A splitting maul is an essential tool to have if you want to prepare for winter and easily split logs of all sizes depending on the one you have. You might think that you can settle with just any axe for splitting wood but it won’t take long for you to realize that it just won’t do the same job as getting one of the best splitting mauls out there.
The splitting maul has several unique characteristics that make it perfect for the job it was intended to do, splitting wood. It’s heavier than the average axe which means more power will be delivered upon striking. Its design is ideal for splitting and nothing else. If you are trying to find the perfect splitting maul for you, then you might want to read the following review and buying guide to make the entire process a whole lot easier.
Best Splitting Mauls
Fiskars IsoCore Maul 36-Inch
The Perfect Shock-Proof Splitting Maul from Fiskars
- IsoCore Shock-Proof Handle
- Forged, Heat-Treated Steel
- Softgrip Handles
Fiskars is a company that is and always will be proud of their tools. Their products immediately inspire high quality and they have a lot to offer for the price. This splitting maul, for example, has an almost perfect 5-star rating which definitely says quality and satisfaction. So, what does it have to offer?
Well, for one, it features a handle that absorbs shocks which is perfect for preventing joint pain and stress to your arms and muscles. Fiskars is known for providing some of the best handles in the industry but as opposed to wooden handles, theirs can’t be replaced by any other if a problem occurs.
You have a design that offers an inseparable bond between the handle and the head itself which means you can strike as hard as you wish. It’s perfect for splitting wood and driving wedges or stakes, and much more. Overall, you are looking at a maul that is a bit pricier than average but well worth it when you consider the quality and features.
- Extremely Comfortable
- Highly Durable
- Inseparable Riveted Head
- Barely Any Negative Reviews
- A Bit Pricey
Husqvarna 32″ Wooden Splitting Maul
One of the Best Splitting Mauls for Wooden Handle Enthusiasts
- Swedish Steel Blade
- High-Quality Hickory Handle
- 32-Inch Handle
Since you’re trying to find one of the best splitting mauls out there right now, Husqvarna is another company that provides top-quality axes, mauls, and similar tools. They are known for producing elegant and effective tools such as this 32-Inch splitting maul.
A wooden handle from Husqvarna is something you simply can’t complain about. This one is made out of high-quality hickory wood and the maul head won’t be going anywhere thanks to the strong steel wedge holding it in place. This one has no problem being used as a sledgehammer as its design is perfect for the job. The blade is long enough to make it easy to split longer logs and pieces of wood as well.
If that wasn’t enough, you also get a leather edge cover for protection. Just make sure you moisten the tool before putting the cover on if you want the maul to last longer.
- Included Leather Edge Cover
- Both Wooden and Steel Wedge
- High-Quality Wooden Handle
- Perfect to be Used as a Sledge Hammer
- Extremely Effective for Splitting All-Sized Wood Chunks
- A Bit Pricey
- Handle Needs Extra Care
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul 31.50 Inch
The Ultimate Heavy-Duty Wooden Handle Splitting Maul
- Steel Collar
- 5 1/2 ib. Head
- Handle Length: 31.5 Inches
This is the Gransfors Bruk splitting maul and this is a tool that you definitely want to have if you constantly face heavy-duty wood-related tasks. This powerful tool will more than handle harder pieces of wood and split through them easily, considering that you have the strength to keep up.
It’s ideal for someone who has the stamina and strength to work with such a tool so be sure you fit this description before buying. If you are looking for a splitting maul such as this one, then chances are you have the brute force necessary to keep up.
It’s a very sturdy maul with a high-quality, almost unbreakable wooden handle. It has a protective steel collar for better handle care and you can rest assured knowing it won’t be breaking anytime soon. Now, the only downside here is that it might not be the best budget splitting maul out there but it definitely meets the increased price in performance and quality.
- Vegetable Tanned Leather Cover Included
- Extremely Durable
- Ideal for Heavy-Duty Work
- Top-Quality Wood and Blade
- Return Available for 30 Days
- Forged and Ground to a Concave
- Better for Experienced Wood Handlers
- Quite Expensive
Helko Werk Vario 2000 Heavy Log Splitter
One of the Most Unique Handmade Splitting Mauls Ever
- Grade A American Hickory Handle
- High Carbon Steel Head
- 53-56 HRC
- Extremely Strong Protective Wedge
This splitting maul by Helko Werk definitely inspires high-quality, elegance, and peak performance upon first glance. You probably haven’t seen anything like this one before and it’s definitely worth checking out.
First of all, this splitting maul is a huge one and it’s nothing if not a heavy-duty wood-splitting beast. Each one is handmade in Germany so there’s no question about their quality. It’s capable of splitting all kinds of wood and that’s probably thanks to the C50 high carbon steel head that it comes with. The huge 36-inch handle is made out of top-notch hickory wood and finished with boiled linseed oil to give it an elegant and classy look.
