Clean Splits – As a bonus, wedges split the wood more cleanly than other tools. Instead of swinging an axe multiple times and cutting in multiple different places, the splitting wedge creates one cut that’s continually deepened.

Felling – Felling wedges are distinctly different from splitting wedges; they should only be used to fell a tree, not cut through wood or split logs. These types of wedges won’t hold up to being repeatedly hit with a maul or axe. Splitting wedges are made of hardened steel so that they can handle repeated impact from an axe, maul, or other tool. They may also be made of aluminum, Extended Lifespan – Using a splitting wedge can preserve other cutting equipment such as mauls and axes. These tools take more force and time to cut wood, wearing them down and potentially shortening their lifespan or increasing the cost of maintenance over time. Safer Process – Splitting wedges create a safer cutting process because they give you a larger target to swing at and reduce the amount of time and energy you need to put into splitting. Both of these reduce the chances of an accidental injury.

Size – Thinner and longer wedges are more effective than wider and shorter wedges. This is because the former is able to transfer more force from your swing into the wood. Using a splitting wedge also means you won’t be wearing down your axes or risking breaking your tools, such as the axe handle.

Each of these four has quality construction, holds up over time, and splits wood both efficiently and effectively. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down everything you need to know about splitting wedges and talk about our top choices. This will essentially boil down to the type of wood you deal with most often and how you want it split.And among each material itself is a range of hardness. For example, there are some types of steel that are harder than others, which will affect the wedge’s overall performance and longevity. If you just work with softer woods and are turning them into firewood, then traditional wedges will work. But if you’re working with hard or knotty woods and need them broken into smaller pieces, such as for kindling, then a diamond or grenade is the way to go. Size & Weight (Dimensions) Despite what modern media would show you, it’s not actually that easy to heft an axe and cut clean through a piece of timber. The most efficient (and effective) way to cut wood is to actually use a splitting wedge. If you’re looking for a traditional splitting wedge, you can’t go wrong with the Estwing Sure Split Wedge or Hooyman Splitting Wedge. The Collins Diamond Wedge and Truper Super Splitter are the best choices among diamond, grenade, and torpedo wedges.

Steel – Steel is the strongest material and most robust when it comes to impact, but doesn’t hold up as well in cold temperatures. If used in freezing temperatures, it’s actually possible that a steel wedge may freeze and break. It’s best to use a splitting wedge whenever you have multiple pieces of wood to split, rather than just a log or two. If you’re going to be working on lots of wood or for a longer period of time, a splitting wedge makes the overall process easier and more efficient.When splitting particularly large logs, you can set the wedges up in a line and “leapfrog” from one to the other. They’ve been thoroughly reviewed online and have held up admirably against their manufacture’s claims. All in all, any one of the wedges above would work well for years to come. More From Timber Gadgets A splitting wedge is an investment in an easier cutting process overall. So to protect your investment, it’s useful to buy two wedges. Chances are, you’re more likely to need a second wedge than you think.