Splitting logs is a test of your strength and fitness. If you think you’re going to just walk up to the wood and split it all in seconds, you’re mistaken. It takes some strength and skill to split wood, and you better have hands of steel.
Splitting wood requires the use of a splitting maul. This tool looks just like an ax but with a few minor design differences. The splitting maul suits splitting logs, and it’s the better tool for the job compared to a traditional ax or hatchet.
In this review, we’ll look at the best splitting maul for your firewood this winter.
Our Top Picks
We spent hours searching through listing with online retailer s to build this list of the best splitting mauls. All the models in this review come from leading hand tool manufacturers. These splitting mauls have quality at the forefront of the design and construction.
From our top listings, we selected these three models as the top picks in this review. We have a splitting maul to suit any application or budget; choose the model that’s the best fit for your firewood splitting needs.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Fiskars Super 36″ Splitting Axe
Fiskars is a Finnish brand producing some of the best hand tools available. If anyone knows splitting – it’s the Finns. The country has one of the densest forests in the world. This maul comes with a fiber-comp handle for strength and shock absorption. You get a tool-steel ax head with a razor-sharp finish and a blade angle designed to give you more first-time splits. - The Premium Pick: Splitting Maul with Wooden Handle
The 36-inch hickory hardwood handle is robust, absorbing shock. It’s strong enough never to split, and the forged steel head provides outstanding cutting action. This model is a great choice for purists that want an authentic tool for cutting firewood this winter. It’s an expensive model, but you get what you pay for with this splitting maul. - The Budget Pick: Compact Splitting Maul
Homeowners looking for the best budget model in this review will love this splitting maul. This ax measure 12.4-inches in length, making it the ideal model for taking with you to the campsite for campsite cutting duties. Use it to clear branches or split firewood.
Splitting Maul Reviews
After reading through our top picks for the best splitting maul, let’s unpack them in detail. We’ll also look at other models that qualify for the best splitting maul. We have brands from leading manufactures and models to suit any cutting job or budget.
After reading through the reviews, check out our buyer’s guide section. We’ll give you more hints and tips for choosing the best splitting maul for your yard duties.
Fiskars Super 36″ Splitting Axe
Finland is a nation known as “the Land of the Thousand Lakes.” It’s also one of the most wooded areas in the world, with millions of trees strewn across the country. It’s no surprise then that a Finnish ax manufacturer wins our award for the best overall splitting maul. Fiskars makes some of the best hand tools available, emphasizing quality and performance at an affordable price.
The Fiskars Super Splitting Axe is our top pick for the best overall model in this review. This splitting ax comes with a 36-inch length, providing a powerful swing that leads to more one-strike splits. The next time you’re splitting firewood, try the Fiskars Super Splitter, and you’ll finish in half the time of models from other leading brands.
- MULTI-USE AXE: Sharp blade axe is an ideal wood chopper designed for firewood, yard work, and lawn cleanup, with maximum efficiency for more one-strike splits; Perfect for medium to large size logs
- EFFICIENT AND COMFORTABLE USE: Shock-absorbing handle with textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain, improves control, and prevents overstrike damage; 36" handle is ideal for taller users
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Hardened forged steel blade stays sharper longer than traditional axes and advanced bevel convex design splits efficiently and makes the blade easier to remove from wood; Provides excellent durability and lasting value
- QUALITY OUTDOOR TOOLS: Designed to help you embrace the outdoors, Fiskars axes and hatchets are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier to tackle outdoor tasks; Ideal gardening gifts for the holidays
- INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Super Splitting Axe with protective sheath; Backed by a lifetime warranty
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fiskars Super Splitter comes with a textured non-slip grip for use with bare hands or with gloves. The handle flare at the butt of the splitting maul prevents the ax from slipping from your hands during the swing. There’s also a lanyard hole for a security wrist strap. The fiber-comp handle absorbs shock while giving the ax a sturdy frame for an efficient swing and strike.
Fiskars designed the head shape for clean splits, and the low-friction coating on the ax head provides a clean cut with easier splits. The molded head won’t separate or come loose during your swings, enhancing safety during use. If you’re looking for the best splitting maul for firewood, you can’t go wrong with this model.
- Low friction ax-head coating for clean strikes.
- Specialized head shape improves first-time splits.
- Molded and sealed head prevents loosening.
- Anti-vibration fiber-comp handle for strength.
- Textured non-slip grip.
