Works better than an axe

I bought this splitter to replace an older one that no longer works. It works really well and split pieces larger than expected. It’s was easy to assemble and use. It is heavy however.

I love almost everything about this log splitter -- the power, speed, and especially the one hand operation. This would be a solid 5 star product with 3 enhancements: 1) Smaller holes, larger bolt heads and/or better reinforcement around the holes where the gray side rails attach to the main orange beam. I retirned one after a side rail tore off when a log with lots of knots that was not quite cut square popped out under pressure. This is my second one, and this time I added washers under the black bolts to try and prevent the problem. 2) Rubber plugs or bolts with rubber heads on the bottom of the handle. The handle rests on the ground and gets scratched up. I took a piece of rubber hose, split it to fit around the handle, and secured it with zip ties. That also helps keep the spliter from sliding when not bolted to a surface. 3) A way to store the splitter upright to save space. I am going to try to figure out a way to stand it up and secure it to the wall after using it this season.

Worked great on pine, oak, and maple. I often had logs at the stated length and diameter limits, even to the point of twice the diameter at half the length. This splitter did not fail except that gnarled logs were a challenge, but at reduced length, it did the job. Now the test will be durability, as I've only used it for about a month with constant weekly use.