Best Log Splitter: The Most Rugged Tools You Can Buy

Gone are the days when your only choice when it comes to splitting firewood is using your own muscle. Today, you can find log splitters that can get the job done fast and with very little effort.

Below are six electric, manual and gas splitters worth buying, plus what to check before you choose one.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top recommendation for the best log splitter is the WEN 56027 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter. It splits logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches long with 6.5 tons of force, and it rolls on wheels.

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The Best Log Splitters Are:

Product	Details
1. WEN 56027 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter	1. WEN 56027 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter Top Pick	- Capacity: Up to 20.5 long and 10 inches in diameter - Cracking Force: 6.5 tons - Power: 15 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 98 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter	2. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter	- Capacity: Up to 16 inches in diameter - Cracking Force: 6-Ton - Power: 15 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 150.8 pounds	Check Current Price
3. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter	3. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter	- Capacity: 18 inches long by 8 inches wide - Cracking Force: 10-Ton - Power Source: Manual (hand-pumped hydraulic) - Weight: 87 pounds	Check Current Price
4. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter	4. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter	- Capacity: Up to 20 inches long - Cracking Force: 7-Ton - Power: 13.5 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 117pounds	Check Current Price
5. Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log with Auto Return	5. Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log with Auto Return	- Capacity: up to 19.3 inches in length - Cracking Force: 7-Ton - Power: 80cc Gas Engine - Power Source: Gas-Powered - Weight: about 148 pounds	Check Current Price
6. PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15-Amp Electric Log Splitter	6. PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15-Amp Electric Log Splitter	- Capacity: Up to 21 inches in length and 10 inches in diameter - Cracking Force: 6-Ton - Power: 15 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 101 pounds	Check Current Price

1. WEN 56027 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter: Best Wood Splitter

This WEN model (sold as the 56207 with stand) applies 6.5 tons, or 13,000 pounds, of splitting force.

The 15-amp motor handles logs up to 10 inches thick and 20.5 inches long. Because it is electric, there is no engine to start, fuel or maintain.

The 34-inch stand raises the splitter so you do not have to bend low to load logs.

It has an onboard handle and wheels that do not go flat.

This durable log splitter is built from steel, and the stand is sturdy enough for regular use.

The stand height is a real help if bending over a ground-level splitter bothers your back.

No need to manually retract the cylinder. It has an automatic return that retracts the ram after each split.

It is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Specs

• Capacity: Up to 20.5 long and 10 inches in diameter
• Cracking Force: 6.5 tons
• Power: 15 Amps
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 98 pounds

Pros

• Steel build
• Wheels for moving it around
• Stand raises the work to a comfortable height
• Automatic function that returns the cylinder to its original position

Cons

• You might need an additional hand if you want to prop it up the stand

Verdict

Reliable Functions: WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter with Stand. It is a dependable home splitter, and the stand saves you from bending over to load logs.

At 98 pounds it is easiest to keep in one spot, though the wheels help for short moves.

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2. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter

This electric log splitter uses a 15-amp induction motor and applies 6 tons of force.

What makes this different from others is its stroke limiter feature. If you are cutting shorter logs, this feature can be used to shorten the length of time needed to split these logs.

The 5-inch steel wedge makes short work of splitting even tough and fresh logs. It can be stored easily as well as it has a vertical storage option.

It is a portable log splitter you can take with you anywhere. It features 7-inch wheels. You can put it up to standing position for easier transport and storage.

Assembly is minimal: attach the wheels and it is ready to use.

Specs

• Capacity: Up to 16 inches in diameter
• Cracking Force: 6-Ton
• Power: 15 Amps
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 150.8 pounds

Pros

• Stroke limiter speeds up short logs
• Wheels and vertical storage
• Minimal assembly
• Induction motor

Cons

• It is pretty heavy

Verdict

User-Friendly: Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter. Simple assembly and controls make it a good fit for first-time owners. It is heavy, so plan to roll it rather than carry it.