- Handle flare and lanyard hole for safety
36″ Splitting Maul with Wooden Handle
If you’re looking for a genuine splitting maul with a classic look and top performance, we recommend the this model.
With this 36-inch splitting maul, you get a classic design with a hardwood handle. The handle provides excellent shock absorption and a sturdy strike, featuring a design and construction with genuine hickory.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The handle design features a slightly flared end to reduce slipping during your swing, allowing you to lock in your hands for the strike. The handle stock’s smooth body makes it easy to transition your hands between positions by sliding them along the length.
This model features design and construction with a premium forged Swedish steel ax head for a lifetime of hassle-free splitting. You get the classic setup with the handle pressed into the ax head. We prefer the molded version to reduce the chances of the head slipping off during a swing. However, with the kind of quality you get from Husky tools, we doubt you’ll ever experience this issue.
- Classic design with hickory hardwood and forged steel ax head.
- Premium brand with premium design and materials.
- Coated ax head for corrosion resistance and friction-free cutting.
- Classic design with handle and head.
- Hickory hardwood absorbs vibration.
- A flared handle and a lanyard hole for extra safety.
- It comes with a leather edge cover for the ax head.
- Hardened striking face in the neck.
Compact Splitting Maul
This splitting maul comes with a V-shaped ax head, featuring design and construction with high-quality tool steel for a durable and long-lasting edge that stays sharp for years. This model is an excellent maul to take with your on a camping trip, allowing for clearing branches and splitting wood for the campfire.
- ► EASY TO USE: Our Wood Chopping Axe is designed for easy chopping Of Firewood, Logs, Kindling and Branches. The Optimized blade geometry is designed for maximum efficiency to give you more one-strike splits. Ideal for campers, hikers, outdoor activities, preparing wood for bonfires and garden work.
- ► DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: The Forged Carbon Steel Heat Treated blade which improves its density and makes the axe more durable produces smooth, sharp, and quick splits and stays sharp longer than traditional axes. You can count on this Hand Axe to deliver superior, long lasting performance.
- ► ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Our Hatched is Designed with a Shock Absorbing Anti Slip Grip, Cold Resistant Ergonomic Shaped Fiberglass Handle which will reduce the strain on your hand, resists slipping and adds comfort.
- ► RESHARPENABLE BLADE: The Chopping Blade features a fully Polished Finished Edge which can easily be resharpened with a file. The Weighted Wedge design makes chopping logs and firewood a breeze.The good balance between head and shaft creates a superior Camping Axe for safe, comfortable and efficient use.
- ► EASY STORAGE: Our Splitting Axe includes a Plastic Protective Cover for safe storage and transport. After use, simply apply the Blade Cover and hang the Hatchet from the hole that is featured for easy and convenient storage.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The rear of the ax head features a flat poll, letting you use it as a hammer. It’s useful for driving tent pegs into the ground and driving wedges and stakes when cutting. The coated head allows for friction-free cutting and more first-time splits. The wide ax head provides plenty of power and surface for splitting, making easy work of the toughest hardwoods.
This model comes with a 14.4-inch handle, giving it a compact design that’s easy to stow away in your gear on your camping trip. The handle features design and construction with fiberglass, providing a sturdy handle that absorbs shock. The heavy 2.2-lbs ax-head allows for powerful swings and more splits with single strikes. It might be more compact than other models, but it comes with an affordable price tag that makes it the best value buy in this review.
- Affordable price.
- A compact design provides easy transport.
- Useful for clearing branches and chopping firewood around the campsite.
- Fiberglass handle for shock absorption.
- A textured grip.
- Handle flare and lanyard hole.
- 12.4-inch length, 2.2-lbs ax head.
Fiskars 36” IsoCore Splitting Maul
The Fiskars IsoCore splitting maul is a top contender to the Wilton B.A.S.H model. While you don’t get a $1,000 guarantee, this model comes backed by a lifetime warranty. If it ever fails on you, send it back to Fiskar’s for a replacement. However, we doubt that will be an issue with this splitting maul. This model features the same straight fiberglass composite handle as Fiskar’s model that won the best overall splitting maul in this review.
