Manual Log Splitter

Manual log splitters are designed to give somebody a little bit of exercise without the tedious wear and tear that is normal if you use axes to split logs. There are two primary types of manual log splitters: hand operated or foot operated.

Should You Get a Hand or Foot Operated Manual Log Splitter?

Hand operated log splitters require a bit of hand and arm movement and your hands or arms are sometimes not as powerful as your legs. Some hand operated log splitters require that you use both hands and arms to pump the wedge up or down into the piece of wood to split it. This can be a hassle because the piece of wood might roll off before your wedge even gets to it! Look for a single pump lever for one hand so you can hold the log in place with your other hand. Hand operated log splitters can be horizontal or vertical.

Foot operated log splitters are gaining in popularity because you can hold the log in place with both hands while pumping with your foot to get the wedge snug against the log before splitting it. Your legs are also more powerful so the splitter can effectively have a higher tonnage force for splitting wood than a hand operated log splitter. Foot operated log splitters can be horizontal or vertical.

If you want to keep the exercise in log splitting and you're tired of using axes, then a manual splitter might be good for you. While you still have to lift the log into place with all splitters, you maintain a fair level of easy arm movements or leg movements similar to walking so you get a little extra exercise every time you need more firewood.

Manual Log Splitters are Light Weight and Quiet

One other convenience with manual log splitters is that they are typically the lightest weight splitter on the market meaning you get added portability and convenience by being able to take it with you to your cabin in the mountains or camping. You can also use them inside or outside.

The manual log splitter is quiet and can easily be stored next to your wood stove, fireplace or hearth. They aren't terribly bad looking or bulky either.

In summary, a manual log splitter can be hand or foot operated, and horizontal or vertical. They are ideal for the light weight splitting you want to do right before you put a piece of wood on the fire so they can conveniently sit in your car or truck or next to your fire.