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3. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

This is a manual hydraulic splitter: you pump the long handles to drive the ram with up to 10 tons of force. It splits logs up to 8 inches wide and 18 inches long, and it is built from steel.

The handles of this Sun Joe log splitter are significantly longer than others you can find in the market. This is a nifty feature because it allows you to get the most leverage when splitting logs. It has a quick-reset piston: turn the release knob and a spring retracts the ram.

Because it needs no fuel or outlet, it works anywhere on your property. It is compact to store and lighter than most powered splitters, and it has a 2-year warranty.

Specs

• Capacity: 18 inches long by 8 inches wide
• Cracking Force: 10-Ton
• Power Source: Manual (hand-pumped hydraulic)
• Weight: 87 pounds

Pros

• No fuel or power cord needed
• Comes with a 2-year warranty
• Delivers a great driving force
• Compact and lighter than most log splitters on the market.

Cons

• Users said it is a bit slower when it comes to splitting logs.

Verdict

Durable and Rigid Construction: Sun Joe LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter. It is a rigid, compact splitter for occasional use, and it trades speed for needing no power source.

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4. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter

The Boss Industrial ES7T20 has the most force of the electric splitters here, at 7 tons, from a 2 horsepower motor.

You load a log and the ram pushes it onto the wedge. It handles logs up to 20 inches long. This unit also comes with a four-way splitter attachment that helps to make it much easier when splitting large logs.

It comes with a two-year warranty. Use the controls exactly as the manual describes and keep your hands away from the wedge and ram while it moves.

As an electric model, it produces no exhaust, so it can be used in a garage or shed as well as outside.

Built-in side rails keep logs stable when splitting, and the front handle helps you maneuver it. It weighs 117 pounds.

Specs

• Capacity: Up to 20 inches long
• Cracking Force: 7-Ton
• Power: 13.5 Amps
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 117 pounds

Pros

• 7 tons of force, the most of the electric models here
• Ergonomic handle for comfort and maneuverability
• Inbuilt side rails help to keep logs stable when splitting
• Impressive 7-ton of splitting force

Cons

• The build quality could use some improvements

Verdict

Most Powerful Electric: If you split a lot of hardwood at home, its 2 HP motor and 7 tons of force give it more margin than the 6-ton models. The side rails keep logs stable.

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5. Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log with Auto Return

The Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return is the only gas model on this list. It works horizontally only.

It has a two-stage pump and a 3-inch hydraulic cylinder. Champion lists a 20-second cycle time, a 19.3-inch maximum log length and a 50-pound maximum log weight.

It runs on an 80cc engine (Champion's own page also says 79cc) and has an auto-return valve and a low-oil shutoff. It is EPA and CARB compliant and has a 2-year limited warranty.

It is compact enough to fit in most truck beds, but it is not towable. At about 148 pounds, it is the heaviest on this list.

Gas engines give off carbon monoxide. Run it outdoors only, never in a garage or shed, and shut the engine off and let it cool before refueling, as OSHA advises for fuel-powered tools.

Specs

• Capacity: up to 19.3 inches in length
• Cracking Force: 7-Ton
• Power: 80cc Gas Engine
• Power Source: Gas-Powered
• Weight: about 148 pounds

Pros

• Fast 20-second cycle time
• Auto return
• Not tied to an outlet
• Powerful engine delivers a cracking force of 7 tons

Cons

• On the higher end of the price spectrum
• Assembling it also takes a lot of time
• Must be run outdoors only

Verdict

Best Gas Option: Choose it if your woodpile is far from an outlet and you want a faster cycle than the electric models. Its weight keeps it stable while splitting.

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6. PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15-Amp Electric Log Splitter

The next machine on our list is the PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15-Am Electric Log Splitter. It has a 15-amp motor that delivers a maximum force of 6 tons.

This machine can split standard sized wood easily and quickly. You can use it to split a log that is 10 inches in diameter and 21 inches in length.

