How to Safely Use a Log Splitter

Any machine that exerts 20+ tons of hydraulic force should be used with caution. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Only use a log splitter in daylight. Nighttime is not the right time.
• Always wear sturdy shoes or boots, and safety glasses or goggles. When wood splits, sometimes pieces fly.
• Never wear jewelry or loose clothing that might get caught in the log splitter.
• Make sure the beam is locked before starting.
• Cut logs with squared off ends prior to splitting.
• Never attempt to split more than one log at a time. This isn’t a race.
• Keep your work area clear – remove any wood from around the machine so you don’t trip.
• Only one operator at a time—period. The person who loads and stabilizes the log is the person who operates the control handle.

Operating Positions

For safety reasons, always operate your gas-powered log splitter on flat, solid, and dry ground. Stability is key.

After you find your ideal work spot, secure heavy blocks in front of, and behind the tires. So when your log splitter recoils, it won’t move on you.

Always operate your gas-powered log splitter from the safe operating zone(s). Seriously, only use it in these positions.

Now you get to decide which position you want to operate your log splitter in—horizontal or vertical. There’s no wrong answer here, just personal preference.

To adjust positions, release the beam lock and pivot the beam in the desired direction. If you want to split wood vertically, you have to re-lock the beam manually. You HAVE TO. Failure to do so will result in really, really bad things. If you want to split wood horizontally, the beam will automatically lock itself when you lower it into position. But, it never hurts to double check. So double check.

Using the Control Handle

Your log splitter’s control handle has 3 settings – forward, neutral and reverse.

FORWARD POSITION — Ready to split that log? Just move the control handle to Forward. The wedge pushes through the wood in seconds. When it’s through, release the handle and the wedge automatically returns to the Neutral position.

NEUTRAL POSITION — When you release the control handle, or manually move it to Neutral, the wedge automatically stops moving. It’s like a hand brake for your log splitter.

REVERSE POSITION — Ready to split the next log? Move the control handle to Reverse and the wedge returns to its starting position. *Caution: never keep the handle in the Reverse position after the wedge has fully retracted, unless you want to start using an axe. (It’s very bad for the log splitter.)

Let’s start splittin’ some wood!

1. Place the log against the endplate. When positioning the log, make sure it goes against the wood’s grain.
2. Keep the log steady by placing your left hand on the side of the log opposite of the beam. Never, ever, ever put your hand at the end of the log, or between the log and the endplate. (Common sense, but we have to mention it.)
3. Move the control handle to the Forward position and watch the wedge do all the work. Go wedge go.
4. As soon as the wedge contacts the log, immediately remove your left hand and continue to hold the control handle in the Forward position.
5. Release the control handle to stop the wedge.
6. Move the control handle to the Reverse position and return the wedge to its starting position.
7. If for any reason the wedge only partially splits the wood or becomes stuck, immediately move the control handle to the Reverse position. Then, move the control handle back to the Forward position. This should allow the wedge to gain momentum and push through the log – like a running back picking up steam before hitting the hole.
8. *Caution: never try and remove a partially split log with your hands. Wedges show fingers no mercy.

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