- MULTI-USE AXE: Sharp blade axe with inseparable riveted head is an ideal wood chopper designed for firewood, yard work, and lawn cleanup, with maximum efficiency for more one-strike splits; Perfect for medium to large size logs
- EFFICIENT AND COMFORTABLE USE: IsoCore shock-absorbing handle with textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain, improves control, and prevents overstrike damage; 36" handle is ideal for taller users
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blade stays sharper longer than traditional axes while advanced blade geometry splits tough logs efficiently and makes the blade easier to remove from wood; Provides excellent durability and lasting value
- QUALITY OUTDOOR TOOLS: Designed to help you embrace the outdoors, Fiskars axes and hatchets are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to tackle outdoor tasks
- INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul with protective sheath; Backed by a lifetime warranty
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get excellent shock absorption through the handle. However, this model gets the addition of the Fiskar’s IsoCore system in the maul’s neck. As a result, you get more vibration resistance and absorption through the ax head, saving your hands with every swing. This model includes a handle flare with a textured grip to prevent your hands from slipping off the ax during your swing.
The blade geometry in this model gives you better penetration, adding up to more one-swing splits on your firewood. The ax head on this splitting maul features design and construction with durable hardened tool steel. The result is an ax that holds its edge, increasing the time between sharpening. The coated blade also helps to reduce friction when splitting, providing an effortless split with every swing.
- Superior IsoCore shock-absorbing technology.
- Specialized blade geometry for cleaner cuts and better penetration.
- High-performance fiber-comp handle.
- Forged heat-treated steel ax head.
- A fiber-comp handle for reliability.
- Textured grip with a flared butt.
Hooyman Splitting Maul
Foresters, homeowners, and campers will get plenty of utility from this Hooyman splitting maul. Hooyman makes some excellent hand tools, with a reputation for affordable quality that’s functional and effective. This splitting maul is another superb addition to the Hooyman hand tool range, with many of the same features as the top models in this review.
The Hooyman comes with a 36-inch straight handle. The handle design comes interlocked into the ax head, preventing detachment or slips during your swings. This model has an ergonomic handle design, with excellent balance and a high-performance swing. The epoxy-sealed fiberglass handle absorbs shock while providing a sturdy platform for splitting the biggest logs.
- DIMENSIONS: 36 inches L x 8 inches W x 2.5 inches D and weighs 8 lbs
- SPECS: 1045 high strength forged steel with a convex grind and an HRC of 45-60
- RELIABLE: Features the new, no-slip, H-Grip on the ergonomic handle that turns tacky when wet to ensure a secure grip in all conditions
- DURABLE: Handle is interlocked and epoxy sealed into the eye of the head and features a solid fiberglass core for added strength making quick work of splitting wood
- VERSATILE: Features a flat poll for starting cracks in the wood or driving a wedge as well as a v shape head for splitting wood
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We like how the grip on the handle turns tacky in wet weather, preventing slips when splitting in the rain. You get a lifetime warranty on this splitting maul, with excellent customer service.
The ax head on this model features design and construction with 1045 forged steel for strength and a 45 to 60-degree HRC for the efficient and powerful splitting of the largest firewood logs. The ax head’s flat rear provides a tool for hammering wedges of tent pegs on your camping trip. This model gives you an affordable quality you can trust and a great choice for your next splitting maul.
- High-performance handle design with a safety flare.
- H-Grip on vital contact points for extra grip in wet conditions.
- Steel design with Fiberglass core.
- High-quality 1045 high-strength steel ax head.
- 36″ length for full swings.
- The rear of the ax head acts as a hammer.
- Affordable.
Intertool 32″ Splitting Maul
Intertool makes some of the best hand tools, with a high-quality design and an affordable price tag. The Intertool 12.4-inch splitting maul already won our pick as the best budget splitting maul in this review. However, if you’re a fan of the Intertool brand but looking for a bigger ax, we recommend going with this 32-inch model from the company.
The handle on this model features a straight design, with a flared end to prevent your hands from slipping off during your swing. This model also comes with an ergonomic design and textured grip for better handling in wet weather conditions.
- [Heavy Duty Wood Splitter]: Built with a 5 pound wedged, convex grind head to deliver excellent striking force and control when splitting rounds or logs for firewood. The poll side of the tool can be used for driving wedges and stakes. Suitable for bonfire prep, camping, landscaping, and many other outdoor tasks
- [Sharpened Carbon Steel]: Blade is sharp out of box and reinforced with heat treated steel. Features anti-corrosive coating on the head to prevent rust and wear. Blade protector included
- [Shock Eliminating Handle]: Tough, lightweight fiberglass handle effectively absorbs impact shock and includes grip-textured rubber for a non-slip performance. Brightly colored for quick identification when outdoors and includes a hang hole for easy storing
- [One Strike Power]: Head-to-handle weight balance and shape is optimally designed for increasing splitting force, grip, and supportive leverage. Total Tool Weight: 6.6 Pounds | Total Length: 35.4 Inches
- [INTERTOOL has YOU Covered]: We are always available to quickly resolve any issue and answer to your needs. Our community is our #1 priority
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There’s a safety lanyard hole to secure the ax to your wrist and prevent accidents with the ax slipping out of your hands. This model is a great choice for contractors or homeowners looking for an affordable, high-performance splitting maul.
