There is no better feeling than coming home after a long winter day and sitting by the fireplace. Knowing that you cut the wood to make this fireplace only adds to this feeling of contentment. Because of this, many homeowners have begun to purchase splitting mauls that are the ideal tools for splitting chunks of wood.
We reviewed 44 of the most popular products on the market to narrow it down to our 10 best splitting mauls. At the top of our list, we have the Fiskars IsoCore Maul. We love that it has a large length, which provides an excellent amount of splitting power as well as a protective coating on the head and a Softgrip feature. If you are looking for splitting maul that is slightly different, we have 9 other excellent choices for you to consider.
To find the best wood splitter models, we researched each product description as well as went through the verified customer reviews. It took us more than 55 hours to find all those facts for this article. Some of the features we took into consideration when conducting our research included the total length of the splitting maul as well as the weight of the head, so we could accurately describe how much splitting power a model has. We also compared the materials that make up the maul’s handle and head that ensure that the model is well crafted and will last for years to come. Continue reading, and you will find an overview table followed by our detailed reviews of each product as well as a buying guide, which was designed to assist you in getting the best splitting maul for your needs.
More features: absorbs strike shock and vibration, perfect blade geometry
Here, we have the Fiskars IsoCore Maul as our Editor’s Choice. Thanks to the splittings maul features, it is clear to see why this product is so highly popular among people.
With a total length of 36 inches, one of the largest lengths to be featured on our list, and a head weight of 8 pounds, the Fiskars IsoCore Maul is sure to provide a great deal of splitting power during use. With a head made of heat-treated steel that is covered in a protective coating, this splitting maul head is sure to have excellent protection against any corrosion or future damage of any kind.
The handle on this splitting maul introduces a Softgrip feature that makes it easier for the user to hold. The Fiskars IsoCore Maul’s handle also comes with an ergonomic design, making it extremely user-friendly and convenient. Unfortunately, a few users reported that the handle cracked within a few days, but this was a rare issue.
This tool is extremely remarkable at absorbing any shock or vibrations. With this in mind, it is no wonder that this splitting maul model is our top choice.
More features: sheath in vegetable-tanned leather, perfect for thick and knotty chunks of wood
Here is another excellent option, the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul. This tool has a total length of 31.5 inches. While it is not the largest to be featured on our list, it gives this model some considerable splitting power.
This splitting maul’s head is made of forged steel and weighs 5.5 pounds and includes a protective steel collar at the base of the head. This collar is an excellent additional feature as it provides a little more security in attaching the head to the handle while still ensuring that the handle is strong in this top area.
Moreover, the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul comes with a sheath that is made of vegetable-tanned leather. Not only is this sheath stylish, but it also serves as a safety feature for this tool when it is not in use. In addition, due to the construction of this splitting maul, this model is best suited for splitting knotty and thick chunks of hardwood. However, some people think that it is overpriced for what it offers.
More features: includes leather edge cover, can be used as sledge
As our best versatile option, we have the Husqvarna 32″ Wooden Splitting Maul. Not only can you use to split wood, but it can also be used as a sledge. This versatility gives the user endless options when using this tool.
The Husqvarna Splitting Maul has a good-sized total length of 32 inches. This splitting maul’s head is made of steel and has a hardened striking face, which is what enables this tool to be used as a sledge. The weight of the maul head is 6 pounds.
The tool has a hickory handle, which makes for a lightweight and shock-resistant design.
The Husqvarna Splitting Maul also comes with a leather edge cover to provide protection from any damages or corrosion that could occur during storage. In addition to this, the leather edge cover also provides a little more safety when this tool is not being used, which is a key concern for many potential buyers. Nevertheless, a few customers didn’t like the shape of the handle.
More features: forged in one piece, includes ballistic nylon sheath, shock reduction
Next we have the Estwing Fireside Friend Splitting Tool which offers the best value for the money. This splitting maul makes up a smaller total length, only 14 inches, which makes this an excellent pick for someone who is looking for a more compact tool.
The Estwing Fireside Friend Splitting Tool has a head made of tempered steel and has a 2-3/8 inch hand-sharpened cutting edge.
While the total length of this splitting maul is on the smaller side, the head weight does have some punch to it, weighing in at 4 pounds.
The shape of a splitting maul’s handle is hand-sanded and lacquered, making for a smooth and sleek finish. It also comes with a genuine leather wrap, which offers an excellent handgrip.
This splitting maul comes with a ballistic nylon sheath, which is extremely helpful for storage purposes. This model also comes with a shock reduction feature, which is extremely helpful during use. When it comes to the drawbacks, the only minor issue that people noticed was that it scratched easily but still it offers great value for money.
More features: includes full-grain leather sheath and 1 oz. bottle of axe guard protective oil
The Helko Werk traditional splitting maul is one more model that has a massive total length of 36 inches, this tool is sure to provide all the splitting power that you need.
The head of this splitting maul is quite impressive, made of C50 high carbon steel, and weighing 6.7 pounds.
The handle of the 1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter is made of 150 grit sanded hickory wood and has a linseed oil finish, which ensures that the wood will stay moist and resistant to cracks during use.
