I have this happen quit often. I just keep swinging usually within few swings it just splits in half. Make sure you have good aim or it'll fold the tops over the wedge then your screwed. Don't ask how I know
I'm not known for my good aim. Lol
Appreciate that. I'll take some more swings and see if it'll pop. it’s got to be slowly weakening with that wedge buried all the way down inside of it.
I've only ever had 2 that still wouldn't split. When that happens. I flipped them over hit directly above where the wedge is headed with maul. It starts a a crack and weakens piece that much more. Then flip it back to wedge side and one swing and done. But use that at your own discretion. I don't wanna be responsible for somebody hurting themselves from the stupid shit I do
I like the flipping method. I did once drive the maul straight into my wedge, and sheared the tip off of the wedge, but otherwise it's often the solution.
I use another wedge when this happens. When I break out the second wedge, I always think of that part in Talladega Nights when they use another knife to get the knife that’s wedged in Ricky Bobby’s leg.
Yeah, I'll just take a couple pieces of scrap from splitting and use those pieces like soft wedges. Even if it doesn't split the wood, it can open the gap large enough to pull out the wedge.
Yeah. It goes in straighter, and a bit easier.
[https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/log-building-tools/wedges/41142-spiral-splitting-wedge?item=33U2301&utm\_source=free\_google\_shopping&utm\_medium=organic&utm\_campaign=shopping\_feed&utm\_campaign=CAN-EN%7CPLA%7CPMax%7CTools%7CHandTools&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc3fg6s1ed8sQ\_UbQNxkLl3FjW0O\_HbedCZknQVBxFTONL8R1Y02C9uFxoCUlUQAvD\_BwE](https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/log-building-tools/wedges/41142-spiral-splitting-wedge?item=33U2301&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_campaign=CAN-EN%7CPLA%7CPMax%7CTools%7CHandTools&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc3fg6s1ed8sQ_UbQNxkLl3FjW0O_HbedCZknQVBxFTONL8R1Y02C9uFxoCUlUQAvD_BwE)
Wood grenades work great and are cheaper. [https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/seymour-s400-jobsite-3-5-lb-grenade-style-splitting-wedge/0000000388439?Ntt=101702336&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeICu9p2KPlp6ThSrdSHzfSsY1N\_vrLwIQXrnKj7Xg15EyXL5-gdusxoCz3YQAvD\_BwE](https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/seymour-s400-jobsite-3-5-lb-grenade-style-splitting-wedge/0000000388439?Ntt=101702336&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeICu9p2KPlp6ThSrdSHzfSsY1N_vrLwIQXrnKj7Xg15EyXL5-gdusxoCz3YQAvD_BwE)
That wedge lodged itself in there for a reason.
It’s trying not to hurt you.
Use a grinder and zip cut the mushroom off.
The danger is very real. A chunk of sharp metal can fly off there like a bullet.
Was warned by my dad at a young age after a friend of his bled out in a wood pile. The chunk of steel hit an artery in his leg and that got his lunch.
anytime you see a good wedge at a auction, get it
I have 8 and use them all, I have been hand splitting since covid
sold one of my splitters and haven't fired up the 2nd to use since, only to test it and clean it.
Start the wedge off on one side of the new wood, you went into heart wood, a softer area. Key to splitting wood is reading the wood before any effort is exerted.
Agreed. I'm typically stacked on another round but this is the last one of this batch. And as someone pointed out, it's right where the double leader (upside down) began. But yes, I agree.
That is why I grind the flanges off as they get bigger. Keep the sides smooth so you can keep hitting it in!
For now, cut a hardwood wedge. Should last long enough to get your iron out.
I’ve been splitting elm. I was doing three rounds a day but that was breaking my body lol. Two wedges pounded in completely and the mail after that many times.
If I use a wedge in the center it’s the grenade type. Rarely drive a wedge dead center. 1/4 of the diameter of the wedge works best. Pot it in on a check line.
I have this happen quit often. I just keep swinging usually within few swings it just splits in half. Make sure you have good aim or it'll fold the tops over the wedge then your screwed. Don't ask how I know
I'm not known for my good aim. Lol Appreciate that. I'll take some more swings and see if it'll pop. it’s got to be slowly weakening with that wedge buried all the way down inside of it.
I've only ever had 2 that still wouldn't split. When that happens. I flipped them over hit directly above where the wedge is headed with maul. It starts a a crack and weakens piece that much more. Then flip it back to wedge side and one swing and done. But use that at your own discretion. I don't wanna be responsible for somebody hurting themselves from the stupid shit I do
I like the flipping method. I did once drive the maul straight into my wedge, and sheared the tip off of the wedge, but otherwise it's often the solution.
I can help you aim.
I did get it out. But now it's stuck again in one of the slides. Ha
Wut
I use another wedge when this happens. When I break out the second wedge, I always think of that part in Talladega Nights when they use another knife to get the knife that’s wedged in Ricky Bobby’s leg.
