A manual log splitter is basically one step up from using an axe. They still require a certain amount of physical force for log splitting, although this does depend somewhat on the design that you go with.

This bad boy stands just over 12 inches tall and fits pieces of wood up to 7” round. The base is solid but includes screw holes in case you want to permanently fasten it to something. ProsWhich makes it the safest way in the world for you to cut kindling, you will be impressed with how much easier it is to cut kindling too.

If you only need to do the occasional light-duty task, then an electric log splitter will likely suffice. Electric models are small and lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and store. They’re also relatively quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors. There’s no assembly required for this log splitter. However, you do have the option of screwing it onto a base log (screws aren’t provided) to hold the unit steadier while it’s in use. If you’re working with heavy wood, then I would recommend doing so. All of those claims about not much force needed to use this wood splitter? Completely true. Compared to the others that I tested, particularly the manual ones designed for kindling, this one required the least amount of effort. The clever way in which the wedge is shaped enables a force-free process. Manually splitting logs with an axe can be extremely tiring, but the Rolson 10780 Wood Grenade Log Splitter promises to help you make light work of the task. According to the brand, using this uniquely-shaped tool with a sledge hammer will enable you to easily split a log four-ways with just a few taps, so I was eager to find out how true this claim really was.Hydraulic splitters vary in terms of power: 5 to 7 tons is usually the minimum, but bigger log splitters can provide around 10 times that amount (which is only really needed for heavy-duty jobs).

The powder-coated steel construction is engineered for long life span, while the compact and lightweight 9-pound design is conveniently transported anywhere you want to use it. This tool is furthermore very easily stored when it’s not in use, so it won’t take up any precious garage space. Compared to the manual log splitters that I tested, this one is obviously a lot louder, to the point where Forest Master recommends wearing ear protection when using it. However, considering it has a 2200W motor, I didn’t find it to be particularly loud, although any nearby neighbours may disagree!If you’re choosing an axe, a length of between 30 and 45 centimetres should give you sufficient leverage and good balance without being too heavy. If you want a multi-purpose tool, a handle at the shorter end of that range is easier to carry around. You don’t need a large axe-head to split kindling. If you’ve never used a grenade log splitter before, then the conical/diamond-shaped design will probably seem a little strange to you at first. However, its simplicity is its strength. This log splitter may be compact, but it’s made from heat-treated iron to give it long-lasting strength. It feels pretty heavy when you hold it, which gives it a high-quality feel. For jobs that require a lot of large logs to be split, hydraulic splitters will be most suitable. Even hydraulic electric log splitters will be able to split logs that are 30 cm long. Kinetic Log Splitters While kindling splitters safely streamline the processing of cordwood, don't forget the effectiveness and versatility of a high-quality hatchet. Derek has real-world tested 61 products for DIY Garden, and is one of our most experienced testers.