Splitting firewood correctly: This is how it works

Splitting firewood is an essential task in order to use the firewood efficiently. Correctly split wood dries faster, burns better and ensures clean combustion. In this article, you will learn how to split firewood correctly, which tools you need and which techniques are most effective.

Why is splitting important?

1. faster drying:
Splitting increases the surface area of the wood, allowing moisture to escape more quickly. Split wood therefore dries much faster than unsplit wood.

2. better combustion:
Split wood burns more evenly and efficiently as it provides a larger surface area for the flames to attack. This ensures a higher heat yield and less smoke development.

The right tool

1. axe or splitting axe:
A classic axe is suitable for smaller pieces of wood, while a splitting axe with a wider head is better suited for larger and harder pieces.

2. splitting hammer:
A heavy splitting hammer is ideal for particularly thick and gnarled logs. It combines the weight of a hammer with the sharpness of an axe.

3. log splitter:
For larger quantities of wood or particularly hard pieces, a mechanical log splitter can be a huge relief. It gets the job done efficiently and with little effort.

The right technique

1. preparation:
Make sure that the wood is stable on a chopping block without overhanging. Choose a secure and level surface to prevent the wood from slipping.

2. splitting technique:

• Position and stance:
  Stand firmly and stably, with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Make sure that your legs are never in line with the axe. This position gives you balance and ensures that you stand securely, even when you are working with force.

• Grip and axe guide:
  Hold the axe firmly by the handle with both hands. One hand should be close to the axe head, the other at the end of the handle. When swinging the axe, the upper hand should slide towards the lower hand as you guide the swing downwards.

• Striking point:
  Aim to place the striking point along the fibers of the wood. Start at the edges and work your way towards the center. For larger pieces, you can start in the middle and try to split the wood in one stroke.

3. safety distance and leg positioning:
Make sure there are no people or animals nearby. Position your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and keep them away from the piece of wood so that the axe cannot reach your leg if you miss.

4. protective clothing:
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, ideally with steel toecaps, and gloves. Safety goggles protect against splinters. These safety measures are crucial to avoid injuries.

5. splitting branch forks and knots:
These are more difficult to split. Use the splitting hammer specifically on the edges or use a wedge if necessary to make splitting easier.

Tips for efficient splitting

1. Pay attention to the type of wood: Hardwoods such as oak and beech are more difficult to split than softwoods such as spruce or pine. Adapt your tools and technique accordingly.
2. Fresh wood: Split the wood as fresh as possible, as it is softer and easier to split in this state.
3. Storage: After splitting, the wood should be stored well ventilated and protected from rain to ensure optimum drying. A well thought out firewood rackthat allows sufficient air circulation is a great help here.

Conclusion

The correct splitting of firewood is crucial for efficient heating. With the right tools, techniques and safety precautions, you can ensure that your wood dries quickly and burns optimally. Using firewood racks also makes storage easier and speeds up the drying process.