Firewood Kindling Cracker -18

[@jameskent9487]

Ayla Hutchinson is from New Zealand - the young inventor behind Kindling Cracker™. I was living there at the time and it was a source of some pride. As Rick Thelian said its made in Australia.

[@TonysCoolTools]

James you are correct, my mistake. Thanks for catching that.

[@craighellberg4366]

For those wondering whether to purchase the small or the large; I have both and use the small 99% of the time. If the diameter of the wood is too big for the small one I generally just use my splitting ax to split it one time and then it fits fine. I could use the big one but I find that if the diameter is too big for the small one it is sometimes more difficult to hit the wood hard enough with a hammer in the large one to get it to split. Splitting ax it’s just easier. A tip is to hold the wood at the bottom so you’re not chasing it on the ground each time you split. I did try strapping flat bungee cord around the outside but it didn’t keep the wood from falling to the ground. I have several different Wood/Kindle splitters and this is by far the best one I have ever had. And the safest.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Craig thanks for the additional info, I know typically people think bigger is better but based on your findings this may not be the case. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@jamessanders4310]

Works pretty good! An easier way to get kindling would be to visit Chris in the wood yard when he is processing wood. “Tons of it there”…

[@TonysCoolTools]

Ha ha you are sooooo right or anyone using a box wedge. Before I switched to the Eastonmade Axis my 12-22 with the box wedge would make a ton of kindling. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@allanulen3809]

The back story was quite interesting. Thanks for showing off a great tool. Stay cool.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Allan appreciate your support with my channel.

[@mitchz.6234]

Great tip on using the tire with this tool, Tony!!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Mitch, I have another Tonys Tip with the tire on the stump coming up soon. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@timthompson6338]

I have a firewood customer that has the kindling cutter and he really likes his!! I never saw one till a couple years ago when I delivered a couple loads of wood! He has his in the garage and makes kindling when needed!! Pretty neat little tool and the story that goes with it is unbelievable!! Stay safe

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Tim, it definitely is a very functional and safe accessory for firewood. Appreciate you watching 👍

[@thirdpig45]

Tony, I've been using one of these for about seven years and just love it. Mounted on a round I can sit on a small stool in the garage and crank out an amazing amount of kindling in a very short time. I have learned to hold the wood below the top ring for better control and have the next piece already in hand. Great job on the video, glad you brought this great, safe item to your viewers attention.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Timothy, it definitely is a great tool to have around when making kindling. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@canvasman2307]

Thanks for sharing the history and demo of the kindling cracker. I’ve wondered how well they worked. I’ve always used a double stack of tires on a stump and my X27 to make kindling splits. Might have to buy one now.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Funny you should say that, I too use the tire to split kindling for both OWB and my indoor fireplace. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@canvasman2307]

@@TonysCoolTools Haha. My reason is I love swinging the X27 more than a short handled 4lb hammer maul 😂

[@tonybucca5667]

I welded an axe head to a 3/4 " fitting, and mounted it to a floor flange at a comfortable height...made my own cracker for ZERO cost, from stuff I had lying around.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Tony, you’re one of the lucky ones with welding/fabrication skills. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@grantsinclair4278]

I delivered a load of wood to a state park and my customer had one of these at his camp. I was very impressed. It is most definitely a "Cool tool" Thanks Tony

[@TonysCoolTools]

Grant that guy must have been an Eagle Boy Scout. To have this at a campsite is well tooooo prepared😂 Thanks for watching and commenting

[@stevencounter4952]

Another Gr8 Video Tony! I am glad you showed the tire tip! Saves all the bending over pickin up the pieces

[@TonysCoolTools]

Steven glad you like my video. Like the old saying “give the laziest guy the hardest job and he’ll find the easiest way to do it” 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@outsidewithstevep]

Tony - love your videos. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit and post them. I hope you enjoy doing them as much as we enjoy watching them.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Stephen thank you for your kind words. KZbin is still new to me but I’m trying to get the hang of it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@wittsend1961]

I've been using that same model for 5 years now..Excellent tool Another great video Tony

[@TonysCoolTools]

William glad you agree it’s a great accessory for any Woodyard or homeowner. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Seen these around on line for years but didn't know the story of how it was created.. Thanks for sharing with us Tony..

