When choosing a manual wood splitter, you want to consider how and when you will be using the machine. If you need wood to heat your home during the winter months, you will want something that works quickly, but is also heavy-duty, so it will last you a while. If you only plan to use it occasionally to split wood for your smoker or barbeque, then you can choose something more lightweight.
It’s important to remember that a manual log splitter is not only a good choice for those that want a hands-on approach, but they also need some muscle power to operate. Plus, they are a lot easier to use and more efficient than using an axe. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best manual log splitter for your needs.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Manual Log Splitter
Types of Manual Log Splitter
Hydraulic Manual Log Splitter
One of the most common types, the hydraulic manual log splitter is preferred by most homeowners. Using hydraulics, this type of manual log splitter makes splitting wood easier by supplying a huge amount of driving force.
However, in comparison to the electric and gas hydraulic log splitters, these are hand-powered. This means that you need to pump the handles back and forth to make the hydraulic piston to start and force the wedge.
Splitting Axe
If you want something that will just split the wood without cutting the wood fibers apart, a splitting axe is a good choice. In comparison to a traditional splitting axe, this modern version is easy to handle and lightweight thanks to its fiberglass handle. Plus, the splitting axe is easy to swing and super sharp, so it’s a great choice if you have a small pile of logs to split at home.
Slide Hammer
For those that prefer the old-fashioned way to split wood, the slide hammer will still give you that same workout. This is a great choice if you occasionally split wood or only have a few logs that you need to split. Consisting of a long metal shaft, a slide hammer has an attachment point on one of its ends and operates by driving a sharp wedge straight into the piece of wood. Keep in mind that you will need a good amount of muscle power in order to drive the built-in wedge through the wood.
Kindle Splitter
Hand operated, the kindle splitter is a safe alternative to the traditional axe and hatchet method. Featuring a square cage at the top of the splitter that will help to protect your hand from the hammer. Plus, you will have to place the log on top of the blade first before it is split by hitting it with a mallet.
Power
Obviously, a manual log splitter is not going to be able to rival an electric or gas log splitter when it comes to driving force or power. However, the force of the splitter is still an important consideration when buying a manual log splitter.
Typically, a hydraulic manual log splitter can provide 10 tons of force making it pretty powerful and one of your best options. But you need to keep in mind that whoever is using the manual log splitter will really determine how much power the splitter can actually generate. For instance, the amount of force a slide hammer splitter has completely depends on how much muscle power you have.
Ability
Determining how you will use the log splitter, the splitting ability will tell you whether the log splitter is the right choice for you. So, it’s important to consider the diameter and length of the log that it can split. Don’t make the mistake of only considering your current needs without thinking about how you may use the log splitter in the future.
Speed
Speed is always an important consideration when you are choosing a log splitter, especially if you do not want to spend all your time cutting up a pile of logs. Cycle time should always be considered which will tell you how much time it will take in between one split and the next. The fastest manual log splitters should have a cycle time of less than a minute, but some splitters can take up to three minutes.
Best Manual Log Splitter Reviews
Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
If you don’t want to risk hurting yourself using an axe, the Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter is ideal for cutting kindling for pizza ovens, fireplaces, wood stoves, and campfires. Made with just one solid piece of cast iron, this high-quality splitter is an easy and safe way to create kindling that does not use a sharp object or blade. It is actually safe enough for a child to use it.
This is easy to use splitter just requires a piece of wood to be placed inside the iron safety ring, which is then struck with a blunt instrument like a mallet or hammer. This force drives the wood down into the splitting wedge making an easy and quick split. With the Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter, you don’t need to swing a sharp blade anywhere near your hand.
Equipped with bolt holes for permanent mounting, this is a great tool to use outdoors or indoors. The Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter has almost no maintenance required making it easy to clean as well as use.
Pros
- You can use it inside, which is great in the winter
- There is pretty much no maintenance needed, and it’s simple to clean after use
- A child can use it, it’s that safe
Cons
- It will fall or wobble if it’s not on a level surface
- You can’t use a log that just barely fits the top ring because it will get stuck
Logosol Smart-Splitter
Providing a safe and comfortable feel for the user, the Logosol Smart-Splitter doesn’t use the traditional hammer and wedge. There is no limit on the diameter of the log you are splitting, which gives you more versatility. This is a very lightweight splitter that only weighs 7.7 pounds.