The 1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter comes with a full-grain leather sheath to help store this tool as well as adds another element of safety. This splitting maul also comes with a 1-ounce bottle of ax guard protective oil, which will assist the owner in maintaining and keeping the splitting maul in tip-top condition. As for the drawbacks, a few users mentioned that its head could become loose after a while. Still, this can be fixed easily.
More features: lifetime warranty, perfect balance and power-to-weight ratio
Next, we have the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe. With a lifetime warranty, it is simple to see why many people pick this splitting maul.
Another model with a large total length of 36 inches, this splitting maul is sure to provide all the power that you need for wood splitting. With a head material of forged steel that is covered in a protective coating, this maul is designed to resist any corrosion or damage through the years to come.
The Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe has a handle of Fibercomp and includes a textured non-slip grip, which makes it easy to use.
One of the unique features of this splitting maul model is that it has a head weight of 6 pounds, which gives it a perfect balance and power-to-weight ratio. This balance makes the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe ideal option for anyone who has a large amount of wood to split. However, the quality control with this product is not that great because there are some reports that people received their tools with damaged handles.
More features: lifetime warranty, perfectly balanced
As our best perfectly balanced pick, we have the RAZOR-BACK Super Splitter. With a total length of 33 inches and a head weight of just about 6 pounds, it is clear to see how this splitting maul’s parameters are perfectly balanced. This tool has a great combination of power for the total length and weight from the head to provide fantastic performance.
With the head made of heat-treated forged steel, this splitting maul is sure to be tough enough to withstand each and every splitting job. The handle of the RAZOR-BACK Super Splitter is made of fiberglass, which makes it extremely lightweight as well as shock and vibration resistant, a must-have quality for a splitting maul!
As for the additional features that come with this splitting tool, it’s covered with a lifetime warranty. If you are looking for a tool that is guaranteed by its manufacturer to remain in excellent condition for years to come, then this is the best splitting maul option for you! Just don’t forget to sharpen it when needed.
More features: easy to use, all-steel design
Next we have the Truper 32415 Wood Splitting Maul. With a total length of 27 inches, this is not the largest splitting maul on our list, but it is still sure to get the job done.
With a head made of steel, this splitting maul is sure to be reliable each and every time. The steel handle of the Truper 32415 Splitting Maul is covered with molded polypropylene for an easy grip.
Due to the fact that this entire splitting maul is made of steel, it is not the lightest or most shock-resistant option on our list. However, weighing 12 pounds in total, this tool is sure to give everything that potential buyers might want. In addition, the all-steel design makes this splitting maul model extremely durable and significantly harder to break.
The Truper 32415 Splitting Maul is also extremely easy to use, given its seamless steel design and total length. This tool is sure to make all your tasks as easy as possible.
More features: anti-vibration neck, safety plate
Next on our list, we have the Wilton Tools 50836 B.A.S.H Splitting Maul. With 36-inch length, this splitting maul is sure to provide all the splitting power you could ever hope for.
This high-quality splitting maul model comes with a head made completely from steel and weighs about 8 pounds, making this tool a force to be reckoned with! The handle of the Wilton Tools 50836 B.A.S.H Splitting Maul is made of fiberglass, which makes it lightweight and comes with a vulcanized rubber non-slip grip.
Another great feature that comes with the Wilton Tools 50836 B.A.S.H Splitting Maul is its anti-vibration neck. It helps to absorb the shock of the impacts during use and allows the user to continue splitting wood for longer periods. This splitting maul also comes with a safety plate, which is ideal for any potential buyer who is worried about how durable it is and how safe it is to operate. However, the handle might not be the most comfortable to use due to the big texture ribs on it.
More features: resharpenable, comes with rubber protective band, easy to store
If you are looking for an impressive splitting maul, look no further than the TABOR TOOLS Splitting Axe. With the total length of 35 inches, this is one of the largest splitting mauls available on the market. With such length, you are guaranteed an endless amount of splitting power.
The TABOR TOOLS Splitting Axe’s head weighs 8 pounds, which only enhances its performance. This splitting maul’s head is made of steel and also includes a protective coating, which will help to protect it from rust or any other type of corrosion.
The handle of this tool is made of fiberglass and comes with an anti-slip grip, which makes for secure and lightweight design.
Some other features that come with the TABOR TOOLS Splitting Axe are that it is easily resharpenable and is easy to store due to the hole at the end of its handle. However, you will need to sharpen it when it arrives, becomes the manufacturer sends this tool with a dull blade. This model also comes with a protective rubber band, which enhances the safety of this tool.
When looking for the best splitting maul, you want to ensure that it is of the utmost quality. This is especially true when these tools are doing some heavy-duty work. Picking the right splitting maul is not the area where you want to cut corners. Thankfully, we are here to help you in choosing the best splitting maul available on the market. In our buying guide, we outline things to consider while purchasing a splitting maul, as well as a variety of options that give potential buyers a vetted pool of tools to pick from. Ready to get started? Read on!
