Herbert Miller
Axes were the most typically used tool when it comes to log splitting. This can turn out to be less efficient and not suitable for many people to use, especially for those with less strength.
Thus, we have the log splitters that will reduce the effort put into log splitting by the users. There are many types of log splitters available these days, be it manual or electric.
In this review, we have gathered a definitive list of the ten best manual log splitters that you can refer to for your purchase.
In a Rush? Check out our Top Picks:
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Best Overall
Logosol Smart-Splitter Manual Log Splitter
- 14 tons
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to use
- Convenient
Best Budget
Kindling Cracker Firewood Manual Log Splitter
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Maintenance-free
- Easy to use
- Made in Australia
Premium Choice
Sun Joe LJ10M Hydraulic Manual Log Splitter
- 10 tons
- Steel frame build
- Easy to use
- Wheel size: 2.48-inch
1. Logosol Smart-Splitter Manual Log Splitter
Logosol Smart-Splitter is one of the best manual log splitters you will find on the market. It delivers a force of 14-ton, so it can split woods of about 22-inch. Splitting longs have never been faster and easier.
One other redeeming quality is that the splitter features an ergonomic design and is also light in weight. It goes easy on your body, so you do not have to worry about straining your back or hands.
In addition, because this tool is relatively compact, it ensures easy storage and will take very little space in your workshop or car. It is also durable, so you can use it for quite a long time.
Beginner or professional, anyone can operate this tool with ease on the wood of any width. It is all thanks to its slide-hammer construction.
With all that said, the Logosol Smart-Splitter Manual Log Splitter is ideal for homeowners, forest owners, cabin owners, etc.
Pros:
- Simple to set up
- Easy operation
- Portable and lightweight
- Perfect for cutting long logs
Cons:
- Not for green logs
2. Kindling Cracker Firewood Manual Log Splitter
Second on our list is the Kindling Cracker Firewood Manual Log Splitter, a high-quality product at quite a reasonable price. This tool is perfect for splitting the already split logs into kindling for starting the fire.
Designed to cut woods of up to 6.5-inch, it splits the log into tiny pieces without much hassle. You can just take a different piece of log and use it as a hammer to split the wood.
Because it features a groove construction, it splits the wood easily without requiring much force while hammering.
In comparison to a standard ax, the Kindling Cracker Firewood Manual Log Splitter is much more safe and simpler to use. Its cast iron build ensures extreme durability, and on top of that, it comes with a five-year warranty.
In addition, regular maintenance is not necessary, so it is okay even if you do not sharpen it every time you use it. Neither do you have to worry about the tool wearing down as it can even survive the harsh winters.
Pros:
- Compact construction
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting due to cast iron build
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Ideal only for kindles
3. Sun Joe LJ10M Manual Log Splitter
Many users highly recommend the Sun Joe LJ10M. This is because the tool is ideal for larger woods, unlike some splitters that can only have room for small logs.
This splitter can hold a log of 18-inch long and 8-inch in diameter, delivering a force of 10-ton for the splitting. It makes use of hydraulics to make the splitting process easier, in most hand-operated ones.
The product is constructed from a heavy-duty steel frame; therefore, it weighs over 100 lbs. However, despite it being quite heavy, it comes with wheels, thus ensuring portability and easy maneuvering.
In addition, this manual hydraulic log splitter features a RAM with a return spring that enables rapid resetting to attain continuous splitting. It also provides an integrated cradle to make sure that the split woods remain intact.
The Sun Joe LJ10M Hydraulic Manual Log Splitter offers a warranty of two years, but it will certainly last you longer.
Pros:
- Integrated cradle
- Durable construction
- Features wheels
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Quite heavy
4. Central Machinery Horizontal Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter
A key factor that makes the Central Machinery Manual Log Splitter stand out from the rest is its ability to split hardwoods. Made from a rigid steel frame, it ensures high durability, which will definitely last for a long time.
The hydraulic mechanism is extremely powerful, delivering a force of 10-ton. This force will enable cutting through different types of wood such as walnut, maple, oak, etc., without having to exert much force.
This tool allows you to split an 18-inch long log. At times, it even fits in logs of 20-inch wide, and you still get the desired results. It features long handles to ensure proper grip while operating the tool and also make sure it does not require much effort.
Additionally, similar to some other products, this Manual Log Splitter from Central Machinery comes with two wheels. Regardless of its heavy weight, the wheels enable you to maneuver the splitter around easily.
Pros:
- Features 2-speed pump
- Ergonomic handles
- Durable
- Built-in cradle
Cons:
- Heavy
5. Timber Tuff TMW-11 Manual Log Splitter
The Timber Tuff TMW-11 is yet another reasonably priced manual log splitter, perfect for those who are a little tight on budget. That said, there is no compromise on quality. Regardless of it being cheaper than most splitters, this product has its own benefits.
Timber Tuff put a lot of thought into designing this manual log splitter for your convenience. Assembled with a hammer of 8.8 lbs, it enables you to put enough effort to ensure ease of split.
The splitter has the capacity to cut a log of 11.5-inch long. With its unique and rugged steel construction, it minimizes unnecessary movements and makes sure you get the perfect split.
The tool guarantees reliability and long-lasting use owing to its heavy-duty build. Furthermore, its compact size ensures easy storage anywhere without taking much space in comparison to some larger splitters.