The protective wedge makes sure the handle won’t be damaged and it also comes with a leather sheath so that the blade can be secure while you are not using it. Considering everything about it, this one might just be the best wood splitting maul ever but you will be the judge of that.
- Handmade
- 1 Oz. Protective Axe Oil Included
- Boiled Linseed Oil Finish
- Unique Look
- Extreme Heavy-Duty Task Appropriate
- Includes Grain Leather Sheath for Protection
- A Bit Pricey
- Requires More Strength to Use
Estwing Fireside Friend Splitting Tool
One-piece Compact Maul
- Forged in One Piece
- Made From Tough Steel
- Shock Absorbing Handle Cover
- Hand-Sharpened Edge
- Weighted
If you want a unique, less heavy-duty splitting maul, then this one should be highly considered. This is the Eastwing Fireside Friend and the perfect tool for splitting small-sized pieces of wood like firewood.
The great thing about it is that it’s forged in one piece so you won’t have to worry about the handle breaking, or the head falling off, or anything like that. It’s made out of highly durable steel and it’s slightly weighted so splitting wood will come to feel like a breeze.
The edge of the blade is hand-sharpened so there won’t be a lack of sharpness or any issues in this area as well. It’s a 14-Inch splitting maul which makes it perfect for anyone to work with it and easily split firewood or other smaller sized wood chunks. On top of all that, the price is extremely fair considering the features and quality you get back.
- Very Compact
- Highly Durable
- Included Nylon Sheath for Protection
- Very Reasonable Price
- Ideal for Splitting Small Wood
- Might Feel Small for Some
- Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty Wood Splitting
How to Choose a Splitting Maul
When it comes to choosing something like the best maul for splitting wood, the process is fairly similar to buying any other axe with a few exceptions here and there. You will need to learn what makes a splitting maul great and try to find all of those features in one. That includes looking for the following things:
Splitting Maul Handle
Having a bad handle, one that doesn’t absorb some of the shocks and forces your joints to feel the pain, one that is made out of poor quality wood or another bad material will definitely force you to throw it away or return it quickly. The examples mentioned here are perfect for what types of handles you need to look for. Consider the following things:
- Shock-Absorbing Material or Cover
- Firm and Non-Slippery Grip
- High-Quality Wood Like Hickory
The length of the handle is also very important as it does help in providing more comfort and adding more power and strike force. Similar to something like a pole saw, a longer handle will help give control and just the right distance from the wood.
Having these three in one will be the perfect scenario here. Always consider your budget though as you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a splitting maul, depending on what you need it for.
Is It for Heavy-Duty Use or Not?
The next thing, or maybe the first, that you need to take into account is what you’ll be using the maul for. You might require one for constant heavy-duty use and for bigger pieces of wood. In this case, make sure the maul is labelled for heavy-duty use or else you’ll see it fall apart rather quickly.
There are less expensive, less heavy, and smaller ones for mild tasks like splitting firewood so be sure to look for them if that’s all you will need it for. You should decide whether bigger is better depending on what you most need it for.
Consider Head Weight, Size, and Shape
The head is what seems like the main part of the splitting maul and it is very important when choosing the right one for you. Although many are similar, there are still a few very different features that might make you regret your choice if you don’t take the time to do the research.
The weight of the head will determine how much power it will deliver to the piece of wood but it also determines how much strength you will need to lift and hit it. Be honest and evaluate your strength and force. Once you know what you’ll be comfortable with, the choice will become easier.
You also want to look at the size and sharpness of the maul. A sharper blade doesn’t mean it will be easier, it’s quite the opposite. Splitting mauls have a bit duller blades than axes which makes them perfect for splitting wood and not chopping it. You might have the sharpest and the best axe in the world, splitting will still be easier with the right splitting maul.
Balance Is Key
What does balance mean when it comes to something like a splitting maul? Well, balance is when the weight of the head is in perfect sync with the length of the handle. Imagine having a super-heavy head and a 10-Inch handle. Try splitting anything with that and gathering enough force to hit, it’s simply impractical. Even something as small as pruning shears will be very hard to work with if there was no balance in terms of handle length, blade length, and weight.
The hard truth is that cheaper models and brands are worse when it comes to balance thanks to their poor craftsmanship. This doesn’t mean that they are completely useless, you will still get a decent tool that will do the job. However, ones that do have perfect balance will be very noticeable and way more efficient and practical when it comes to using less effort and delivering way more force.
Never Forget Your Budget
Considering everything a bad or a great tool like a splitting maul, chainsaw, loppers, or simply anything has, one constant is always there 一 the price!
It’s okay to go a bit over your budget sometimes but you need to keep in mind that it’s just a tool after all. Anything happens, none of them are 100% unbreakable or anything like that. If you want to get the most out of your splitting maul, definitely consider following the tips in this buyer guide as your pick is likely to be better and more satisfactory.