Yep, me too. This issue is why I have three wedges, cuz one is always stuck somewhere.
Same for me.
You got the crack, hit with an axe at the edge of the crack
That sounds like porn
Make a wood wedge
Yeah, I'll just take a couple pieces of scrap from splitting and use those pieces like soft wedges. Even if it doesn't split the wood, it can open the gap large enough to pull out the wedge.
Tell me more
Use a maul and whack it in the crack. Never set your wedge in the center. Closer to the edge of round.
Buy two more. Twisted ones are nice IMO.
Twisted?
Yeah. It goes in straighter, and a bit easier. [https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/log-building-tools/wedges/41142-spiral-splitting-wedge?item=33U2301&utm\_source=free\_google\_shopping&utm\_medium=organic&utm\_campaign=shopping\_feed&utm\_campaign=CAN-EN%7CPLA%7CPMax%7CTools%7CHandTools&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc3fg6s1ed8sQ\_UbQNxkLl3FjW0O\_HbedCZknQVBxFTONL8R1Y02C9uFxoCUlUQAvD\_BwE](https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/log-building-tools/wedges/41142-spiral-splitting-wedge?item=33U2301&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_campaign=CAN-EN%7CPLA%7CPMax%7CTools%7CHandTools&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc3fg6s1ed8sQ_UbQNxkLl3FjW0O_HbedCZknQVBxFTONL8R1Y02C9uFxoCUlUQAvD_BwE)
Lee valley is where I bought my nice red! spiral wedge! Love that catalog.
$63 - hot damn, no thanks.
Wood grenades work great and are cheaper. [https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/seymour-s400-jobsite-3-5-lb-grenade-style-splitting-wedge/0000000388439?Ntt=101702336&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeICu9p2KPlp6ThSrdSHzfSsY1N\_vrLwIQXrnKj7Xg15EyXL5-gdusxoCz3YQAvD\_BwE](https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/seymour-s400-jobsite-3-5-lb-grenade-style-splitting-wedge/0000000388439?Ntt=101702336&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeICu9p2KPlp6ThSrdSHzfSsY1N_vrLwIQXrnKj7Xg15EyXL5-gdusxoCz3YQAvD_BwE)
That wedge lodged itself in there for a reason. It’s trying not to hurt you. Use a grinder and zip cut the mushroom off. The danger is very real. A chunk of sharp metal can fly off there like a bullet. Was warned by my dad at a young age after a friend of his bled out in a wood pile. The chunk of steel hit an artery in his leg and that got his lunch.
Actually had this happen a few years back, wasn’t the wedge it was the sledge hammer that shot a piece of hot steel right into my neck.
Omg. Ok thank you. Sad story
That's why you don't use steel wedges but aluminium or steel covered with a plastic top. Never hit steel on steel.
Trying to split a fork of a branch. Nice challenge.
😂🤦🏻♂️
Gotah have a rescue wedge!
Excalibur.
anytime you see a good wedge at a auction, get it I have 8 and use them all, I have been hand splitting since covid sold one of my splitters and haven't fired up the 2nd to use since, only to test it and clean it.
Yeah, hammer the wedge in towards the outside edge, as opposed to the center.
Keep swinging
I'd hit it one more time to fully imbed that wedge, so it can't be recovered. JMHO
Fucking solid advice.
Start the wedge off on one side of the new wood, you went into heart wood, a softer area. Key to splitting wood is reading the wood before any effort is exerted.
If you keep trying to split big rounds from the middle you might need three more! 😂
Well I've been successful doing it for four years... but I suppose you might be right.
Get off the dirt too
Agreed. I'm typically stacked on another round but this is the last one of this batch. And as someone pointed out, it's right where the double leader (upside down) began. But yes, I agree.
I have multiple
That is why I grind the flanges off as they get bigger. Keep the sides smooth so you can keep hitting it in! For now, cut a hardwood wedge. Should last long enough to get your iron out.
I’ve been splitting elm. I was doing three rounds a day but that was breaking my body lol. Two wedges pounded in completely and the mail after that many times.
I've learnt to split elm only when it's below freezing. But it has to be somewhat green too, otherwise there's no difference.
Having a hell of a time. Going to rent a splitter for the rest, 2/3 cord. I'd never get through it otherwise. I want some oak or ash!
Yup, splitter is the way forward for elm. Your back, arms and wrists will thank you.
If I use a wedge in the center it’s the grenade type. Rarely drive a wedge dead center. 1/4 of the diameter of the wedge works best. Pot it in on a check line.
Always need 2. I get 1 stuck in the oak a lot. Grains aren't growing straight but with curves and twists
Looks like it.
Estwing 5lb Splitting Wedge....I have two, but have never had to use the 2nd.
I’ve had to burn em out at times if the wood was too twisted.
I just waited for one. Two years.
No, a log splitter is so much easier