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Rating |
Image |
Products |
Score |
Price |
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1 |
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2 Best |
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36-inch 8-pounds Splitting Maul with Iso Core by Fiskars Editor’s Choice |
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3 |
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14-inch Splitting Wood Axe or Maul with Forged Steel and Shock Reduction Grip by Estwing |
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4 |
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5 |
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4.5-pound 34004 Maul for Splitting Wood with Fiberglass Handle by Mintcraft |
Several tools and equipment can actually be used for splitting a big chunk of wood into smaller pieces. One may use a chainsaw or an axe in doing the job. Splitting wood with a hatchet or the best maul for splitting wood can actually be used to perfectly do the job. But what exactly is a splitting maul?
An axe and a maul can perfectly chop and split woods into small pieces.
A splitting maul is similar to a splitting axe only that they differ in some aspects. A splitting maul is somehow similar to a huge sledgehammer with a pointed axe head. Its head is quite bulky which usually weighs between 6 to 8 pounds. This tool is ideal to use after cutting a wood using a chainsaw.
Splitting mauls have longer handles as compared to splitting axes.
In addition, splitting mauls typically have long handles and a blade edge that is not really that sharp. Splitting wood with a maul utilizes the tool’s mass and weight rather than a sharp edge. This is actually a great option for those who want to save money from electric log splitters.
Top 5 Best Maul For Splitting Wood Reviews
There are lots of splitting mauls available on the market. However, there is no guarantee that all of these would suit your specific needs. Read the reviews below in order for you to identify the best maul for splitting wood.
Choosing An Axe Or a Maul For Splitting Wood
Many people find it confusing to distinguish a splitting maul from a splitting axe. Yes, both axe and maul can be used in splitting chunks of wood. However, there are advantages and disadvantages as to the usage of the two.
An axe has a shorter handle and a lighter head steel.
An axe for splitting wood is specifically designed to split a wood into smaller pieces through the process of splitting the wood through its fibers. This tool typically weighs 3 to 6 pounds and actually has a longer life service. This is commonly featured with a tapered head and handles made of wood or other composite materials. The best axes for splitting woods are basically made of high-quality steelhead and a durable handle.
A splitting maul functions similar to a sledgehammer.
Wood splitting mauls, on the other hand, weigh heavier as compared to splitting axe. They typically weigh 6 to 8 pounds and have a longer handle to sway it hard when intending to split big chunks of wood. This tool is designed to split woods using its weighs, mass, and a blunt force.
The following is a table that shows axe and maul comparisons.
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Axe and Maul Comparisons |
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|---|---|
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AXE |
MAUL |
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With narrow head ideal for cutting wood |
With wider head ideal for splitting wood |
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Cuts through the wood fibers |
Splits the wood fibers apart |
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With a lighter head |
With a heavier head |
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With a shorter handle |
With a longer handle |
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With sharp blades |
With a longer handle |
Maul for Splitting Wood Buying Guide
You may ask yourself the following questions so that you will be guided in choosing the best maul for splitting wood.
1. Do you intend to chop or split wood?
If you want to do more chopping rather than splitting, then it is better to buy an axe rather than a maul. Axes have sharp edges that are capable of chopping down woods.
On the other hand, if you do more splitting than chopping, then choose the best maul for splitting wood. Their heads are specifically designed to penetrate deeper and can split chunks of wood successfully.
2. What is the usual size of wood that you intend to work on?
If you want to work on large logs, a splitting maul is a perfect choice. It is heavy, tough, and is powerful enough to open up the grains of the woods in every strike.
If you are working on a smaller wood, a splitting axe is just right for you. It is sharp and light that you can just hold it in one hand.
3. What is the recommended handle for splitting tools?
The user should be comfortable in holding the handle of the splitting maul.
The handle of a splitting maul can be made of different materials. These materials have their own upsides and downsides. Here are some:
The maul’s head should be securely attached to the handle.
4. What is the recommended quality and weight of the head steel?
It is highly recommended to use splitting tools with their heads securely attached to the handles. This is basically for safety purposes.
With regards to the head’s weight, heavy heads mean more power capacity of the maul. Most of the users allow their tools to just fall onto the wood rather than exerting much effort in striking it hard to the wood. However, heavy maul heads require more energy in swinging the tool due to its extra mass.
The quality of the head steel also matters. It is recommended to check the reviews online as to the materials used in the head steel to ensure that you’ve chosen a maul or axe with high-quality head steel.
5. Does balance also matter?
Yes, it does. It is important to check if the weight of the head steel is proportional to the length of the handle. Heavy head steel requires longer handles so that it can be swayed with enough power before striking it hard to the wood. Smaller heads, on the other hand, require shorter handles.
The splitting maul’s balance is evident in the convenience while swaying the tool.
Conclusion
The weight and quality of the head steel, the length, and the quality of the handle, as well as the proportion of the head and the handle, are important factors that should be considered in choosing the best maul for splitting wood.
Among the five products reviewed above, I highly recommend the 36-inch 8-pounds Splitting Maul with Iso Core by Fiskars. This features an IsoCore Shock Control System that lessens the shock and vibration that are received by the body while splitting woods. Furthermore, it is made of high-quality head steel that is securely attached to its insulation-sleeved handle.
Nevertheless, the five products above can split woods easily and efficiently. Just take safety measures in cutting firewood and splitting woods.
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