How to Split Wood with an Axe Safely

Quite a lot of wood splitting videos on you tube already but I thought I would add my 2 cents. Wood splitting is a dangerous activity but provided you follow a few basic rules and techniques the risk can be pretty much eliminated. Probably old news for a lot of you guys but I hope this can help out some beginners and prevent some accidents
Axe vs Safety Boot: • Axe vs Safety Boot test

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

4 years later, still an excellent and highly recommended video.

[@EvanWharton]

I love how you walk us through each tip and step, all the while explaining everything as you do. It's incredibly helpful for someone that's new to processing wood, like myself. Thank you, sir.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

I had to teach myself so I can understand how important it is to explain in detail. Glad you found it helpful

[@NOELTM]

As a complete novice I found this video invaluable and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

When I was about 12yrs old, me and few friends were camping out which of course meant splitting wood. My buddy Brad missed the front of the log and the block, sending the axe through everyone of his shoelaces without cutting his foot, not a scratch. We all learned a lesson that night.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

Some get lucky like your friend others don't. Not a lesson you want to learn the hard way for sure

[@elemental4rce]

Lesson learnt: chop barefoot so you don't ruin your shoes

[@benscottwoodchopper]

@@elemental4rce to be fair most sheos wont even slow the axe down so its actually not that silly

[@KevinsDisobedience]

elemental4rce That and Brad was a shit axeman. Lol

[@charlessandor5256]

The best axe handling video! I come back here from time to time to review safely handling an axe. I’ve done lumberjack work and, in my opinion, there’s never a wrong time to refresh this vital but dangerous skill. It’s a very satisfying work to chop wood.

[@henchman_ben3725]

I'm glad that this channel was recommended to me. I'm really enjoying all the content.

[@ibrahimlionel4995]

You prolly dont give a shit but if you are stoned like me atm then you can stream all of the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Have been watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of months :)

[@beckhamemerson2063]

@Ibrahim Lionel yea, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D

[@uberdan08]

Best wood spliiting safety video I've seen on KZbin. Thanks for the tips bro!

[@clarencerswann1360]

When I first started splitting wood, I went complete apeshit with power and force, then subsequently blew out my back. It took a few weeks to recover. At the time, I used the heaviest, longest axe or maul I could find. I switched to a smaller axe, about 4.5 lb after some research and it's never been the same. I use a 4.5 lb German winged splitting axe on a short 28" handle and have split more wood with that axe then I ever have in my lifetime. I dare say I can split straight grained wood faster than an operator on a hydro splitter. All good info and myth dispelling in this video. The best prescription for splitting is actually getting dirty and working. For some of us, we learn the hard way, but hopefully others can learn from our mistakes. Swinging from behind the head is a good way to wreck a person's back. Like you said, so much wasted energy with little return., Swinging an axe is much like swinging a bat or golf club - it's all in the wrist. I seldom bring my grip up over my head - there's no need!

[@benscottwoodchopper]

The thing that really makes me cringe is people swinging from behind thier heads with double bit axes

[@clarencerswann1360]

@@benscottwoodchopper Reminds me off the cartoon trope where a character uses that or something like a pickaxe, reaches back to swing, snags the waist line of their trousers and gives themselves a wedgie upon swinging...

[@dennisobrien3618]

The problem is that people emulate what they see, and mostly that involves doing a 360° swing as hard as they can, aiming dead center of a massive round section of a tree trunk. So far everything axe-related that you've put out has been spot on in my opinion. 👍

[@benscottwoodchopper]

I think a lot of people copy what they see in films or tv, which is often an actor or extra who has been told 'look like you are working' and has no clue themselves. Always have a good chuckle watching stuff like game of thrones and seeing what people are up to in the background

[@scottishcottagerenovation]

Very good video Ben. You did a great job explaining how to split wood and kindling.

[@1südtiroltechnik]

One thing i noticed very prominently is when im not focused on the spot i want to hit, or get focused midswing on a different spot, i miss the intended spot.

[@ASCarvings]

Great vid. I have just started using a Chainsaw and axe for fire wood and I have learned so much over the last few weeks. Keep up the good work.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

Glad you liked the video, here is another that may be useful to you kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqGufGqid9yNgK8

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Good tips Ben. I've seen axes to ricochet at some extreme angles and for some reason it travels with crazy force. I'm a big fan of keeping ones hands out of the way splitting kindling. All it takes is one little slip to maim yourself

[@benscottwoodchopper]

Definetly, Its not worth it. Woman on alone apparently lost a lot of motion in her thumb, due to rushing with bad technique and a razor axe

[@elemental4rce]

@@benscottwoodchopper saw that. Properly messed herself up

[@jeffreyrubish347]

@@benscottwoodchopper I found and watched it. Not pleasant, but she was really not thinking it through. Boy Scouts taught using another long stick to keep the wood vertical.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

@@jeffreyrubish347 I prefer horizontal splitting, always found that 'sissy stick' method to be slow and awkward

[@jeffreyrubish347]

@@benscottwoodchopper I agree, but better than the Alone scenario!

[@SupermanBB]

That’s true. Those shorter hafted axes can get ya. On 2 occasions I’ve almost buried a GBA small forest axe into my shin. Luckily both instances were glancing blows and the bit didn’t connect directly. When camping in the backcountry, I now take it easy and minimize risks. Kneeling and/or using less dynamic splitting techniques when possible

[@nisamvise1724]

ben does a slight tilted axe head matter much or can it be overlooked?

[@jerryjoseph9135]

Thanks for making this video. I was once told to have the axe off to the side of your body and strike it that way. Can you comment on that?

[@benscottwoodchopper]

If you have the axe to the side it makes accuracy much more difficult which is not ideal for beginners. If I am using a double bit axe I sometimes chop like that but I think it is definitely and inferior technique

[@jkd185]

Very good film.

[@jeffreyrubish347]

Excellent info!

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Really good video man

[@huddlenan]

I'm glad I came across this video, Thank You

[@matthewhearherlyhughes3422]

Hi obtusebogan

[@beepboop204]

[@fotosoldier]

Making a wood splitting safety video while NOT wearing eye protection...??? I did however think you had some other good info in the video, but would recommend protecting your eyes too. Also when cutting smaller pieces of wood, I'll use another small piece of wood to hold it in place rather than my hand, that way, I can keep my hand out of the way completely.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

I have never seen anyone wear eye protection when splitting, its very uneccessary. I only wear them when using metal wedges

[@waynejohnson9855]

@@benscottwoodchopper I wear glasses all the time and I would never consider splitting wood without eye protection as I have had chips come off and hit my glasses or my face so when you say it’s not needed to me it’s insane not to.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

@@waynejohnson9855 I literally split wood for a living, compete in timbersports and chop wood for a hobby. Wear glasses if you wamt but never had an issue and nobody i know wears them when using an axe. No idea how ypu are getting peices of wood to fly in your eye when splitting

[@waynejohnson9855]

@@benscottwoodchopper I’m half blind so I have to. Lol. I know lot of guys that don’t wear them either. It’s rare I get hit with pieces but it has happened.

[@elemental4rce]

Splitting is aids.