Estwing Splitting Wedge
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- čas přidán 25. 02. 2021
- The Estwing® Sure Split Wedge is a great tool that won’t bust your budget - it’s under $20!
We heat our woodshop with a woodstove and really enjoy both the warmth and the ambiance it brings to our maker space. While we don’t need enough wood to heat our whole house or a major portion of it, we do go through enough wood that some good tools are in order.
Estwing® is one of our favorite U.S.A.-made brands. We have several of their tools, including some nice hammers, leather-handled hatchet (process kindling), and now this 5 lb. (about 2.25 kilo) wedge has joined the family.
We purchase our main supply of firewood from a local supplier. However, there are logs that come our way that are too large to burn as is. We don’t need to do this often enough to justify a hydraulic wood splitter. That’s where this great little tool comes in!
I can drive the wedge with a small sledgehammer, and the shape and coating on the tools help assure that it doesn’t stick and I can get it removed. Estwing incorporated a great little feature by casting in secondary wedge angles at the top. As the last portion of the wedge is driven into the log, the wedge angle increases significantly, driving the wood apart and helping release the wedge. It’s a smart setup. Take a look as DirtFarmer Jay demonstrates have effective and economical this little tool is.
To buy one of yourself, visit your favorite hardware and DIY center, or search online using the phrase “Estwing Sure Split Wedge.” You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t you just love it when you can JUST DO IT YOURSELF?
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Thank you for your time!
Me at 3 AM: Am I really just watching a man cut wood?
Me at 1:59 am responding
@@makincash3337 me after 1 year responding
Lol. Better late than never. Hey rather up learning valuable skills to be a man rather than up playing video games wasting your time.
Me at 4:17 am!
2:09 am with work at 7 am
Very fond of the Estwing hatchet. A great gift for young campers, learning new skills. In addition to supporting an American company, I always try to support local businesses, as well, instead of buying online.
Thanks for your support of American companies. I think we all need to do our part and I appreciate your support of local businesses as well. Best to you! DFJ
I use a 4lb Estwing drilling/crack hammer with the 11" handle. Love that thing. Absolutely Best hammer
Great tool. thanks for promoting US made products.
Absolutely. We are ALL ABOUT supporting US workers in all the different sectors! AMERICAN MADE!!
I've split 5 cords through it so far. Does what I need it to. czcams.com/users/postUgkxUyQswtttSffRMblGbrhCvZn7JkhtG1-7 I scrounge all my firewood and am not equipped to handle big wood, but for logs up to 24 inch diameter or so, it works great. I've been amazed by some of the gnarly bur oak and elm crotches it has split. For the tougher stuff within it's size range, you might have to study the piece a bit to decide the best attack, but if you split smart it's up to the job. It did arrive low on oil, and I was would have nicked it half a star for that, but it has regained my full confidence. UPDATE NOVEMBER 2021: Still going strong after all these years. I love the one-handed operation. Hope it's still in production if I ever need to replace it
Glad to hear it!
Jay , a great tip I picked up from you that you did but didn’t mention was to lean the wedge over onto the “ point “ on the starting blows. Seen lots of people struggling to get it started horizontally.
I love this wedge. We got a couple truck loads dropped off and I wanted to help my husband out getting it cut. The catch is I'm 40 with a bad back and so out of shape... I've had no problem using this to get the job done. Definitely trying the bungee trick next time.
T.M., glad to hear that this was a help and that you like the product! Best, DFJ
Looks like a good workout too.
I just bought one from Amazon and it worked great. Even on tough Elm and get yours today!
Great to hear!
Just bought two wedges, a very useful tool and a great video on usage. Thank you for simple but effective demonstration Ian (UK)
Glad it was helpful, Ian. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
Is there an advantage to use two?
@@stephenfield8637 personally I find it has been advantageous to use two wedges.
great video I'm going to buy one
wicked video. exactly how to safely split down log after log. thanks Dirt Farmer Jay!
I like the bungee cord idea.
Holding the log together sure makes it easier! Best, DFJ
I just passed you, saw your truck and instantly subscribed, cool to see a CZcamsr from Utah!
Thanks for the sub! We love our DFJ family. Welcome to you!! Best, DFJ
I am just a beginner and just got a chainsaw and live in the mountains and cut up some nice rounds yesterday and I used the bungee technique and not really helps. But I think the one thing I should have done was set the what I was going to split on top of another round I'm learning as I go. The wedge I have is called a twisted wedge. But I tell you that ash tree would is hard as nails even when it's dried out!
Yessir thank you boss
You're welcome. I'm using the wedge today! Best, DFJ
The ol tire setup is great.
Indeed, String. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay best diy hack ever.
Thd only thing I would do differently is yell Hiyaaaa each time I swing the sledge.
PLEASE send us a video of you doing this so we can post it on our channel!!! We can't wait to see it!!!!!!!!! Just attach a file and send via email to jay@dirtfarmerjay.com. Maybe we'll start a whole section of our channel featuring viewers doing what DFJ taught them!! Best to you! Dirt Farmer Maggie
You’re the best this is another awesome video I’m going out to buy one
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks, I'm sold!