A secondary arm is located on the side of the guide rod and wedge allowing the hammer to grip the wood securely during the first few impacts. This prevents the wood from sliding or deflecting, which can cause an accident. Plus, you can use logs that are longer than 21-inches if you are willing to use a mallet to drive in the wedge further.
Super-fast to use, many users have found that it can even cut knotty hardwood. Featuring a two-year warranty, the Logosol Smart Splitter is a great splitter for light use when you are out camping or for your wood stove at home.
Pros
- There is no limit on the wood diameter you can use
- This is a lightweight splitter that works super-fast
- It comes with a secondary arm that stops it from slipping
Cons
- It gives you more of a workout than a hydraulic splitter
- The splitter takes a bit of practice to get used to it
Roughneck Manual Log Splitter
Lightweight and flexible, the Roughneck Manual Log Splitter can handle almost any type of project. Using a slide hammer action, this machine is safer to use than a maul or axe since it reduces the amount of flying wood chips. It comes pre-assembled, so it’s ready to go right out of the box.
This high-quality splitter features a heavy-duty stainless-steel construction and has a nice aesthetic. The Roughneck Manual Log splitter is super effective and easy to use while featuring a simple design. It also comes with a cushion grip on the handle to help absorb shocks while also providing a firm grip.
With its compact size and lightweight, this machine is easy to take with you. It includes a 10-pound weighted hammer handle, steel construction, and a laser-cut wedge that will last through years of use.
Pros
- It has a durable steel construction
- This is a simple and easy to use splitter
- It’s comfortable to use with its cushioned grip
Cons
- It doesn’t work well with hardwoods
- Since the steel isn’t hard, it can expand and slip
Timber Tuff TMW-11 Log Splitter
Featuring a simple design, the Timber Tuff TMW-11 Log Splitter is compact and helps to make splitting wood manually easier. Loved by reviewers, this log splitter has a slide hammer with a single-piece design that is easy to use. All you have to do is place the wedge on the wood, hold onto the handle, and then drop the hammer.
Strong enough to split knotted hardwood when using enough impact, you can actually split it two or three times faster with more force to the hammer. The Timber Tuff TMW-11 doesn’t have a limit on the length or diameter of the logs that you split making it versatile and even more convenient.
It is easy to sharpen the wedge with a simple metal file making the splitter simple to maintain. It also has a durable handle and hammer that last a long time despite repeated use. And, the Timber Tuff TMW-11 comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- There is no limit on the size of the logs that you can split
- It has a single-piece construction that is easy to move
- It’s very durable and will last you years
Cons
- It does not have a secondary arm that can prevent deflections
- The machine takes some practice before you can split larger logs
Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter
Safe and easy to use, the Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter has a unique design that splits and twists firewood and kindling into one-inch pieces. You can either take the splitter with you into the wood to split wood or you can use the four bolt holes in the machine to mount it permanently onto a flat surface or woodblock.
Perfect for splitting wood for a barbeque, smoker, sauna, pizza oven, fire pit, or fireplace, this is also a handy tool to have when you are camping. Unlike using an axe, this is a safe and efficient way to split and chop kindling quickly. This splitter also features an attractive design with a bright orange color.
The Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter features baffles on each side making it simpler to split the logs. All you need to do is balance the wood on the splitter and then hit it with the hammer to make it split instantly. Weighing only nine pounds, this portable splitter is constructed with handmade, powder-coated steel that will last you through years of use.
Pros
- It has a durable, heavy-duty steel construction
- The laser-cut wedge is really durable and effective
- It’s safe to use with the slide hammer design
Cons
- This is not a great tool for splitting larger pieces
- It’s too bulky to use on small pieces and large pieces can get stuck
And the Winner is….
The winner of the best manual log splitter is the Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter. This is a safe and easy tool to use that features a unique design that splits and twists firewood and kindling into one-inch pieces. You can either take the splitter with you into the wood to split wood or you can use the four bolt holes in the machine to mount it permanently onto a flat surface or woodblock.
Perfect for splitting wood for a barbeque, smoker, sauna, pizza oven, fire pit, or fireplace, this is also a handy tool to have when you are camping. Unlike using an axe, this is a safe and efficient way to split and chop kindling quickly. Weighing only nine pounds, this portable splitter is constructed with handmade, powder-coated steel that will last you through years of use. The definite winner of the best manual log splitter is the Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter hands down.