Best Splitting Maul – 2018 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

While many people go for the chopping ax as their first choice when splitting wood, a splitting maul has proven to have even better benefits over a regular ax.

Splitting mauls have broader heads and more weight making it possible to split wood with quick successions. This tool has little waste, and every piece of wood comes off clean. This means more wood to keep your fireplace blazing for a long time.

If you have large chunks of wood, maul is your best bet at getting the work done. The sheer force on the head alone is enough to split the wood faster so you can spend less time swinging and cutting.

It would seem easy; just to figure out you want a splitting maul and pick the first one you see on the market. But having an idea about the right one for you is not always straightforward. You want a splitting maul where you can handle its weight, and it still gets the job done.

Because of the many choices on the market, we have made it our business to find best splitting mauls 2018 that cater to the needs of many users. Stay with us, as we investigate the features that make each of them unique.

Best Splitting Maul 2018 Reviewed

• Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
• Husqvarna S2800 Composite Splitting Axe-27 Inches
• Fiskars Iso Core Maul 8lb, 36-Inch
• Gransfors Bruks Splitting Maul
• Mueller Hand Forged Biber Classic Splitting Maul

Model	Capacity:	Room Size:	Working time:	Functions:	Rating	Review
URPOWER 1000ml Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier	1000 ml	269sqft as humidifier 430sqft for aromatherapy	23 in low mist mode, 15 in high mist mode, 10 recommended hours	Night lamp, humidifier, and aroma diffuser	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Check our Review!
InnoGear 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser Aromatherapy Cool Humidifier	500 ml	Up to 269sqft	17 hours in low mist mode, 8 hours in high mist mode	Ionizer, humidifier, air purifier, aromatherapy diffuser, night light	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Check our Review!
VicTsing 400ml Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser	400 ml	269sqft aromatherapy 215-269sqft humidifier	7-10 hours	Night lamp, Aroma diffuser, and humidifier	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Check our Review!
ASAKUKI 700ml Premium 5-in-1Essential Oil Diffuser	700 ml	From 215-269sqft	Up to 20 hours continuously	Night lamp, Aroma diffuser, and humidifier	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Check our Review!
BESTEK 500ml Glass Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser	500 ml	1000sqft	8-18 hours	Ionizer, humidifier, air purifier, aromatherapy diffuser, night light	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	Check our Review!

Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe – Best Lightweight Splitting Maul for Small Chunks

The Fiskars X11 showcases some incredible features which show reliability for most folks who need a splitting maul for small chunks of wood.

The X11 is 17 inches long, designed for optimal effectiveness at one-strike splits.

 

Tough and Built to Last

This splitting ax uses a hardened forged steel blade. It makes it a common occurrence for one-strike splits with effortless swings.

[wpmfc_cab_ss]It is crafted using a proprietary grinding technique to give a sharp edge for clean and quick cuts. Not to mention, it includes a low-friction coating which comes in handy to prevent the blade from sticking into the wood when you power through it with great force.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

The FiberComp handle boasts more strength than steel. It is virtually unbreakable making it an excellent choice for hardwoods. It is a real workhorse, built to withstand force and impact. The handle is inseparable from the head thanks to the insert-molded head. As such, you can count on it for a lifetime of good use.

Comfortable Grip

When working with a textured grip on the handle, it provides a sure grip to use with one hand. It packs the power of a baseball bat which optimizes its power-to-weight ratio. This increases the force with which you swing so that every impact splits wood with one strike.

You’ll appreciate the vibration-absorbing chamber which dissipates the energy before it even reaches your hand.

The riveted head is built to stay on the handle as it won’t slide or break off. What you get is a splitting maul that follows the natural curves of your hand. This way, you are less susceptible to blistering if you plan on splitting wood for hours.

Lightweight Construction

The X11 weighs only 4 pounds. The sculpted profile is designed for splitting small logs. It is the type you go to when you want to make tinder to get a fire going. A small size is a great option for small-sized persons. You can expect nothing less than performance at its best.

Main Features:

• Ideal for easy one-handed use when splitting small logs
• Designed for maximum efficiency to give you more one-strike splits
• Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat
• Advanced bevel convex blade geometry adds power and makes the blade easier to remove from wood
• Unique head shape disperses wood from the blade for clean splitting
• Proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts
• Hardened forged steel blade stays sharp longer than traditional axes
• Low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents head from getting stuck
• Inseparable insert-molded head will not loosen and prevents overstrike breakage
• Shock-absorbing FiberComp handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage
• Textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain and improves control
• Included sheath helps protect blade and the user

Review Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe look at the video:

Husqvarna S2800 Composite Splitting Axe-27 Inches – Best Splitting Maul for Large Logs

Some of the heaviest splitting mauls for demanding jobs are by Husqvarna.

