Only a professional woodworker knows how much effort and precision it takes to split wood with perfection. And the biggest key-factor amidst the process is the splitting maul you’re using for the job.
Now, just with a glimpse into the market, you can easily get manipulated with tons of brands and models. Result? Wrong model for the wrong purpose.
Now the question; What are the best splitting mauls?
To give you a hand in this regard, we’ve hand-picked 54 of splitting mauls and researched out the 7 best splitting maul for wood splitting. We’ve taken 5+ factors into consideration.
That being said, let’s get going-
In a hurry? Here is our top pick Splitting Maul that you can buy right now –Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul.
| Product | Length | Handle | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Splitting Maul | 32" | Wooden | |
| Fiskars Iso Core 8 lb Maul | 36" | Metal | |
| Estwing Fireside Friend Axe | 14" | Metal | |
| Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul | 31.50" | Wooden | |
| Truper 32415 Splitting Maul | 27" | Metal | |
| 1844 Helko Werk Splitting Maul | 31" | Wooden | |
| Hitdudu 36" Splitting Maul | 36" | Fiberglass |
7 Best Wood Splitting Maul Reviews
1. Husqvarna 32″ Wooden Splitting Maul
Product Overview
If you’ve been into carpentry and woodworking for a while, there is no chance that you’ve not heard of Husqvarna. As the top pick of the list, we’ve got 32″ Wooden Splitting Maul from the inventory Husqvarna.
First of all, this product is designed for splitting chunks of firewood with a hard striking force. The blade and neck are designed in such a way so that it can be used both as an individual sledge or in a company with a splitting wedge.
Instead of metal-made, bulky handles Husqvarna had been smart enough to equip it with an American Hickory handle. The handle is 32 inches in length, and that makes it a perfect one for users of any height.
However, if you find this 32″ version not the right fit for your purpose, there is a wide range of options to chose from. Starting from ultra-compact 13″ handle, you can choose the best one within your requirement.
Not to let you end up with an accidental incident, there is a leather edge protective cover. Another safety precaution that we’ve noticed is the extended bottom part of the handle. If you deal with a wet hand, it won’t come off at all.
- 32″ American Hickory made a wooden handle.
- It can be used both as a sledge or with a splitting wedge.
- Sharp, forged steel made a cutting blade.
- Sleek blade geometry to penetrate even the hardest of the wood.
- Available in handle sizes from 13 inches to 32 inches.
- Perfect for both tall and short users.
✕Cons
- No groove or grip on the handle section.
2. Fiskars Iso Core Maul
Product Overview
The product on the podium right now is the infamous Fiskars Iso Core 8 lb Maul 36 Inch. It’s basically picked up in this list because of a few extraordinary features, among which, the blade geometry is the notable one.
We will break down the features and benefits below-
First of all, let’s have a closer look at the smart and sleek blade design. If you’ve been into woodworking for quite a while, you might know that these kinds of blades offer the best penetration into logs.
The blade material is heat-treated and forged steel. To provide it with even more durability, there is a rust-resistant coating. Definitely, this gives you a promise of years of durability.
Moving forward, this maul contains a shock control mechanism patented by Fiskars themselves. Through this mechanism, the shocks and vibrational impacts won’t reach your hands that much. To be exact, this body is able to reduce the shocks by 2x compared to any similar splitting mauls.
At the bottom section of the splitting maul, it’s the soft-gripped handle that we want to talk about. The long and sleek handle comes with a sculpted profile which fits the shape of any kind of hands.
- Super-optimized blade structure for better penetration.
- Isocore shock control system
- Deduces 2x shocks comparing to any other models.
- Soft grip handle with a sculpted design.
- The blade is made of heat-treated steel.
- Doesn’t get affected by rust even after years of use.
✕Cons
- The 36 inches handle is a good fit for tall users, but not for short users.
3. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14″ Wood Splitting Maul
Product Overview
Before finishing up the discussion of the last product, the only problem was that the model was the length. But at this point, we’ve got a model that overcomes the issue. Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14″ Wood Splitting Maul is a well-structured splitting maul for short people especially.
The one-piece structure is the first thing you’ll notice about this product. As you know, one piece of mauls is popular for its unbelievable durability. We’re certain that this is the case with this model as well.
As you’re dealing with a shorter handle maul, the impacts and vibrations are likely to react quickly to your hands. But Estwing had been smart enough in this case. There is a comfortable leather shock reduction grip with a hand-sanded texture.
Apart from the cutting capacity, the protection of the cutting edge is also an important factor. Estwing had been outstanding once again in this case. They’ve provided a heavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath. This will provide protection to the cutting edge of Estwing Fireside Friend Axe – 14″ Wood Splitting Maul.