It has a steel frame. It also comes with rear wheels that make it very easy to move around. This is a portable electric log splitter that is ideal for home use. It is not the best option for heavy-duty projects.

This machine is easy to use, and it is ready for use right out of the box. It has a 20-second cycle time. Because there are no fumes, you can use it in a garage as well as outside.

It comes with a two-year warranty. It is a little bit heavier than some options on the market, as it weighs 101 pounds.

If you are looking for the best log splitter to split softer wood logs, then this is one of the best options to consider. The downside to this tool is that you will have a hard time splitting hardwood with it.

Specs

• Capacity: Up to 21 inches in length and 10 inches in diameter
• Cracking Force: 6-Ton
• Power: 15 Amps
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 101 pounds

Pros

• Portable and compact
• No exhaust, so it can be used in a garage
• Comes with rear wheels for easy movement
• Splits softwoods effortlessly and quickly

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy-duty jobs
• Splits soft logs better than hardwood logs.

Verdict

Best for DIY Projects and Home Use: If you are a homeowner or DIYer looking for the best log splitter to handle some tasks around the home, then this is the right tool for you. This is not a heavy-duty machine and it delivers better results when using it to split softwood logs.

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Tips In Buying A Log Splitter

Take the following tips into consideration if you want to buy a log splitter that you can rely on for a long time:

Decide On The Type Of Splitter To Use

Are you looking for complete electrical controls or are you okay with putting in some manual effort? The more advanced it is, the higher its price tag is.

If you are on a budget, you might want to settle for those log splitters that still require some manual work such as pulling the handles in to break the logs.

Otherwise, go for one with completely electrical and automatic features for convenience.

Check How Much Amperage It Runs On

Splitting force is rated in tons, and that is the number to compare. Most home electric splitters draw about 15 amps and produce 5 to 7 tons, which suits logs up to about 10 inches. Larger or knotty hardwood rounds call for a gas splitter with more tonnage.

Make Sure It Has A Solid And Durable Build

Can it withstand outdoor use and repeated high pressure? Look for a steel beam and wedge, and check the hydraulic oil level as the manual directs.

Look For One With A More Compact Design

The electrical ones tend to be bigger and clunkier but that is a small price to pay for the convenience of using it.

However, you can still find those that have a compact design and can even be folded up so that it occupies less space.

Choose a compact one with wheels if you need to move or store it often.

Use It Safely

Wear eye protection and gloves, and keep bystanders away. OSHA's power tool guidance says to wear eye protection and keep people not involved in the work at a safe distance.

Only one person should load and run the splitter. Keep your hands off the log and away from the wedge while the ram moves.

Opt For Those That Are Easy To Use

If you have mobility issues or you suffer from conditions like back pain, it makes sense to find one that has a stand, so you can prop the log splitter and just split the logs without bending down.

Also, choose those with ergonomic functions and simple mechanisms, so you will not have trouble figuring out how to operate it.

Compare the prices of the log splitter. Decide on how much you should spend on it. If you only need it occasionally, one with basic features might suffice.

However, if you use it all winter long, it might be better to spend a bit more money on something that has a better build and quality.

Consider Getting A Chainsaw As Well

If your process of chopping wood begins with felled trees, then a chainsaw, whether gas or electric, can make a quick-work of cutting those huge logs into manageable pieces for your log splitter. Do not forget to get a sharpener for chainsaw blades too to help them last longer.

Conclusion

Aside from a log splitter, there are so many other woodwork tools you can invest money on to make things easier and more convenient for you. Head to our homepage for more ideas on which ones to get.

Our top pick for the best log splitter is the WEN 56027 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter, thanks to its splitting capacity of 20.5 inches in length and 10 inches in diameter.

It comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers a cracking force of 6.5 tons. At 98 pounds, it is one of the lighter electric splitters here.

Sources

• Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• 7-Ton Log Splitter 90720, Champion Power Equipment