[@TonysCoolTools]

You bet Daniel, it definitely is a well built and very functional accessory for the woodyard. Thanks for watching 👍

[@judgetoogood1033]

Love my XL splitter. Thanks too you, Tony….

[@TonysCoolTools]

glad you enjoyed the video. having a Kindling cracker has made my life a lot easier. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jimbo5056]

Thanks for showing us the cracker. Hope Ayla makes millions where she can hire someone to split for her mom. Keep those videos rolling Tony.👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jim I too hope Ayla has benefited from a great invention. Like my mantra pass it forward.. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@bfoutdooradventures]

I have seen these before but never realized how well they worked, always thought maybe they were gimmicks. Now after seeing your video I understand how well they work. Thanks for demonstrating.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Its an absolutely awesome tool, it makes producing kindling fun in a safe way. Thanks for watching and commenting 😀

[@ChrisLascari]

Good video, Tony. The history lesson was cool too. Update: the Google is saying it was a girl from New Zealand, not Austria

[@TonysCoolTools]

Yeah I had to make correction in the info section of the video. Thanks much for watching!!

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Tony!!😀 It has a a nice little ring to it when you are splitting. LOL!! Take care my friend!! Logger Al

[@TonysCoolTools]

Al you’re right, with it being made of cast iron it could double as a dinner bell as well!😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@briannelson4493]

Great video, good demonstration, great tips. It looks like a good tool to have and use. Keep up the good videos

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Brian, it definitely is a very useful tool. Thanks for watching

[@russdixon614]

Yup, Ayla won the Taranaki Science Fair at New Plymouth Girls High with this design.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Russ thanks for the additional info on Ayla. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@Living-The-Dream]

Tony, a friend of mine makes these from rebar, and uses discarded hatchet/axe heads for the blade. Inexpensive and works great! He made me one a number of years ago and I use it all the time. Can’t beat it ! I keep a face cord of debarked Poplar on a rack in my garage for winter kindling. These pieces, I then use this tool to make kindling as needed, all winter long. Great Tool….only a couple dollars and a little time to make. Nice video!! 👍👏 Rick Wish KZbin would allow photos to be posted!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Rick I’ve seen numerous home made units that work great. I agree I wish we could post pictures. I’m all about making things safer and easier! Thanks for watching

[@Zbee167]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@danahasson2892]

Definitely a cool tool have not seen one before

[@TonysCoolTools]

As I mentioned it’s been around but it seems few people were aware of it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@GPOutdoors]

Looks like a well built and practical helper Tony! Thanks for the demo. I imagine you can make a lot of kindling in a short time and not a lot of effort. Nice!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Yes GP, this tool makes you a pro kindling maker immediately. No more swinging the ax or hatchet and have stuff fly all over the place or miss the small piece and possibly injure yourself. Cheers!

[@trevethan82319841]

I love the kindling cracker splitter I have and I will be using it in a large aluminum pot to save on clean up

[@TonysCoolTools]

Now the large aluminum pot definitely sounds like a good idea. I’m still searching for something larger than a 5 gal bucket. Appreciate you watching and commenting.👍TCT

[@tonybaloneycheeseandmacaro6131]

I have the XL model as well. Great product. Well worth the purchase.

[@TonysCoolTools]

You are right, this is a quality tool for not a lot of money. Thanks for your comments.

[@Gordo3958]

Just bought one in the UK after damn nearly taking the top of my thumb off with a hand axe. Not cheap but a whole lot better than half a thumb. Still face a few weeks of recovery but it was definitely a warning to get one of these.

[@TonysCoolTools]

So sorry to hear about your accident and I hope a you have a speedy recovery. I’m glad you’re gonna try the kindling cracker, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Let me know you thoughts after you’ve had a chance to use it. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@Gordo3958]

⁠@@TonysCoolToolsI took delivery of the original standard size today. Mounted it to the top of a chopping block with two coach screws (lag screws). Chopped a weeks worth of wood and kindling, safely and easily in no time at all. Highly recommended. Thanks for your excellent video review as it certainly was useful in making a decision to buy one.

