Glossary

Log splitting tools are highly specialized for performing a single task - safely and efficiently splitting wood.

The following are some log splitter terms to know:

Axe: An edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle.

Bark Spud: A tool for peeling bark from logs. A curved blade is designed to push into the cambium layer of the log to pry off bark.

Electric Log Splitter: This type of wood splitter is plugged into an outlet or extension cord, and is operated by the push of a button. Generally electric log splitters are small and convenient.

Firewood Processor: A very large piece of equipment used for creating a lot of firewood out of entire trees. Used in industrial settings and attached to a tractor. Generally, however, a log splitter is the tool of choice for commercial and residential firewood cutting.

Gas Log Splitter: This type of wood splitter is powered by a gas engine. Generally, a gas powered splitter is able to produce more splitting power and tonnage than a manual or electric splitter.

Hand Held Log Splitter: A tool with a long handle attached to a wedge. This is placed vertically on the top of a log and hammered with a sledge or hand held hammer to split the wood.

Hatchet: A small ax with a short handle used with one hand to chop wood.

Horizontal Log Splitter: This type of log splitter lies horizontally, and logs are placed flat on its track. The hydraulic splitting mechanism pushes the log sideways against a fixed wedge.

Hydraulic Log Splitter: A machine used to split wood without swinging an axe or hammering a wedge. Using hydraulic fluid, the log splitter pushed a piece of wood against a fixed wedge, splitting it and then retracting.

Hydraulic Fluid: A liquid that is used in hydraulic mechanisms in order to operate. Log splitters come pre-filled with hydraulic fluid.

Log Rack: A stacking or shelving system used to store logs. Rather than creating a woodpile, a log rack helps keep firewood logs stacked neatly. This also reduces unwanted pests.

Manual Log Splitter: This type of wood splitter is operated by a foot pedal or a hand lever. Hydraulics are used, but the energy is supplied by a person.

Maul: A large, heavy hammer.

Splitting Maul: A heavy, long-handled hammer used for splitting a piece of wood along its grain. One side of it is identical to a sledge hammer and the other side is an axe.

Splitting Tonnage: The amount of force that a log splitter exerts on a piece of wood, measured in tons.

Vertical Log Splitter: This type of log splitter sits vertically, and logs are placed upright on its track. The hydraulic splitting mechanism pushes down on the log against a fixed wedge, and the cut log pieces fall to the sides.

Wedge: A triangular shaped metal object used to force wood apart in log splitting.

Wood Splitter: A synonym for log splitter (a machine used to split logs), but can also be used refer to a person who splits wood.

Wood Splitting: The act of cutting wood or logs into pieces suitable for firewood.