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks Jay for the great tip now I don't have to buy a machine to do it
Easy nice wood.
Got two yesterday. Made in the USA.
Thanks for your purchase - we support US made products and sounds like you do too! Happy wood splitting! Best, DFJ
There's just nothing like a 20 lbs sledge when splitting fire 🔥 wood!!! Send it home maby the first or second swing sweetie!!! Plus it won't mushroom the back of the wedge nearly as fast!! Since you just don't have to hit it nearly as many or numerous times sugar bear 🐻!!!
I got 2 of them and I painted them orange so I can find them on the ground.
Kent - that's brilliant! Thanks for sharing. Best, DFJ
I painted mine bright yellow
that looks so fun, you can probably charge the neighborhood kids to split for you 😂
What a great idea!! Unfortunately our neighborhood has almost no kids. We have all owned our houses for 20 plus years. Thanks for watching and commenting Doug Kennedy. Best, DFJ
❤❤
Thanks!
Great video thank you, I'm definitely going to get that wedge but what are your thoughts on sledge hammer choice? I'm thinking heavy 14lb long handle or should I go less weight short handle?
Bobby Hotsocks, the wedge is a hard worker. I prefer a short sledge for better control and not so much stress on the shoulder. The sledge is use is also what we use around here to put in form stakes, string lines for planting rows and such. It weighs about 3 lbs and has a 14" handle. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ
Works great when you’re hitting a log that’s been drying for 10 years
@ekujj13 - You'll see more episodes on the methods we use to process firewood, including a splitting axe and a pickaroon. I do use this wedge to process moderate-sized pieces of Chinese Elm - which is notoriously difficult to split. One method I used it to get as good a whack as I can with my splitting axe, lever the axe out, and use the indent to start the wedge. Thanks for taking time to write. What are some of your go-to methods for firewood splitting? Best Regards, DFJ
This is great. Love the passion, Jay. I'll show you how I split firewood! Check out Rocky Mountain Firewood for all things firewoodin'
Is there a way to split the wedges you end up with so they're not so long? Our fire simply won't allow chunks of wood where any dimension is larger than about 9 inches. Many thanks.
Michael Robinson, if you can saw the log into 9 inch sections then split it you might get the result you are looking for. Best, DFJ
I bought 2 of the estwing wedges. However I still have troubles splitting with them because I'm trying to split white oak. Very tough to split.
Yep, that is one tough type of wood, burns nicely though! Best, DFJ
Robert DeNiro?!!!!
Nice, I have a bunch of big rounds to split this looks like I wont need oxygen when finished
Amazing how it splits. Obviously the wood needs to be very dry it seems.
May seem duh to most people but not to people who don’t know the proper way. I thought that people cut a tree and then split the wood then let it season. Seems here that you cut the sections and then let them dry out before splitting?
Indeed, if we can, we let the wood dry so it becomes more brittle and easier to split. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ
Can I use that with longer logs? Probably two of the ones you have length wise
Timothy, the longer the log, the less effective this type of splitter is. If the wood is very dry, it will split more readily, but it's harder to drive the wedge in. Hope that helps! Best, DFJ
Where my Maul. SCREW THAT! I would get a headache in no time 😵
Hi I know this has been a long time since the video came out I just bought this wedge on amazon. When i go to drive the wedge into the wood it keeps popping out. Do I need to sharpen it or am i just doing things wrong
James, this typically happens when the wood is freshly cut, or wet, or frozen. Cured wood "cooperates" much better when using a wedge. Let me know what you've got there. Best, DFJ
Like to see you do that with Live Oak.
Troy, I only split wood that has been dried over a season, and in short sections. You are correct, oak, elm, ash and others will be tougher, but doable. What method is your go to? I have quite a pile or elm shorts that we are contemplating renting a splitter to get it all done. Anything you'd advise? Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay have you had any experience with Live Oak? I was told it's the hardest kind of wood to split in thr South, the grain is twisted like braided wire and knots every inch I've never seen anything like it! I've got some 2 month old here some rounds up to 14". Contemplating renting a splitter or just trying to hack at it again in a few months.
Nice video & Wedge! BTW, consider wearing gloves cuz in my case, I'm tired of the splinters I've gotten & have the wife dig them out. :)
Good tip! Thanks, DFJ
That would only bounce on Australia hard wood. We need wedges at 15° Included Angle
Thanks for the insight. Best, DFJ
I'm glad you found this to be helpful to you. Best, DFJ
That's great but with a big sledge it only takes 1-2 strikes after you get it set... seems like less work to me bit wedges are great, especially in these times of biden gas prices
Thanks, Chris! I appreciate you watching our video and writing. Best, DFJ
I bought one and found the metal very soft. Was denting very badly. sent it back. my 4 dollar wally world was hardened better.
safety glasses, lol...
Hey, he stole my hatchet.