[@TonysCoolTools]

I@@Gordo3958 Im glad you found the same results as I did and think the kindling cracker is an awesome piece of equipment.👍TCT

[@matthewnasci2646]

What an ingenious design. You dont have to rely on your aim with a sharp axe or hatchet. I've never used one but I remember when the splitter first came out. Seeing your demonstration has given me the idea to get one for camping. I bet the youngsters would have fun with it.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Matthew the design is so simple yet extremely affective. I definitely could see it for camping, possibly the standard/smaller unit for space savings. Thanks for watching

[@wilfredoalta3475]

My favorite splitter!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Mine too, 👍TCT

[@woodruffwoods]

I bought one of these for my wife some years ago. I was always concerned that I would be traveling and she would not be able to start a fire. I think they work pretty well.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Darren after using it I can’t believe how safe and functional this splitter is. Before I liked cutting kindling, now I enjoy splitting kindling! Thanks for watching.

[@davidloy9669]

Tony, bought one 2 years ago from northern tool i use it for my boiler for easy starts

[@TonysCoolTools]

David Interesting you say that in that I’ll be doing the same and making kindling for my indoor fireplace as well. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@adrianphillips6238]

Hi Tony, great tool. I wish you had told me about my hand would get in the way 3 years ago. I chopped my thumb down to the bone. There’s a bit more to the story to why I hit my thumb. (No it didn’t even hurt) I use pine for Kinderling. I do enjoy your videos and knowledge

[@TonysCoolTools]

Ouch that doesn’t sound like fun if you say it didn’t hurt. Thanks for your kind words, appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@adrianphillips6238]

@@TonysCoolTools I have to take a lot of strong painkillers (Morphine, Tramadol etc) for my back, so I tend not to feel pain that much if I hurt myself.

[@richardbrowne1679]

I’ve had one for years- a great tool and high quality.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Richard glad to hear like it and use it. Its nice to sometimes get a quality tool that does what it says it’s going to do. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@davidspringer4905]

That’s great. Simple and safe. Thanks Tony.

[@TonysCoolTools]

David that’s an awesome way to describe this tool “simple and safe” Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Just like a professional logger! Good stuff old best friend!

[@TonysCoolTools]

“Old best friend” now I feel like twice used toilet paper😂

[@jenky1044]

Great show, great tool. Thank you Tony.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks, I agree it’s a great tool. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@bentwedgestanleybrand5818]

Good morning everyone. I was thinking about getting one of those kindling splitters. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to. Keep up the great videos Tony.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks much I’m glad you enjoyed it. You definitely won’t be disappointed! 👍

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Hello Tony, nice review 🪵🚜👍🏼🇺🇸

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Larry and Robin, glad you enjoyed it👍

[@lendevonuk5479]

Hi Tony, good tool but I will keep my trusty hatchet, I have used for the last 60 years. One last thing, I would put money on it that your tool is made from ‘cast-steel’, and not ‘cast-iron’ 😊! Len (Devon 🇬🇧)

[@TonysCoolTools]

Len always good to have options and a back-up plan for the back-up plan. As you can see from the video I to have the X11 Fiskars splitting hatchet just in case. Here is what the info says about the Kindling Cracker The Kindling Cracker™ firewood splitter is made in an Australian foundry. It consists of one solid piece of high-quality cast iron

[@wilfredoalta3475]

Like the idea of containing the wood with the tire… I think I’ll use an old fire pit ring I have instead

[@TonysCoolTools]

I have to find a bucket with a larger opening to get splits out easier. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@kevinsmeaton3965]

Made in Australia designed in NZ other than that minor detail you did good cheers Kevin from Australia

[@TonysCoolTools]

Kevin yup I screwed up on both parts. Thanks for the correct info Appreciate your comments and support for my channel

[@fishnsled]

A great story on how it came to be. I hope that girl is still getting royalties off of the sales. I love my Fiskars x27 and my grandfather's hatchet for splitting. However, I've been eyeing one of these for a while and you have me sold.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Well I think this will be a great addition to your kindling arsenal! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@fishnsled]

@@TonysCoolTools good morning. I just wanted to let you know that I did purchase a kindling cracker is the XL size. What a great product!! I need a 4 pound hammer now as I see what you mean about using a lighter hammer. Thanks for the review!!

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@fishnsled Glad you found one, Amazon currently was back ordered on both XL and standard models. Glad you enjoy it, definitely will make your splitting much easier. Appreciate you letting me know you purchased one. Be safe!