The anti-shock neck reduces vibration moving through the fiberglass handle, and you get an epoxy molded and interlocked design preventing dislodging of the maul head. This model features a 1045 forged steel blade for excellent strength and endurance. The coated tip provides a friction-free cutting surface for more first-time splits. The rear of the blade also acts as a hammer surface, allowing you to drive wedges or hammer in tent pegs.
- Convex steel grind blade for high-performance splitting.
- 32″ handle with fiberglass construction for lightweight balance.
- Ax head features construction with durable tool steel.
- Shock-absorbing handle and neck.
- Rubber grip with lanyard hole and flare for safety.
- The rear of the ax head useful around the campsite as a hammer.
- Affordable.
Performance Tool 33″ Splitting Maul
Homeowners looking for the cheapest splitting maul they can find should consider this Performance Tool model. With this splitting maul, you get a traditional design with modern tweaks for excellent performance when splitting firewood. This ax comes with a straight fiberglass handle, featuring a bright yellow color for easy identification outdoors. The butt of the ax handle features a stopper-flare, preventing your hands from slipping off the ax during your swing.
- EFFICIENT LOG-SPLITTING: Perfect for small to medium logs and setting splitting wedges in larger logs.
- DURABLE STEEL HEAD: Black matte finish, heat-treated and hardened forged steel head for exceptional durability.
- FIBERGLASS HANDLE: Heavy-duty fiberglass handle with a rubber cushion grip for a comfortable and secure hold.
- ANTI-SHOCK CORE: Fiberglass core reduces shock and vibration for reduced hand fatigue.
- 33-1/2 INCH HANDLE: Extended 850mm handle for added reach and leverage.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model has anti-shock rubber grips for plenty of traction, even when wearing gloves. The anti-vibration neck also helps to reduce shock moving through the handle. This model comes with a 6-lbs ax head, allowing for heavy, powerful swings and more first-time splits with your firewood. It’s a straightforward design with a few modern upgrades to create a fantastic splitting maul for all jobs.
The ax head features design and construction with durable tool steel for a long-lasting cutting edge. The rear of the ax head also features a hammer-head for driving wedges or hammering in tent pegs. This model is an excellent choice for people that find themselves using a splitting maul a few times a season. Why spend more when this mode is all you need to build your firewood stash this winter?
- Bright yellow handle for easy visibility in the yard.
- Modern upgrade on a classic design.
- Heavy 6-lbs ax head.
- Steel ax head.
- Epoxy filled fiberglass handle.
- Rear ax head hammer.
- Affordable.
Splitting Maul Buyer’s Guide
As the winter rolls around, the cold starts to creep in day-by-day. As the mercury drops, it’s time to dust off the fireplace. There’s nothing quite like a roaring fire on a cold winter night. The warmth fills the living room, spreading through the house. Watching the snowfall blanket your yard through the window of your living room while you sip on a cup of cocoa is a relaxing and rewarding experience.
While that image sounds mesmerizing, the comfort of the thought starts to fade as you realize someone will have to chop the wood for the fire. If you live out near a forest or public land, harvesting and storing firewood for the winter is a must. When the wood is seasoned and cured, it’s time to start splitting logs for the fire.
After reading through the best splitting mauls reviews, you probably have a few options in mind. This section unpacks everything you need to know about splitting mauls. We outline the features and characteristics of the top models and what you can expect from the performance of your new wood-splitting tool.
Choose the Right Splitting Maul for the Job
There are other mauls for different purposes. Choose the right model to suit the splitting task at hand. If you’re going camping, choosing a 36” model makes your gear heavy, but a 12-inch model provides function and lightweight performance.
From the models we outlined in the review, choose the right one to match your needs. If you’re an outdoor woodsman with a purist approach to your tooling, we recommend the Husqvarna for its authentic looks and performance. If you’re more of a modern tool fan, then Fiskars models are fantastic choices.