And a great hatchet it is! Best, DFJ
Do that on about 50 logs and next purchase will be a gas engine log splitter
Yes, is does get tiring! We have a tree service come to thin the trees in the winter, (they are here right now) and then they cut the logs into wood stove size pieces and chip all the rest for compost. "Nothing goes to waste" is our motto!. Best to you, DFJ
its 23 dollars now...
Doesnt seem to work on green wood .
Works great on dry
Thanks for that. Best, DFJ
Im tried to see always old timers
Work with dry wood. Try with red oak…
Indeed, this is a manual way for small batches. The drier the wood, the easier to split. What I've found to be even more difficult than oak is elm. The grain is interlaced and doesn't split easily. Best, DFJ
Tried this on some wet oak, not happening
Thanks for sharing your experience. The dryer the wood, the easier to split. Some hard woods are easier than others. Let it dry out and then try again. Best, DFJ
even letting the round sit for a few days is a tremendous help
A Fiskars splitting axe is much more efficient.
Thanks for weighing in, Omaha419. I'll check one out and report my findings to our viewer family. Thanks for watching and writing. Best, DFJ
Watch this video on splitting wedges.
czcams.com/video/WytnI_vI9Q4/video.html
Thanks!
Bad demo based on the log you chose. I think I could have split that with my hands. It was already falling apart. Let's see you use this on fresh medium sized logs.
Guy, thanks for writing. I don't agree with you though. I don't split fresh logs. I let them dry a season for two reasons: 1.) so they will split easier, and 2.) so they are ready to go, dry and will burn well. The log you saw is typical for we had on hand. I now have some short logs of elm that will be bit tougher, but I will let them dry before splitting. With all that is piling up, we may use a splitter as well. Thanks for watching and writing! Best Regards, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Sorry if I'm trolling a little. I'm frustrated with a, one time project, I'm completing. I'm trying to spend as little as possible and will probably go with a few wedges and sledge hammer similar to yours. And I did find another video that offered a few "pro tips". Now I'm ready to try splitting some medium logs, and terra form my backyard! Thanks.
Not better with heavier sledgehammer
Thanks for weighing in.
Diamond wedge works much better
426 Super Bee - thanks for the tip! I've looked this up and find these listed as a splitting diamond, and various companies make them. I'll get one and give it a try and review the results. Thanks again - I appreciate you watching the video and taking time to write. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay I got mine at Lowes for 12 dollars on sale . IDK if there are still on sale or not. I know your going to love the diamond wedge. I love mine. Cheers
@@DirtFarmerJay Lowes calls them Cone Wedges. There on sale for 15.98 That is still cheaper than 17 dollars for them. Its a 4#. > How i used them on these big round heavy logs. Is look for cracks. Stick the wedge down into it, with a few taps, THEN WHACK IT WITH A 8 lbs sledge hammer, Most cases it will split into halve with 3 hits EASY AS PIE
Thumbs up for explicitly telling people to support local manufacturing. Second to that is to support the economies of politically aligned countries. I own 3 estwing products, maybe more. Including this wedge, though it's not 20 bucks by the time middlemen have had a go at it...
God that looks slow.
Your hammer is too small! I use one THAT size to get the wedge started. Then; if the wedge stops moving; I switch to an eight to ten pound mallet.
Disclaimer: Naturally; if the wedge is still moving with the 3-4lb hammer; I don't abuse myself with the 10lb mallet.
Good insight. Thanks!
This is not an efficient method of splitting wood. Don't fool yourself, his right arm is sore after one round and he was bent over at an awkward angle most of the process.
SmokedEdge, this has worked well for me, and until I get a powered splitter, I use this approach ongoing. One thing that I do from time to time is use a heavier sledge to speed up the work, but the work angle and such works fine for me. What is your method? I'm always interested in getting other techniques and improvements to do things. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay I suppose it depends on volume. For me, I've tried just abiut every method of splitting and I always go back to a splitting axe (not a splitting maul). I tip up bucked rounds with a pickeroon so as not to bend much. Then I walk around splitting all the rounds. I move them afterwards with a pickeroon or log hook. I like the Hultafors Hult for the heavy end of splitters, and I like the Fiskars for a light weight splitter.
@@BorealEDC - this is very helpful. Thanks for the great information! We've recently got an arrangement in place where an arborist is dropping off chips and moderate-sized logs in the mix. These are typically elm and I see a lot more splitting in my future. I've just discovered the pickeroon a couple of weeks ago and plan to obtain one. They look like a great tool! Thanks for the splitting axe recommendations as well.
Frankly... I've never seen a more inefficient way to split firewood... The only thing going for it it's maybe the inability to hurt your leg (vs the higher chance of hitting your hand with a huge hammer)
Thanks for stopping by. DFJ
A splitting wedge is used for rounds a maul won't break. What do you use?
@@Fireinahorn I never found a proper splitting axe to not do the job - this said the effort sometimes is only justified with the fun factor so it’s good to realize and remember we don’t need to split everything to the tiniest pieces ;)