Lastly, it’s the blade. Although the blade has a pretty ordinary geometry, the metal strength is no less than any top-rated mauls. It’s made of stainless steel, and the steel is forged for enhanced durability. We’re not certain about the heat treatment, but we’ve got positive reports about the cutting capacity of the blade.
- 14″ length, perfect for short users and using with one-hands.
- Stainless steel made forged blade structure.
- Heavy-duty sheath to protect the cutting edge.
- Comfortable, textured, and shock-resistive grip.
- Available in two different colors.
- Weighted wedge design for better and faster cutting.
✕Cons
- The blade metal is not heat treated.
- Not a good fit for tall users and large tree limbs.
4. Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul 31.50 Inch Wood Splitting Axe
Product Overview
It’s not all the time when you have to deal with thick and softwood, which are pretty hard to split. Sometimes, it’s the stubborn and super hard chunks of wood, and you need to be a real axeman here.
To assist you in dealing such cases of wood splitting, presenting the Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul 31.50 Inch Wood Splitting Axe. Here are the features and specs of the product-
The blade structure is quite thin and concave at the same time. So it can cut quickly and easily into even the hardest kind of woods. As you’re done with entering the blade into any wood, just a push will split the wood apart. You don’t have to put any extra effort after that.
Worried about striking a wedge with this maul? Well, you don’t have to. Because this product has special preparation of beveled corner designs for that.
Let’s focus on the handle now. The handle of this product is made of regular meta, but with the protection of a American steel collar. This collar will do the duty of protecting the axe from coming off, in case you’re using it with a wet palm. To provide even more grip, there are some circular grooves on the lower bottom of the product.
Comparing to the conventional axes and mauls, the size of the handle is quite long. So, we can say that it’s more of a tall user’s thing as long as it comes to usability.
- A concave, thin blade to deal with hardwood splitting.
- A strong and sturdy poll with beveled corner design.
- Protective steel collar for extra grip.
- Comfortable and even firmer grip with the circular grooves.
- Quite heavy in weight, providing the more striking force.
- It contains a manual Axe book to instruct you in using.
✕Cons
- Quite a pricey splitting maul.
5. Truper 32415 12-Pound Splitting Maul
Product Overview
The splitting maul we’re up to right now is called Truper 32415 12-Pound Splitting Maul, and it’s quite unique in design. Don’t come into a decision about its unique design until we’re done with explaining it’s features and specs.
It contains a 27 inches longer handle, which makes it a good fit for users with mid-level height. The handle is made of strong and sturdy steel, which is pretty much heavy duty.
To provide with shades of safety, there is a handle guard made of rubber. No matter how hard you strike it for splitting wood, it won’t come off your hands and create accidental issues.
Now, let’s come to the point of cutting edge and blade. The maul has a drop forged bevel-edged striking edge. With it’s thick and short blade design, it can do two things together at one strike- entering into the wood and splitting it off. So you don’t have to put extra effort to split the wood.
The weight sometimes is both advantages and disadvantages of a splitting maul. While lightweight axes are easy to carry but hard to deal with heavy workloads. On the other hand, heavier mauls have the opposite benefits and disadvantages.
Now, look at the 12 pounds Truper 32415 12-Pound Splitting Maul, it’s neither too heavy nor too lightweight. So it’s a complete win-win situation for any woodworker and carpenter.
- 27 inches long handle, perfect for any user.
- 12 pounds of medium-lightweight.
- Thick and angular blade design for heavy striking forces.
- Rubber gripped handle for providing safe handling.
- Pretty much budget-friendly in terms of price.
✕Cons
- The absence of a thin blade might be an issue.
6. 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Scandinavian Splitting Axe
Product Overview
In this discussion regarding splitting mauls, the weight of the mauls had been always an issue. If you get to deal with heavy splitting works, you need to carry a heavy maul. On the other hand, lightweight mauls are easy to use and carry, but hard to work on heavy, thick workpieces.
To meet both ends, we’ve got 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Scandinavian Splitting Axe on the podium. Let’s talk it features out-
First of all, it’s a Germany-made heavy-duty splitting maul, where German C50 grade carbon steel is used to create its blade. If you’re familiar with this metal, you should have known that it’s famous for its durability.
This blade might not have any sheath protection, but the C50 steel metal actually doesn’t need one.
The next part into our consideration is the handle. Unlike many metal handle mauls, this one is with a wooden handle. Which is pretty beneficial. The material used to make this handle is A-grade American Hickory, and the finish is made of Linseed oil. Together, the handle turns to be a state of the art beauty.
Let’s get back to the weight factor now. The weight of the head only 5.5lbs, and the handle section has its weight of 2lbs. In together, it weighs only 7.5lbs, which is extraordinary. You will have no hardship to work with it for a long time, and you can still make hard splitting works possible.
- A-grade American Hickory made handle.
- The blade is made of German C50 carbon steel.
- Linseed oiled finish of the handle.
