality materials, it’ll last you for many seasons to come.
I must also mention that this unit doesn’t require any power for operation and works simply by utilizing gravity. This not only makes it efficient but also gives the user a good workout. Overall, one of the better log splitters on the market.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Seeing as this is a very simple instrument, there’s really very little to find fault with. The only limitation that I found with it is that it can’t be used to split logs longer than 55cm. This is a real shame, as I was hoping it would work with all wood sizes.
- Powerful 8 pound slide hammer splits logs with ease and has a slide travel of 11.5 inches
- Constructed of heat treated, heavy duty steel, giving you a durable and long lasting product
- Designed with a comfort grip handle for a secure hold while you work
While the previous three recommendations have been affordable, they are certainly on the higher end of the price spectrum when it comes to log-splitters. In case you’re looking for something in a lower price range, this is the one for you. It’s compact, simple to use, and easy on the pocket. In short, the perfect combination for affordable and convenient log splitting.
Why Buy This Product?
Simple operation is what distinguishes this device from others. I like how it consists of a single blade and hammer that you bring down on the log piece and voila! You’re done splitting. Now, if that’s not easy, I don’t know what is.
The hammer is a sizable 8.8 pounds and has been crafted for long-term operation. You can easily expect long years out of this unit. My husband has been using it for quite some time now, and we’ve never experienced much trouble.
The unit’s total length is 44 inches, and you don’t need to bend over to use it. This naturally helps with the operation and doesn’t require the user to strain their back and shoulders.
At the same time, I must mention the heavy-duty steel construction and heat-treated steel wedge that it boasts of - both translate to long-term operation. Plus, it’s also pretty safe and preferable to using axes.
What Could’ve Been Better?
There are two things that I’d like to be improved in this product. The first is the warranty, which I think is too low at just one year. The second is that the wedge needs frequent sharpening, which adds to the user’s workload. But I guess at this price point, there are bound to be a few glitches.
- SAFELY SPLIT WOOD: The Felled Slide Hammer Log Splitter Wedge Tool eliminates the dangers of overhead swinging, flying plastic or wood wedges, broken axe or maul handles, and back-breaking labor; The single system wood splitter uses gravity, minimal force, and a slide hammer action to split wood naturally; This tool is great for young and old who have a hard time creating enough force with axes because the slide hammer tool does a majority of the work for you
- EASILY SLICE KNOTS AND INCLUSIONS: Old softwoods are known to be full of knots and inclusions that make it difficult to split logs quickly, but this log splitting wedge tool is designed to easily slice through and around knots to make it easier to cut down large sections; Save time and effort by adding this tool to your garage
- EASY TO USE: Simply begin by placing the wedge tip on top of the log in the area in which you want to split the log; Raise the weighted handle and shaft, then forcefully push it down to strike the top of the wood splitter wedge; Repeat action until log has been split into two sections
One of the major problems most users (my husband included) face when splitting logs is the heavy force they must apply to get the task done. This manual log splitter from Felled is just the remedy to that problem. Simple to use and applying 14 pounds of force, this unit makes chopping wood seem like child’s play.
Why Buy This Product?
Normal log splitting can be a back-breaking task. But this tool helps make the job effortless. With minimal force, you can quickly chop the hardest of woods and get smooth pieces for the oven or fireplace. Plus, it also eliminates the dangers of flying wood chips.
I’ve witnessed first-hand how this tool splits logs fast, and I must say I’m impressed. Old logs can often have hard knots in them, but it’s designed to slice through such knots and cut down larger pieces. Plus, using it is an effortless task, as I’ll explain next.
Just place the tip of the wedge on the region of the log which you want to split. Then raise the weighted handle and shaft, and strike down repeatedly till the wood splits! Easy as pie, if you ask me. The handle has a rubberized grip that reduces the pressure on your hands; it also works to improve your grip on the tool while in action.
Finally, I must mention the durable steel construction, which makes it one of my favorites on the list. The device is highly durable and promises long-term use. The laser-cut wedge provides sharper cutting operation, and the locking nut helps to tighten the wedge head for safely transporting from place to place.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Certainly the warranty, which at one year is again a bit too low in my opinion. Plus, out of the box, the safety nut is too tight, and often you need to lube it for initial removal. That apart, I couldn’t find any other fault with it.
Final Words
And we’re done! Now you know all about my list of favorite manual log splitters. I hope you have enjoyed going through the list. I’m sure you’ll be able to benefit from my selection. To further help you with the task, I’ll mention my favorites in different categories.
While all the products I’ve selected are more or less affordable, if you’re looking for an ultra-low-price unit, then go with the TMW-11 from Timber Tuff. Or you can also try out the Felled Manual Log Splitter.
However, if you’re willing to go a bit higher up the range, I recommend the Logosol Smart Splitter. It offers the greatest cutting force of all the five and can split the meanest of logs into kindling.
So, that’s all for now. Till next time!