Splitting Ax Test - Comparisons. Com 2024

The best splitting axes for the do-it-yourselfer: our comparison

A splitting ax is an essential tool for anyone looking to split wood. There are many different models on the market, varying in size, weight and material. When you are looking for a new splitting ax it can be difficult to choose the right model. In this article we will compare different splitting axes and help you find the model that best suits your needs.

Splitting ax comparison - special properties

If she is one Buy splitting ax it should be used mostly for splitting already sawn wood material for firewood purposes. As a splitting ax you can see it at a large wedge angle and the ax head is struck parallel in the direction of wood fiber. It does not have to be particularly sharp, because its splitting power results from the shape and the applied force application.

What are the 5's most typical features of a splitting ax?

Top product Fiskars slotted axes

• The splitting ax usually has a curved handle, which merges into a kind of knob at its end. This is there to ensure that the splitting ax fits well in the hand and can not slip out of the hand when pulling out.

• The ax handle is made of sturdy wood or glass fiber reinforced plastic. Hickory wood is particularly popular with wooden axes because it is stable and elastic at the same time. In contrast, the glass fiber reinforced plastic stems are very light and have a practical and non-slip stem end.

• The ax heads of the slotted axes are also characterized in that they have a tilted by 30 to 40 degrees wedge angle, which significantly increases the splitting force and usually brings the wood already with a blow to split.

• The head of a splitting ax is always made of hardened and extremely durable metal. The better models are often forged by hand. The cutting edge is slightly bent and ground on both sides.

• Head and stem are firmly connected and provided with a handle protection. In the case of wood axes, it is common to double-wedge the head and stem, while the others often use a steel sleeve which is pressed under high pressure and is insoluble.

Top product Gardena slotted axes

Buying guide - which is the best splitting ax?

In our Splitting ax comparison Let's show you what criteria you should look for when buying a splitting ax. Before ordering or adding a splitting ax, you need to consider where to place the ax.

The following considerations are important for the purchase:

Will she only in private Budget used or should it also be used in forestry? The period of use is also important. Is it only used occasionally or is it constantly in use? These considerations are important to optimally determine the type and weight of the axe.

The weight of the splitting ax should be chosen so that you can swing the ax powerfully even during longer work. In addition, special attention must be paid to the quality and workmanship of the ax handle. If it is made of wood, it should have continuous fibers as possible. Inclined ones are more likely to be responsible for broken stems. Ash or hickory wood are particularly suitable for the handles. The long-fiber hickory wood is also very elastic, which helps prevent a handle from breaking through completely. As an alternative to the wooden ax, retailers offer fiberglass handles. They are in no way inferior to wooden axes. Both sit comfortably in the hand, the latter are just a little lighter in weight.

Of particular importance is also the stem / head connection with the handle protection and the manufacturer's warranty. Especially the ax heads have a long life, which leads some manufacturers to a longer, than the legal, guarantee guaranteed. For our split ax comparison winner, the Gränsfors split ax, the manufacturer even guarantees a guarantee of 20 years.

But also the ax heads of a splitting ax from Husquarna,  Fiskar's split axto Gardena splitting ax with 6 years warranty or one Ox head wooden ax have a remarkable quality. If a splitting ax has the special seal of approval "Dreipilz", it is especially suitable for professional use.

Comparative winner Gränsfors slaw axes

How to use a splitting ax?

The way food is best splitting ax You should check before each use. Especially with the axes, which are connected with a wooden handle, which can also be replaced, it is important to ensure a secure fit of the ax head. The ax head must be firmly on the stalk and must not be loose. A flying ax head can otherwise cause dangerous injuries.

If you do not use your splitting ax for a long time, it is for the Splitting ax favorableto rub the ax head with oil.

As a base to split wood should always be a sufficiently sized block of wood available. He has to stand firm and must not move while beating the wood. If necessary, the ax head can be sharpened safely.

Make sure that there are no people in your workgroup. A head protection, appropriate work clothing and sturdy shoes should be self-evident.

Conclusion

A splitting ax or a slitting hammer can be a purchase for a lifetime. Wooden handles can be replaced and the ax heads reground. If you treat your splitting ax carefully, you always have "enough wood in front of the huts".

Do not leave your splitting ax in the open air. Especially in hickory, mushrooms can otherwise settle, which make the stalk brittle. The tricky thing about it, you see the fungal infestation not from the outside but only at the breaking point.

Unfortunately we were not able to orient ourselves on a splitting ax test of Stiftung Warentest in our Spaltaxt comparison report and had to draw our own conclusions. Only wood splitter has the Stiftung Warentest in their issue 12 / 2011 under the magnifying glass.