Known for their chainsaws and mowers, their splitting mauls match up to the quality we have come to expect from the brand.

The S2800 Composite splitting ax is designed to make tough jobs easier.

From the heavy-duty head to the synthetic handles, you don’t need any experience to use the Husqvarna S2800 efficiently.

Easy Split for Large Logs

[wpmfc_cab_ss]The S2800 has a drop-forged blade and head geometry. It commits to lots of wood-cutting as it has easy entry into the wood without sticking into it. It combines a fiber-reinforced shaft with a hammer ax head to bring out high power for forceful impacts.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

The hammer functional has an incredible use for splitting edges. If you are looking to cut large logs, then this is the splitting maul for you.

Feels Comfortable on the Hands

This ax has some excellent weight distribution which makes it pretty easy to hold and sustain swings. It lets you work at a comfortable angle even when dealing with thick logs.

The rubberized handle has a sure grip to prevent slippage when your hands are wet. It has superior shock absorption as it lessens vibrations thus eliminating fatigue for long hours of usage.

Durable Design

The S2800 features a robust construction. The blade and head are of steel, and they are heat treated and forged for optimal durability. The head is riveted firmly on the shaft to ensure it will never snap off in the middle of use. It has a design that will never cause injury which is exceptional.

Main Features:

• A more powerful Splitting Axe made for splitting larger logs
• The axe head has a non-stick coating which gives less friction and easy entry into the wood and the head geometry is adapted to the splitting application of large logs
• Handle protection and long life due to the stainless steel shaft protection
• Balance point close to the axe head gives perfect balance and weight distribution
• The combination of the optimized axe head and the light shaft concentrates the power into the cut which gives an easier split of the logs
• Fiber-reinforced PA shaft makes the axe durable and robust
• Hammer function for an easy and effective use of splitting wedges (no steel wedges)

Fiskars Iso Core Maul 8lb, 36-Inch – Best Heavy-Duty Splitting Maul

It’s no doubt that Fiskars is a top brand.

The Iso Core 8lb Maul provides maximum work output owing to its high-quality design.

It follows with the primarily black and orange colors so you can be sure you’ll be getting an original Fiskars splitting maul.

Everything about is effortless through long sessions of use.

 

 

 

All-around Usage

Think of the numerous applications you can use this maul for, and you can accomplish it. The 8lb head packs the weight and power for driving wedges and stakes and splitting large logs of wood. It has a splitting and a driving face so you can count on it when the time calls for it.

The Iso Core comes with a brawny head design that is capable of plowing through an unseasoned wood.

Thoughtful Design

Apart from the dual head, you have a maul that has a soft grip with a thermoplastic handle.

[wpmfc_cab_ss]The vibration chamber dampens all that energy from the swing so that it won’t flow back to your hands. It is sculpted to eliminate any instance of slippage so that you can control your swing for one-strike cuts.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

You’ll be able to work without gloves since the texturing is soft to prevent blisters. With the insulation sleeve, you can expect two times less shock; meaning you’ll be working for longer.

Holds up in Tough Environments

Some mauls have been seen to crack or break in freezing conditions. But the Iso Core is built to withstand extremities. The head has a slip-free attachment that keeps it connected to the shaft at all times.

With the forged steel head it is tough making it pretty easy to achieve one-hit splits. This model meets up to the expectations of the Fiskars brand that promises a lifetime warranty for the Iso Core Maul.

Main Features:

• Ideal for splitting wood (splitting face) or driving wedges and stakes (driving face)
• Optimized blade geometry offers better penetration and blasts tough logs apart
• Patented IsoCore™ Shock Control System absorbs strike shock and vibration to reduce the punishment your body takes, transferring 2X less shock and vibration than wood handles
• Insulation sleeve captures initial strike shock before it can reach your hand
• Dual-layer handle features a specially formulated combination of insulating materials to dampen lingering vibration and a steel reinforcement sleeve to help protect against overstrike damage
• Inseparable riveted head will not slide down or snap off, even when swinging with maximum force
• Driving face can be struck with another tool during splitting to help force the wedge
• Handle flare keeps the tool firmly in hand when swinging
• Softgrip® handle features a sculpted profile to fit the natural shape of your hand
• Patent-pending, strategic handle texturing features large dimples where fingers rest for maximum grip and small dimples where the palm rests to help prevent blisters
• Forged, heat-treated steel is finished with a rust-resistant coating
• Tested to exceed ISO and international standards for striking tool durability

Gransfors Bruks – Best Splitting Maul for Small to Medium-Duty Jobs

The Gransfors Bruks Splitting maul is one of the most reliable yard tools you could ever own.