Wood Splitting Vs. Traditional Axe – What are the Differences?
A splitting maul is not the same tool as a standard ax. With a splitting maul, you get a steeper angle on the blades, with an HRC between 40 to 65-degrees.
The result is a cleaner splitting action. There is less friction on the wood surface during the split as the ax drives through the log. The result is focused energy on the cutting edge of the tool.
Using a Splitting Maul vs. An Axe
Using a splitting maul means you get more first-time splits with your firewood work, reducing the number of swings you take to finish the job.
Anyone who‘s ever had the pleasure of splitting wood for hours can tell you how much every swing counts. It’s especially important in the last few minutes of the task when you’re breathing heavy and sweating when you feel like giving up.
What are the features of Splitting Mauls?
The Handle
The handle design should feature the right length to match your frame and tasks. The best sizes are between 32” to 36”. Look for models with safety flares or stoppers in the hilt of the handle design.
Materials
- Fiberglass – Lightweight and strong. Many models come with epoxy reinforcement for additional strength. They absorb shock about twice as well as wood.
- Wood – The traditional choice for the outdoorsman. With the right care and wielded with experienced hands, these tools offer peak performance.
- Steel Reinforced – These models have steel rods reinforcing the handle, making the ax unbreakable.
Grip
The grip helps you keep control of the ax during the swing. Look for textured grips or vulcanized grips that get tacky when wet.
The Splitting Head
The splitting head should feature design and construction with carbon tool steel or 1045 steel for the best performance. These materials hold the edge longer, keeping them sharp.
Head Weight
Heavy head weights generate more force during your swing. For high-performance models, look for head weight between 6lbs to 8lbs.
Tool Balance
The splitting maul should have a good balance in your hands. You should feel the ax head move during the swing, allowing you to connect with the firewood for a clean split on the first strike.
Performance
When selecting your splitting maul, match it to your user experience. Choosing a traditional model like the Husqvarna might look cool, but it’s going to be challenging for a newbie to use effectively.
If you’re new to splitting, choosing a Fiskar’s model is the better choice for mastery of the art before trying a traditional-style tool.
Splitting Maul FAQs
Can I split wet wood with my splitting maul?
Yes, you can split wet wood with your splitting maul. Damp wood is much easier to split than cured, seasoned, dry wood. The extra water in the wood makes it easier for the maul to cleave through the material.
What are the hardest types of wood to split?
The most challenging wood varieties to split include sweetgum, elm, cottonwood, and other softwoods. They often split or warp when you strike. As a result, you get a lopsided cut.
Make sure you split seasoned wood for the best results. While it’s easier to split green wood, you won’t get as many even splits as cured logs.
What are the easiest types of wood to split?
If you’re looking for the best wood types for splitting, we recommend wood like ash, oak, and maple for the best one-time splits.
Where can I purchase the best splitting maul?
We recommend picking up your splitting maul for Amazon, the world’s largest retailer. Amazon has the best range and the best prices for your new splitting maul.
Amazon also offers buyer protection on your order and free shipping on all orders for Prime members. You get hassle-free returns and exchanges if there’s anything wrong with your product.
Splitting Mauls – The Verdict
A splitting maul is an essential tool for the wintertime. If you’re heading to the campsite or building a fire, the splitting maul is your new best friend for the job. By now, you should have your eye on a prospective model for your maul.
However, we understand it’s challenging to settle on one model from all the outstanding listings in this review. If you’re still battling with your decision, why not go with one of our top picks? We have models to suit any budget or splitting duty.
- The Fiskars Super 36″ Splitting Axe is our top choice for the best overall splitting maul in this review. You get a fiber-comp handle with a shock-absorbing neck. As a result, you get 2X less vibration through the handle, making an effective driving motion during the split. This model includes a steelhead with a specialized angle for more one-strike splits.
- The Husqvarna 32″ Splitting Maul with Wooden Handle is the model for the purist. This splitting maul comes with a traditional design, featuring a hickory hardwood handle and a forged steel ax head. The ax head features a no-friction coating for better splits. You get a wooden 32″ handle that reduces vibration and a flared tail for safe swings. This model comes with a flat back for use as a hammer around the campsite.
- The Intertool Compact Splitting Maul is our top choice for the best budget model in this review. This splitting maul comes with a tool steel ax head, allowing for a razor-sharp edge. The fiberglass handle allows for lightweight swinging, and the 12.4-inch length makes it perfect for taking along to the campsite.