[@Frank-db6oj]

Great job Tony 👏 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tommyrichmond1293]

Thanks toney

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Very cool tool thanks for sharing Tony!👍👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jeremiah it definitely is a “cool tool” . Thanks for watching 👍

[@tonybunch543]

Cool!!! 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for watching Tony👍

[@firewoodathome]

Interesting history.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Yes, those are the stores that inspire people to do great things. Thanks for watching

[@knottwworking]

Another good tool to have around the house.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Yup it definitely will save time getting kindling. Thanks for watching

[@brucearney9536]

Nice tool !

[@TonysCoolTools]

Bruce it definitely is a great tool! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@DirtRoadLanding]

Great review, Tony. 🪵🪓🌲🪵🪓🌲🪵🪓🌲

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks, appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@waltergregory2368]

Fabulous tool Tony!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Walter I agree 100% , I really love the safety aspect of this tool. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@seangerberding1255]

These are great. Makes it safer for when my sons split firewood. Don’t need a hatchet to the hand. My wife would disown me.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Sean I agree safety is most important especially in the woodyard with all those sharp things we use. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@peterbabcock4568]

That would help a lot well made

[@TonysCoolTools]

Peter it definitely is a well made accessory for splitting kindling safely. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@mottmusic101]

Oh, and great for young people to use as it’s safer that swinging an axe or hatchet.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Totally agree, definitely a very safe accessory to use when making kindling. Appreciate your comment

[@rickthelian2215]

Tony made in Australia 🇦🇺 😀 Austria is a different country😀😀😀

[@petergundel2956]

It was designed by a school girl from New Zealand.

[@rickthelian2215]

@@petergundel2956 she suffers from Dyspraxia, a neurological Disorder which affects about 10% of the population have a form of it. She talks about it to help others. In Australia we adopt all good New Zealanders like Russel Crowe, Musicians and many race drivers.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Rick you are 100 % correct, She is from New Zealand and they are manufactured in Australia. It’s only a short 14352 km difference 😂Thanks for catching that👍

[@LakesideAcres]

Great job Tony. 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Chuck, appreciate you watching.

[@LakesideAcres]

@@TonysCoolTools I used to hand split kindling until I got the Axis. No more hand splitting for me. Now I quickly make huge mounds of kindling to sell along with my firewood.

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@LakesideAcres Chuck I do the same thing with my Axis and will probably make enough to last me the whole winter. But, this is a nice tool to have as a back up.

[@butchie2752]

I have this splitter and like it a lot. Wear eye protection.

[@TonysCoolTools]

They are great splitters to have on the property, and you’re right eye protection is important. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jackpinesavageadventures3142]

👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for watching👍

[@rickthelian2215]

Just to note: Tony Amazon is +currently out of stock on both models....😀

[@TonysCoolTools]

Rick I wonder if this is another supply chain issue? You may try Norther Tool and Equipment. Thanks for watching

[@rickthelian2215]

@@TonysCoolTools I just looked at the links you had on the page... Could be a supply issue, or just popular item as I’ve seen a few times now. I like the industrial versions of making kindling, where the put huge rounds in and pressed and split as they go down the conveyer belt. Making match sticks is interesting too...

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@rickthelian2215 Rick I’ve seen that on KZbin and it’s way cool. Seems like it’s mostly in Europe. I’ve not seen any US company making a kindling machine.

[@mottmusic101]

Tony! Move that camera a bit closer to the action so we can see a little better. Thanks!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I will do my best in future videos. 👍

[@gearhead-do1xh]

Great review. How would you maintain the KC during camping trips in winter and stormy weather for us city folks? Thank you

[@TonysCoolTools]

Well the tool is made of cast iron so even though it has a coating on it at some point if left out in the elements it’s going to rust. because you want to take on camping trips I would not mount to a block of wood just set on the ground. If you can find a 6 gal plastics bucket with lid it would be great to store the small Kindling Cracker. Thanks for watching and commenting?👍TCT

[@davidwiniger3799]

What are best dimensions for the stump and bolt size. I’m 6-3”

[@TonysCoolTools]

David I’m 6’3” as well, to be honest I grabbed one of the blocks I cut to 16” with the same diameter as a 5 gal bucket. For me whether sitting in a chair or standing up it seems just right. I’d start there and adjust height to your liking. As far as the fasteners, you could use 3/16” or 1/4” X 2-1/2” lag bolts with washers and you should be fine. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@Murphinator1964]

That’s what the northern tool employee does out in front of their building at the state fair all 12 days

[@TonysCoolTools]

I assume that was one of their top selling tools at one point. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

I remember seeing that in Northern catalog and thinking it was something out of 1800’s still used today.😂

[@TonysCoolTools]

Nope it’s a 21st century invention, and a cool one at that! Thanks for watching

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

Some good advice, good information. But again Pointing the camera at the sun will rarely do you any favors. And with a fixed lens camera , Please consider moving the camera in closer so we can see the product in use..

