Log splitters

Buying a Log Splitter

Log splitters make light work of chopping wood, provide you with improved safety, and reduce the physical strain using an axe places on your back.

A log splitter can save you hours of effort for less than two hundred pounds.

Often mistakenly thought of as too expensive for home use, you can get a cheap log splitter that is going to save you hours of effort for under two hundred pounds. In this guide we take you through the options when buying a log splitter, the pros and cons of each choice, and reviews of websites where you can buy log splitters.

How do log splitters work?
Horizontal or vertical?
Electric or petrol?
Where to buy log splitters

How does a log splitter work?

Most log splitters are simple hydraulic devices and are usually powered by either the electric mains or a small petrol engine. The hydraulic device pushes the log against a sharp axe like blade which cuts the log in two. It is pretty much exactly like chopping a log in two using an axe, the only difference being the hydraulics are doing all the gruntwork. In some models the log is pushed against a stationary axe and in others the axe is pushed against the stationary log.

Small cheap log splitters perfect for domestic usage

There are 2 main types of log splitters to consider - Horizontal and Vertical.

Horizontal vs. Vertical log splitters

Horizontal log splitters are suitable for most household needs and as the name suggests you load the log horizontally on to the machine.

Horizontal log splitter

Vertical log splitters can usually handle more demanding usage and a wider range of log sizes. The sheer size of most vertical log splitters is a pretty good clue as to the sort of usage they are meant to get.

Vertical log splitter

Electric log splitters vs. Petrol engine log splitters

Electric powered log splitters will require a lot less maintenance but at the same time give you less power. This is probably ok for most household uses but if you are already comfortable handling and maintaining a petrol lawnmower, petrol chain-saw or similar than there is no reason why you shouldn't go for a petrol driven log splitter too. However, the usual arguments of the cable not being long enough that get used for petrol lawnmowers don't really apply to log splitters as you are unlikely to be moving them around too much in a domestic setting. The big argument for a petrol driven log splitter is the increased power you are going to get and this is a must for close-grain logs such as cherry.

Where to buy log splitters

Websites selling log splitters online
Merchant	What we think
	Mow direct offer some of the lowest prices we've seen on the internet and have a very easy to use website. They have a wide range of log splitters for all budgets and offer free delivery.