Fire wood cracker
VickiP
Posts: 579 ✭✭✭✭
I find myself blessed with much fire wood. Problem is my husband cut it all in chunks he could handle, but I can't. Since his death I have been struggling with this. I tried using the splitting maul but it is way too heavy for me to lift or to use with any accuracy. I have managed a few splits with it but I believe the only way I could keep myself warm with it would be through the exertion. I was looking for am affordable splitting option and I found this: https://www.amazon.com/Kindling-Cracker-Firewood-Splitter/dp/B01KKU8Z0Q/ref=pd_di_sccai_26?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01KKU8Z0Q&pd_rd_r=3874e824-a2df-498c-b5d4-2c1beb204a94&pd_rd_w=P5aZI&pd_rd_wg=5bUGY&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=X0TTF3H9VR6VATWPH6MY&psc=1&refRID=X0TTF3H9VR6VATWPH6MY there are a number of different ones but this one appears to be the fav. I watched some YouTube videos and it looks like something I could manage. Has anyone tried one of these?
Comments
Nice @VickiP ! I'd never seen one before. You'd still have to swing the hammer, but it looks like it would work. Swinging the hammer would probably be good as a workout. Cheaper than a gym membership.
Yeah, a 3 or 4 pound hammer would be easier than his big splitting maul. I think I am going to get the big size one so I can split larger pieces.https://www.amazon.com/Kindling-Cracker-King-Firewood-Splitter/dp/B0725RRRS5/ref=pd_all_pref_n_6/132-4834660-6420149?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0725RRRS5&pd_rd_r=d033d19e-7e73-4c01-a1c6-edde052054ad&pd_rd_w=VZnMe&pd_rd_wg=TGJjM&pf_rd_p=36d0712f-e8f6-49f0-8101-fe2ba60e1597&pf_rd_r=D2QMD1S57DK5HX5CTAW9&psc=1&refRID=D2QMD1S57DK5HX5CTAW9 It is more costly but I think worth it in the long run. I have good friends but so far no one has volunteered for wood splitting duty. LOL
@VickiP It can be so hard to figure out ways to take on all of the new responsibilities after a loss. I admire you for soldiering on.
Several years ago, my husband had an extended illness and I was looking at the possibility of splitting the year's wood. I purchased something like this: https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-FORCE-Splitter-Kindling-Splitting/dp/B07YZDQ5XM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=480HPAWUE9PS&dchild=1&keywords=swedish+log+splitter&qid=1609893323&sprefix=Swedish+log+%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-3
I'm not sure if that's the exact model I used, but it was something similar at least. It was still a lot of work; maybe I never got the knack of it. I was able to do it, though. I'm not sure how well mine would hold up to prolonged use. The model you posted looks like it doesn't have moving parts, so I imagine it would be serviceable for a long time.
Another thought- it looks like your wood would have to be pretty small in diameter to fit in the ring. You mentioned chunks of wood, so perhaps yours wouldn't fit.
Did you look at the log splitter that you pump with your foot? The Vulcan YTL23102 log splitter?
I don't know anything about this particular model, but I have one a lot like this that I bought years ago and still use. Mine is easy to use, and with my arthritis, it's the only way I can split wood for my fireplace anymore.
@Gail H The first one I linked would be too small, the 2nd one would work simply because that would be the biggest I could reasonably handle. The one you used looks really interesting, I am afraid I would not have enough strength to use it. Although I am surprising myself at what I can manage. @MaryRowe Thanks for another option. It certainly looks like a good one.
OK, I pulled the trigger on the kindling cracker. I am using the 3 pound hammer. It works great! The main issue I have with it is that I am burning well seasoned oak. It is very hard so it takes a good amount of whacking it to get it to crack. Still it works for me. I think as I use it more, gain a little more strength, I will become more adept. Anyway I do feel it is worth the money and there is not much of a learning curve.
@VickiP I am glad that you figured it out. If I was closer, I could have volunteered my husband & youngest son to cut it for you. It would have been done on no time! Both love chopping wood.
@VickiP I admire what you have learned to do. Its hard to lose family and have so much to do yourself or try to get help. I have learned to do what you can is usually the easiest way.
Glad you found good fire wood cracker.
Yeah, that is an eye opener. His death was sudden an unexpected. When I heard him hit the floor and ran in to see what had happened I will say I was certain he would be fine, I shook him, called his name, even gave him a slap thinking he would respond, when he didn't I called 911 and they walked me through CPR I just kept thinking he would gasp, like in the movies, and wake up, he never did. It was surreal. For weeks I just blundered through each day, discovering things I didn't understand or know anything about. I have never been so overwhelmed or so helpless in my life. Well gradually I started to deal with things, usually because I had no choice. Finally I went on a "Looking for trouble tour" of my farm/home and made a list of what I found. I am working to clear that list, with help from friends and family. Life can change on a dime. I have good friends and concerned family, but I have found, if I can manage it for myself it is best.