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jean thanks for your advice. When shooting in the morning I didn’t consider the sun popping out as I was filming. It was so much easier when Chris was filming and all I did was talk😂 oh well gonna have to put my big boy pants on and get er done! Appreciate your comments and support

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

@@TonysCoolTools I don't understand about " big boy pants" but Chris is the camera work master craftsman of woodyard videos, he could teach the topic . Video / audio production is not a point and shoot endeavor. Please don't take my attempt to assist as mean spirited internet flaming.

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@jeanvaljohn3921 ha ha that’s a slang term we us in the US to accept responsibilities. Oh by no means did I take your comment as negative. I have a lot to learn with working a camera. I’ve primarily been in front of the camera and never behind it. I accept all constructive criticism because I know it will make me better. I also agree Chris could teach videography as a business, he’s really good! Thanks for your comments

[@bernardmoss7171]

These are mo good for forest knotted timber have tried it and ended up breaking the cracker

[@TonysCoolTools]

Bernard I agree, I try to use straight grain wood in the Kindling Kracker. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@Alan_Hans__]

Needs some annotations added to indicate that Ayla is from New Zealand and that it's made in Australia. Austria is famous for an unfunny guy with a funny moustache whereas Australia is famous for hard firewood and everything wanting to kill you (except guys with moustaches).

[@TonysCoolTools]

Alan yes I need new glasses when reading my notes. I’ll have to see about making corrections. As usual thanks for watching

[@bobdriggers6111]

You need a large plastic garden container to sit it in. Less bending over is a great thing!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Good idea Bob, I showed the tire trick but Im sure there are other ideas that will work better. Appreciate you watching.

[@bhall7997]

That is a cool tool. Back in late 80's early 90's I bought a lot of Bosch power tools from The Tool Crib of the North I believe that is correct name. They had a catalog the size of Sears Catalog :) Any Idea what happen to that business ?

[@TonysCoolTools]

Ahhhh you bring back fond memories, I too bought a lot of Bosch power tools From the Tool Crib Of the North. And then I went to work for Bosch and they game me samples to try before I went out to sell them. 😀 Ok if memory serves me Right Tool Crib of the North was the first mail order tool store even before Amazon. I believe Northern Tool purchased Tool Crib of The North but still retains the Trade Mark name/brand

[@000Vixens000]

is this for soft wood or hard wood

[@TonysCoolTools]

I use it for both and it works awesome. I have the smaller splitter that can handle 6” wood but I never put a full round in and use a 3-4 lb club hammer. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@hankteuben4366]

cool ill get one for my wife

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hank I like your thinking😂 Happy wife happy life. Thanks for watching

[@steveholbrook4729]

hello tony

[@TonysCoolTools]

And good morning to you! Thanks for watching

[@stevencounter4952]

Steve Counter

[@TonysCoolTools]

Steven Thanks for watching!

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

I would have onr of these if I didnt get so much chafe off of the splitter

[@TonysCoolTools]

I totally understand, using the Eastonmade Axis there is virtually no scrap like the 12-22 so I have to make kindling. This is just a backup when I’m not making kindling on the Axis. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@bizzybee3021]

Sadly both are unavailable.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hi Kevin, I'm glad you commented on my channel. I was just on the phone talking with Chris on your interview video today. You really did a great job, you're a natural, between you and your wife I think you would kill it on KZbin. Get busy and pump some video's out. I would check the Northern Tool retail stores in MN since they were the largest importer. Keep in touch

[@TonysCoolTools]

Oops I got you confused with Whats the Buz sorry. Oh by the way thanks for watching and commenting.

[@miketanner1920]

Assume

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Appreciate you watching 👍