Best Wedge of 2019 for Splitting Wood

While there are electric tools available that can be used to split wood, some folks would much rather get the job done manually. There are two ways to manually split wood: you can either use an ax, or you can use a splitting wedge. Axes may suffice for smaller and softer pieces of wood, but when you’re dealing with large and harder pieces of wood, a splitting wedge is the solution.

So, how can you find the best log splitting wedge for your needs? Well, this guide will not only provide you with the best wedge of 2019 for splitting wood, but will also tell you everything you need to know to find the right wedge for you.

A splitting wedge is a small, but effective object which can be used to split large logs into smaller pieces. These small objects have been around for thousands of years, and have become more and more sophisticated as time passes by.

By placing a splitting wedge on top of a log, it can be hammered down into the log in order to break said log into pieces. Wedges are made out of a variety of materials and come in various different shapes and designs.

Common modern splitting wedge materials include steel, plastic, and other synthetic materials.

Types of Splitting Wedges

While all splitting wedges serve the same general purpose, they are not all created the same. These wedges come in a variety of different shapes, designs, and styles. Some wedges are adorned with ridges, while others are smooth. There is no standard.

The most common types of wedges are diamond wedges, twisted wedges, and spiral wedges. No wedge style or design is objectively any better than any other. Some people just prefer to use a diamond over a spiral, or a spiral over a twisted.

How to Use a Splitting Wedge

For the most part, splitting a piece of wood with a splitting wedge is fairly simple. In order to do so, you’ll need a wedge as well as a hammer of some kind. For smaller logs, a small hammer will get the job done, but for larger logs, you’ll probably need to use a sledge hammer.

Start by sitting your log straight up. If you’re splitting a thick log, it will likely be able to sit up by itself. But if you’re using a thin log, you’ll probably need to prop it up with something. If you need to prop up your log, you can do so by tying it to a larger log. This will stabilize it so that it can be split from its top.

Once your log is sitting up straight, hammer your wedge just slightly into it. After the wedge is stabilized in the wood by itself, the fun begins. At this point, you will hammer the top of the wedge over and over again. As you drive the wedge further and further down into the wood, it will start to split the log apart.

This video will show you exactly how it's done:

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Log Splitting Wedge for Your Needs

When you go to purchase a splitting wedge, you need to make sure that you aren’t just impulse buying. While they make look the same, not all splitting wedges are created equally. There are a number of things you must consider before making a final purchase. They include the wedge’s material, its size, its weight, and its design.

Twisting at a 20-degree angle, this wedge is designed to turn as it’s hammered down into wood, allowing it to be driven with minimal effort. To allow it to be driven into wood smoothly without disturbance, it’s adorned with deep, smooth grooves.

Equipped with large, protruding, angled ridges, this wedge does a pretty standard job of driving through wood. It will cause stray debris, but will also drive through wood with general ease. For its price, it’s the best splitting wedge you’re going to find.

This will help to keep your eyes and body safe. Measuring in at around 10 inches in length, it weighs around 5 pounds. Designed with deep ridges and bit of a twisting pattern, it does a terrific job of turning and driving through wood. Though it’s expensive, this is the best wood splitting wedge around.

Due to its spiraled design, it’s capable of splitting wood into many different pieces at once. It is, however, a little more difficult to drive in than other wedges. This is due to its rather thick design.

This saw also features a full lineup of safety features, including low kickback, a triggered start, and a front hand shield. The 16 inch Oregon bar and chain is best utilized for small household tasks and woodcutting. Moderately priced and backed by both a 5-year warranty and a 2-year battery and charger warranty, this tool is a sound investment.

Conclusion

There’s something about splitting wood with a wedge and a hammer that makes you feel more human; makes you feel more worthwhile. Fortunately, splitting wedges haven’t quite gone out of style yet. They’re still alive and thriving, with plenty of great, sophisticated models on the market today.

The top splitting wedge on the market today is the Fiskars Rotary Gap Wedge 120 021 Safe-T. Made out of forged steel, this wedge is equipped with a large, round striking surface which allows for reduced splintering, and increased performance.