When you begin looking for a splitting maul, you may wonder what makes this tool different from the axe. Both products are very popular in the tool market, but it can be unclear to determine their area of use. While these tools look similar enough, there are some key differences in their construction that affect how they can be used. A splitting maul is a tool that has a heavy head piece as well as a sharp edge, which makes it ideal for splitting firewood. An axe has a thinner head and is much lighter than the maul. Because of this design, the axe is much more suitable for chopping wood. The maul is used for splitting wood as it has a heavier head, which gives the tool more force and can seamlessly split wood in one swing. Chopping wood requires a bit more effort, and the lighter head of the axe allows the user to swing the axe several times to complete the job without tiring.
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a splitting maul, and safety should be high on that list. It is important to note how dangerous a maul or splitting axe or any other cutting tool for that matter, can be if not used properly. Before picking a splitting maul, it is essential to take into consideration how sharp as well as how heavy the splitting maul is. It can be extremely risky to attempt to use the splitting maul if you do not have enough skill to wield such a heavy tool.
The total length of a splitting maul is important to take into consideration when looking to purchase one. While it is referred to as total length, this mainly relates to the length of the splitting maul’s handle. Why is this important to consider? The length of the handle or “haft” of the splitting maul directly influences the user’s ability to wield the tool and apply more power. The longer the length of the haft is, the more forceful the swing will be. An amazing example of a product with a 36-inch handle is the Fiskars IsoCore Maul.
Of course, the strength of the user will play a factor in this, but generally speaking, the longer the handle is, the more force it will generate, and a shorter handle means that a smaller amount of force is available. So remember this rule when choosing the handle length.
The head of a splitting maul is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of the tool. When looking at potential models, you will want to ensure that the head is made of materials that are sturdy and can withstand the force that it takes to split wood!
Most often, the head of the maul is made of a type of steel, such as seen with the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe. This is an ideal material to construct a splitting maul head from as steel is extremely durable and can withstand this type of impact. It is also common that these steel heads are manufactured with some type of coating. This coating often helps protect the head from any rust or any other damage that could come from use or storage.
When looking to purchase a splitting maul, it is important to take the head weight into consideration. This is because it affects how much power the maul provides with each strike. The heavier the head is, the more powerful the maul will be. However, everything is not that simple. Obviously, the heavier the head is, the more challenging the splitting maul will be to use over an extended period of time. If splitting wood is something that will be an all-day endeavor for you, be sure to take a frank look at your strength capabilities and then compare this to how heavy the head of the splitting maul should be. As a heavy-duty tool, we recommend the TABOR TOOLS Splitting Axe that has an 8 lb head.
As you read through a variety of product descriptions, you will begin to realize that there is a large variety of materials that are used to make this tool’s handle. The three most common materials are wood, fiberglass, and steel. Wood was what was originally used to create a handle for splitting mauls, and it is often the most inexpensive option, such as seen with the Husqvarna Splitting Maul. Fiberglass is another excellent handle option that is extremely durable as well as excellent at absorbing shock that comes from splitting wood. Steel handles are rare to find, but they do exist! Steel handles often come with an anti-slip coating and tend to be the most durable option, even though they are quite heavy.
Of course, when looking to buy a tool, you will want it to last for years to come as well as get the job done each and every time properly. You can ensure that you are getting a splitting maul that is reliable by choosing a model that has a steel head and also includes some type of coating to protect it from the elements, just like you can find with the Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe. It also is essential that the splitting maul has a handle or a halt that is made of durable materials so that it will not crack under pressure and will prove to be reliable during use.
By choosing a splitting maul that is made of quality materials, you can ensure that this tool will be as trustworthy through each use as the day you first received it.
There is a good deal of additional features that come with a splitting maul that can prove to be extremely useful. A sheath can help provide some extra protection to the maul’s sharp edge. A hole at the end of the splitting maul’s handle will provide an easier way for the owner to store the tool in an upright hanging position as opposed to lying on the ground somewhere, which can cause corrosion. Some splitting mauls even come with a bottle of oil, just like the 1844 Helko Werk Germany Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter, which is used to help maintain the pristine condition of the tool.
While these additional features are not necessary or essential to using a splitting maul, it can add to the owners’ ease of use and ultimately be the reason why a buyer chooses one model over the other.
The price is another factor that you must carefully think about when looking to purchase a splitting maul. There are quite a few splitting mauls on the market, all of which come in a variety of prices, so each buyer is sure to find a maul that fits within their budget.
The TABOR TOOLS Splitting Axe is an inexpensive option available at about $37. On the other side, a more expensive splitting maul that we reviewed is the Husqvarna Splitting Maul, which currently runs at about $111. If you are looking for a splitting maul that is in the middle of those two choices, we have several other highly rated models for you to consider.
At the top of our list, we have the Fiskars IsoCore Maul. We love that it has a 36-inch length to make splitting easier of splitting power as well as a protective coating on the head and a Softgrip feature.
Next on our list, we have the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul. This model comes with a wood handle that has steel collar for better durability and a leather sheath for more convenient and safe storage.
Lastly, we have the Husqvarna 32″ Splitting Maul which has a hardened striking face made of steel. It allows it to be used as a sledge as well.
We hope you were able to find your perfect fit in our list of the best splitting mauls for firewood.