It looks and works great as you can tell from the weight on the head.

This maul comes with a tanned leather sheath to protect it from the elements after you are done using the tool.

Gransfors is known for making reliable products, and this model is no exception.

Robust for tough jobs

You can count on the Gransfors to perform efficiently in the work it was built to do. The maul is forged and ground in the design of a concave with a thin blade at the edge.

The weight of the head carries an impressive force which gets you splitting into the knottiest and thickest chunks of wood. It makes easy wood cutting since it does not stick into it, and you’ll spend even lesser time bringing your firewood home.

Comfortable for all-day use

[wpmfc_cab_ss]The long poll alongside the soft textured grip ensures you’ll always have this maul steady and comfortable in your hands. It features circular grooves around the handle which feels natural in the hands, and it also gives an extra firm grip.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

Whether you like to use both hands or you split wood with the swing of one hand, Gransfors ensures you are always in control.

Versatile Design

You have a maul that comes with beveled corners capable of striking wedges. It lets you work on all types of logs as it reduces the effort you need to pull when making clean cuts. You’ll find that it is quite heavy and sturdy.

Most users indicate they have used this splitting maul for a large part of their lives. As such, we expect that this model will have satisfactory results for you too.

Main Features:

• Can be used for splitting very thick and knotty chunks of wood. It is forged and ground to a concave, quite thin blade at the bit
• The axe cuts quickly and easily into the wood and then effectively splits it as the broader section pushes apart the wood
• Its weight and sturdy poll with bevelled corners make the maul perfect for striking a wedge
• The handle has a protective steel collar below the axe head and circular grooves towards the end for an extra firm grip

How to use Gransfors Bruks  learn from the video:

Mueller Hand Forged Biber Classic – Best Hand-Crafted Splitting Maul

Mueller has a good reputation when it comes to producing only the best tools.

This hand forged Biber speaks of craftsmanship at its best.

It’s a splitting maul designed for those who want a longer tool and enjoy working with a heavy head.

You’ll not only be impressed by the weight of this maul but also by its design.

A real Workhorse

[wpmfc_cab_ss]With a 35-inch handle, it makes for easy splitting tasks and cutting of wood into clean pieces. It thrives in bearing great weight which is incredibly useful when dealing with tough wood.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

You’ll like how powerful it is at every impact without getting stuck in the logs you’ll be working on. This ax has been forged by hand, and Muller promises a lifetime of good use with this model.

Robust and Reliable

The 6½ pounder features a heavy-duty head with a broad wedge. It renders its usefulness on knotted logs with thick fibers that are hard to get through.  It’s easy to strike through a log and render it apart effortlessly thanks to the robust steel-head. Since the steel is hardened, it is sturdy and robust to last a lifetime.

Thoughtful Handling

Muller handle is textured for a firm grip. The wood gives a soft grip to ensure you won’t be getting blisters if you choose to split wood without gloves. We love that it is a straight handle making it flexible for one or two hands usage.

The base features a steel protector, making it slip-resistant. You don’t need to worry about the head coming off in the middle of usage. The Mueller 6½ pounder is just the real deal.

Main Features:

• The Biber Classic Plitting Maul has a 3kg hand-forged head mounted to an 88cm hickory handle
• The head is safety-wedged for a secure attachment
• The Classic Maul is used for directly splitting logs and for driving wood, aluminum or plastic splitting wedges
• The head is a standard maul shape with a drooped lower tip that can be used for moving logs – kind of a mini hookaroon
• Comes with a protective sheath for the edge

Best Splitting Maul – Buyers’ Guide

Splitting wood might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like getting some work done using a splitting maul, then you better get down some information to help you choose the best tool.

Advantages

Splits Difficult Pieces. It takes less effort to split wood without much exertion thanks to the weight and their shape. They get jobs done better than if you were using an ax.

Great on Large Logs. The general geometry of a splitting maul comes with a sledge-hammer head. This feature combined with the additional weight is key to driving steel splitting wedges further into thick logs.

Versatile Nature. Splitting mauls can also be used for other cutting tasks especially if it has a lighter handle to ease the weight and fatigue of using this tool for extended periods. Splitting mauls can also be used for small and medium-sized jobs.