- It contains a leather sheath with vegetable tanned.
- Weighs only 7.5lbs, easy to carry around.
✕Cons
- No grip protection in the handle.
7. Hitdudu 36″ Splitting Maul
Product Overview
We are about to finish our list with the last pick of the array of 7. At this point, we’ve got the newly released one of the best Hitdudu 36″ Splitting Maul.
First of all, the most extraordinary part of this splitting maul is the handle material. Where we’ve seen metal and wood to be the regular handle material, this piece has got fiberglass made handle. The benefit of a fiberglass handle is, it will be super durable, and will provide a good striking force as well.
Instead of regular straight handle design, this one has got a curvy handle. There are two benefits to it. First of all, it will be super easy to grip, and it enhances the visual beauty of the splitting axe.
The cutting blade and the cutting edge are another two praiseworthy part of the axe. The edge is sharpened for optimal penetrating into the wood, and the design of the cutting blade is also sleek.
Overall, the steel made the blade and the fiberglass made handle gives together a promise of years of durability. Although the length of this axe is not a good fit for tall users, as long as short and mid-level users are concerned, Hitdudu 36″ Splitting Maul is a good one to go for.
- Strong, and curvy fiberglass made the handle.
- Forged and sharpened the cutting edge.
- The blade geometry is a perfect one for penetrating woods.
- An extended area at the bottom of the handle for no slipping off.
- Weighs only 4.5 pounds.
- A perfect fit for short users.
- Carriable with no extra hassle.
✕Cons
- Not a good fit for splitting hardwood.
How to Choose The Best Splitting Maul -Buyer’s Guide
It is important to pick the right splitting maul which makes your wood splitting job easy as well as saves your money and energy. Choosing the best splitting maul is not a very difficult task but the question: Is the best maul is perfect for you? You have to consider the best and that is also perfect for you. Here is the guide that helps you to pick the right maul for you.
Weight of The Maul
Splitting maul has a heavyweight and bulky head that can make you tired quickly. Sounds sad? But the good news is the heavy weighted head has some advantages too.
It makes your swing more forceful. You can split lots of wood within a very short time. On the other hand, if the maul will be lightweight, you need extra force to swing and also need more time to complete your splitting job. Moreover, the heavy head of the maul never stuck into the wood while splitting.
But the heavier maul is not suitable if you have any kind of shoulder injury.
Material and Length of the Handle
Generally, the Maul handle is made of wood, fiberglass, and steel. You will get a good grip depending on the materials of the handle. Wood handle axe is still popular among the carpenters. But consider the wood must be hickory or ash.
Fiberglass handle also in trends now for its lightweight but fiberglass and steel handle has a shock-absorbing problem. But the high-quality maul has the shock-absorbing chamber.
Now, what is the perfect length of your maul should be?
It depends on your height. 31-36 inches maul will be perfect for six feet tall man. But before choose you to have to check which size maul you can swing and maintain well.
The quick tips: if you know that you can maintain 36 inches maul perfectly, then my recommendation is to pick 32 inches maul.
Head to Handle Connection (Solid Piece/single piece or Multi-piece)
This feature must be considered because of its durability. Solid piece maul forged with handle. you can’t separate them. If you think about safety, you should buy this type of maul.
Muli piece maul can separate easily. You can change the handle if you need.
Balance and Grip
The handle length and weight ratio can maintain the balance of your maul. You should more careful about the balance of your maul. Lack of balance can cause of the accident and miss swing.
The grip also related to the well-balanced. The soft grip can help you to hold the maul firmly and swing with more force that can split wood easily with one stroke.
Benefits of Having a Best Splitting Maul
- A splitting maul is a budget-friendly tool. It prices less than a log splitter and chainsaw. Besides readily cut wood is also costly. So the small investment in a maul can warm your entire family.
- With the splitting maul, you can split your logs into more convenient and useable sizes.
- Splitting maul doesn’t need to sharpen the blade to split the log.
- Splitting wood with a maul is a great exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sharpen my splitting maul?
Yes, you should sharpen your splitting maul after and before using it.Only sharpening can insecrase the maul functionality. But you should know the basic rules of sharpening a splitting maul and axe. Here is the maul sharpening guide that may help you- How to Sharpen Axe & Maul.
Is a maul good for splitting wood?
Splitting is the main job of splitting maul and it can be done its job effectively. The good news, it has a heavy weight that can help to split wood quickly.Sometimes one strike can split a hardwood log.
The main problem of this maul is, you can split wood for a longer period of time because of its weight, and the kids and weak people can face some problem to swing the maul.
Bottom Line
Thanks for being till the very end of the best wood splitting maul for wood splitting. Hopefully, you’ve hand-picked your favorite model and went up for your next woodworking mission and Let us know about your favorite wood splitting maul in the comments section below.
Good Luck!
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