Not only is this log splitter affordable, but it is also durable and of high-quality. Perhaps, this tool could become your new companion this year.
Pros:
- Features a hammer for easy operation
- Durable and compact
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not perfect for green wood
6. Inertia Cast Iron Manual Log Splitter
Next up, we will talk about the Cast Iron Manual Log Splitter by Inertia Gear. Boasting a cylindrical shape construction, this tool is highly efficient and ensures safe splitting even indoors, despite it not having moving blades.
Splitting a log using this splitter is relatively easy. You only need to stamp on the footplate and apply a little force to split the log with the hammer. It can easily split woods up to 12-inch long and 7-inch wide.
One fantastic feature that drives its popularity among the buyers is its lightweight design, weighing only about 20 lbs. This guarantees high portability, so you can carry it around with ease and will undoubtedly be a great addition to your trips.
What’s more, it comes with holes on the bottom of the splitter for mounting. The purpose of this is for added balance and safety while splitting logs.
Pros:
- Portable
- Sturdy metal construction
- Compact and durable
Cons:
- Not much splitting force
7. Woodeze Hand Held Firewood Splitter
Now, this WoodezeSplitter is a handheld splitter that weighs only 12lbs. You can carry it around with ease, and it doesn’t even take much storage space.
This product incorporates both the “sledge and wedge” method, and you need not worry about it bouncing back or recoiling.
This product boasts about its long-lasting use with powder coating in each and every part of this unit and is machined as well. Not just that, even the handle comes with zinc electro-plating, assuring more durability.
You may have to wear ear protection so as to avoid the noise when this splitter comes in contact with other metal. It makes a loud noise that can be bothersome.
Pros:
- Portable
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Loud: metal to metal contact
8. EasyGoProducts EGP-FRE-019-1 Manual Log Splitter
A very simple yet labor-saving tool is the EasyGoProducts’ EGP-FRE-019-1 Manual Log Splitter. Perfect for use at home, this splitter can split your logs in four ways and get your firewood ready.
This manual log splitter comes with dimensions of 15″ in height and 10″ in width, providing you with two cuts in one go.
As we all know how accidents are prone when we have to chop wood, this unit comes with the Kindle Jack safety cage. You just have to load up the log and hammer it down to get your log split in four right down the middle.
It is a portable tool that you can even carry to your campsites, or you can instead mount it at home. You can just bolt it on the ground with the four bolt holes present at the bottom.
Pros:
- Portable + mountable
- 4-way split
- Efficient with a 4lb hammer
Cons:
- Not for very long logs
- Not for very wide logs
9. Wel-Bilt Horizontal Manual Log Splitter
The Wel-bilt horizontal Hydraulic Manual Log Splitter can be used on logs measuring a length of 18.5″ and 6.5″wide. It also comes equipped with two hydraulic pumps for more force.
With every use, this splitter features a ram force of 10 tons, enough to split the wood with ease.
This product comes with two handles made of steel that you can use conveniently and also features two speeds you can choose from.
Since this product is of a horizontal design, you will have to load your logs at the top. This may be a little tiresome when you have bigger logs that you need to split.
Besides that, this splitter also features a log cradle that will hold the logs correctly in place. You won’t have to worry about the logs falling off.
Rest assured, you can easily maneuver it with the two wheels attached, and with its compact design, you can easily store it.
Pros:
- 2 hydraulic pumps
- Compact design
- 10 tons ram force
Cons:
- Loading logs at the top can be tiring
10. YTL International Forest King YTL23101 Manual Log Splitter
Now let’s end this list with the YTL International Forest King YTL23101 Manual Log Splitter. This tool is a strong and versatile splitter, producing a pressure of about 10 tons.
It features two steel handles that pump up the hydraulics for more pressure. It also comes with two stable wheels that make it possible to move around easily and a hydraulic ram stroke of 8-5/16″.
This product can easily split your logs without any worries and can adjust the wedge to customize it according to the log size. It can accommodate logs of any size up to 18″ long 8″ wide.
This splitter works horizontally and is best placed on the ground. You may also place it on an elevated ground if you wish for less bending.
Pros:
- User friendly
- 10 tons of pressure
- Wheel for easier maneuvering
Cons:
- Can only be used horizontally
Manual Log Splitters Buyer’s Guide:
Manual log splitters come in different types of designs and functions. But it can get confusing since most of them look quite similar. To make things easy for you, we have compiled some essential factors for you to understand better and choose the best splitter.
Splitting Force:
High splitting force is ideal for splitting thicker and longer logs. Most of the products mentioned here have a splitting force of 10 tons or more. Some of the product’s splitting force depends on the user’s strength.
Split Length:
The standard splitting length of a log that a manual splitter can fit in ranges between 10-inch and 20-inch. You need to get one that provides a higher range so that you are able to split longer logs and execute the work faster.
Safety:
Because this tool requires manual work, you need to consider the safety it provides. Most people look for a manual log splitter to prevent the use of axes, which can be quite risky.
Splitters that come equipped with slide-hammers are certainly the best to ensure safety. When it comes to the kindling ones, they also assure extreme safety since they do not have moving blades.
The same goes for the hydraulic manual log splitters.
Conclusion
Splitters will make your log splitting experience more effortless, and you won’t have to worry about it getting stuck in the wood. It is an excellent investment to purchase one for your use.
We believe that the information provided in this review will be of use to you.