Disadvantages

Heavy. Swinging a splitting maul means that you’ll be dealing with around 8lbs on the head, and an overall weight of up to 10 lbs on some models. If you are splitting small pieces, you’ll tire faster than if you were using an ax.

What’s the Difference between a Splitting Maul and an Axe?

A splitting maul is designed as a sledge hammer with a heavy pointed head weighing around 4-8 pounds. An ax, on the other hand, has a wedge head that is much lighter weighing approximately 3 pounds.

[wpmfc_cab_sw]The head on the splitting maul is not as sharp as that of an ax as it gains its splitting power from the force delivered by the weight.[/wpmfc_cab_sw]

Lastly, the handle on the splitting maul is longer and more pronounced than what you’d see on an ax.

How do you use it on wood?

It’s a common occurrence to see people swinging the maul over their shoulder and bringing it down to split the wood. But this method can be tiring. It is recommended to raise the maul over your head and keeping it in line with your body before bringing it down on the spot you desire to split.

How does it work?

As we said, this tool is designed using a sledge hammer head with a blunt blade. The head weighs around 6 pounds for many models. A splitting maul works by driving the force created by the weight into the wood, thus splitting it on impact.

What size is ideal for you?

Size is critical because of the energy you’ll be putting in and the size of wood you’ll be splitting. If you have large chunks of wood, a heavy splitting maul around 8 pounds will work fine.

Your height and size will determine the length of the handle you choose. Tall people prefer a long handle while short persons will go for a short handle to ease with balance and control of the splitting maul.

Which is the most popular length on a splitting maul?

Length is always a matter of preference for most folks. But lots of users have come to like splitting mauls from 24-31 inches. This length works for most people with a medium height and average build.

Which weight is ideal for a splitting maul for the task at hand?

Depending on your strength and size of the chunk of wood, a 6 or 8 pounder option is suitable for most jobs. The idea here is to strike a balance on the difficulty of the task and your strength.

[wpmfc_cab_ss]Lighter heads are ideal for small pieces of wood. Heavy splitting mauls over 12 pounds are too heavy to swing and not ideal for everyday use.[/wpmfc_cab_ss]

Which is the most popular material on a splitting maul?

The design on splitting mauls includes a head and a handle. Most brands use forged steel for the head since it is tough and robust for long-term use.

Splitting maul handles are either fiberglass or wooden. Fiberglass handles showcase reliability since they do not show signs of cracking after a few misses. But wooden handles are more susceptible to breakage. You can always replace a wooden handle.

Additional Features on a Splitting Maul

Levers. Some splitting mauls use rotating levers on the sides of the head. They direct the downward cutting force when the maul enters the wood. This makes it easier to split large logs with little effort.

Springs. Some designs use wedges loaded with springs. The springs work to open up logs much faster by driving the power deeper into the wood you intend to split.

Wings. Movable wings are installed on the head to help the head rotate and split the wood in quick successions. This helps the wood to come apart quickly, and you won’t have to swing the maul very hard.

Steel Handle. Steel handles last the longest. But they are heavier, and most of the shock waves transfer back to the hands so you can’t work for too long.

Fiberglass Handle. These handles are the most popular as they have good shock absorption. They prevent blisters from forming when you use the splitting maul for long hours. Fiberglass handles are expensive, but they are worth the value you get.

Collar Guard. The collar guard is also known as the handle guard fits around 4 inches around the handle of the splitting maul. It serves to protect the shaft whenever you overstrike and hit the wood with the handle. It can also serve as the grip to prevent slippage during use.

How do you sharpen a Splitting Maul?

Although the edge of the blade is seen to be somehow blunt, it needs sharpening from time to time.

You will need:

• A bastard file with handle
• File card
• Bench vise with soft jaws

To sharpen your splitting maul:

• First, clean the bastard file with the file card to rid of debris.
• Rest the splitting maul on a bench vise to secure it correctly.
• Use the bastard file and pass it along the maul’s edge in a forward motion. Always aim for a 45-degree angle as you sharpen the edge.
• Run a finger on the edge to get an idea of how sharp the maul is.
• Stop sharpening the splitting maul after the sharp edges appear
• Remember not to over-sharpen your tool.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with large logs and chunks of wood, a splitting maul is an ideal tool for the job. But if you have only a few pieces of wood to turn into firewood, we always recommend going for the regular ax.

As splitting technologies evolve, we are now seeing hydraulic splitters for large volumes of wood. But for the average home where you only need firewood for one fireplace, splitting mauls will give you clean cuts and save you time.