Splitting: Mauls And Sledgehammers

D

DWK2

Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
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Please pardon the slightly off topic nature of this post. I heat a large house with wood. I was splitting with a Gransfors maul and wedge, as well as some hardware store wedges and "wood grenades". Occasionally I got some really tough rounds that seemed to be asking for something heavier. About a year ago I bought a BASH sledgehammer for about $100 (www.wiltontools.com). I just wanted to mention how happy I am with it.

The BASH sledgehammer feels as close to indestructible as you can get. However, what I really like is the shock cushioning of the handle. The handle is formed from flexible steel rods encased in shock absorbing rubber. A welded metal top plate secures the head to the handle.

Wilton makes a couple mauls and I may buy one eventually. I got the sledgehammer first since I needed to bust up a bunch of concrete as well as split the more difficult logs.

The BASH costs about $60 more than a decent fiberglass handled maul but I feel it is more comfortable and my nephew's grandchildren will probably still be using it.

DancesWithKnives
 
Always good to hear from practical 'users' rather than be subject to a wealth of armchair opinions. Some splitters definitely work better than others.
 
Sounds interesting. How's the steel in the hammer face? Does it stand up heavy steel-on-steel use with minimal mushrooming? Is it Chinese steel?
 
Damn software just cleared my entire post. This will be much briefer.

----I don't know where they are made.

----Standard head supposed to be hardened to 46; soft head to 30. Brass head available.

----In my experience head is harder than wedges so mushrooming occurs on wedges.

----I just read reviews saying mauls don't have useable edges. Too bad.

DancesWithKnives
 
DWK2 said:
Damn software just cleared my entire post. This will be much briefer.

----I don't know where they are made.

----Standard head supposed to be hardened to 46; soft head to 30. Brass head available.
DancesWithKnives
Click to expand...
Brass sledge/splitter head would be quite the 'knocker'. In this regard my automotive tech buddy would love to know he didn't ruin perfectly good car parts despite his losing his temper every now and again. Ball joints, tie rods and various other "salt-belt" car parts need considerable persuasion (much like Elm or Ironwood) in order to behave. But a brass sledge in order to to save on cheapo wedges just doesn't seem right.
 
Brass hammers are used when a non-sparking hammer is needed - like for working around volatile substances.
 
Square_peg said:
Brass hammers are used when a non-sparking hammer is needed - like for working around volatile substances.
Click to expand...

And even more so for not deforming threaded parts such as driveaxles/nuts/bolts and automotive what-have-you. 30 years ago Lee Valley Tools offered a lovely little wood-handled 16 oz two-faced brass hammer and one of them has done good stead for me when it comes to having to whack snowblower/outboard motor/garden tractor/wheel studs etc to persuade them to come loose or out.
 
One tip I neglected to mention: If you are considering a BASH and are torn between two weights (say 8lb and 10lb), go with the lower weight. The handles are about a pound heavier than wood. I forgot how old I am and got a ten pounder. It has taken my shoulders some time to build up to where the ten pounder is easier to use.

Since my initial post I read some reviews of the maul. They were not nearly as favorable as the sledgehammer reviews. Apparently Wilton is quite competent with blunt-headed hammers but doesn't have a clue how to put an edge on anything. The 6lb Gransfors maul, on the other hand, will shave hair as it comes from the factory.

DancesWithKnives
 
One tip I neglected to mention: If you are considering a BASH and are torn between two weights (say 8lb and 10lb), go with the lower weight. The handles are about a pound heavier than wood. I forgot how old I am and got a ten pounder. It has taken my shoulders some time to build up to where the ten pounder is easier to use.

Since my initial post I read some reviews of the maul. They were not nearly as favorable as the sledgehammer reviews. Apparently Wilton is quite competent with blunt-headed hammers but doesn't have a clue how to put an edge on anything. The 6lb Gransfors maul, on the other hand, will shave hair as it comes from the factory.

DancesWithKnives
 
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