Honest Review of Harbor Freight Wood Splitter | Ultimate HF Log Splitter Mod

In this episode, the Ozark Outdoorsman will share some mangenuity that will help improve the Harbor Freight Log splitter. Every man should own a good wood splitter regardless of his need for well-split firewood, and this Harbor freight electric log splitter is just the ticket.

[@pcmcguire18504]

You should weld a beer holder onto the outside of it.

[@bendoucette3530]

Thanks for a great idea. I welded an axe head to mine this afternoon, and it works wonderfully. A big improvement. Take care, Ben from Nova Scotia

[@vickhernandez8664]

I just got one and it is amazing. Cuts like butter. Great you’re having a beer in between each cut🍻

[@gtbproductions1]

I purchased my 5 ton in early summer. I live in SoCal and the most prevalent wood here is eucalyptus. Funny thing with this wood is how hard and twisty it is. If you try with all your might and use an ax, the ax will just bounce right off the log. Very hard to split. This 5 ton from Harbor Freight has NO problem splitting this twisted wood. I have split rounds that were up to 15" diameter. Maybe not the first try or down the middle, but starting on the edges and taking slices off. Sometimes I have to work the round and flip it or just move it a quarter turn. I have it on a rollaway bench that I love. It hasn't failed me yet with over 2 cords split so far. As far as adjusting the ram, all I did was to cut a piece of wood and place it behind the ram so it won't cycle all the way back. Yes, the two hands to control is somewhat awkward at times when you want to hold your wood from raising up. I would also like to see some small spikes on the ram head to keep it from slipping off the wood sometimes.

[@landersjr]

Great personality, you should do many more videos! Exactly what the world needs these days is a manly man.

[@MrTommy001]

Opening the box on my new HF log splitter today. Wood is ready to go. I need to lay in a supply of beer to make this work right. NOT Bud Light though!

[@ladsongeddings100]

Good video: For those of us who don't weld and for rounds too tough to start, use a chainsaw and cut a slot first; works quite well, especially on the larger stuff.

[@jacquesblaque7728]

KISS. As delivered, edge of the wedge is dull, as you can see easily by looking at entry-point of splits. A few minutes with flat-files makes it work much better. Damn lawyers!

[@mikeh8228]

@@jacquesblaque7728 yep, it is a pinch hazard, not a cut hazard! HA HA

[@jafquist27]

I have one. I love it. I haven't modified it at all. I have split hundreds of 25 inch plus diameter oak rounds with it, and it has never complained. I recommend this splitter highly. Like he said, for the price, it absolutely cannot be beat. It is a beast!

[@stevenmichener366]

Thank you! Your rendition of this log splitter was exactly the context I was hoping to see posted.

[@mikeh8228]

Glad to see you have it mounted on a stand...now two more things for you to do. Go to back to HF and buy a cheap bar type wood clamp. Use it to hold down the button. No need for inline switch, just unplug when not using. Finally, build yourself a table to put on the side you are not standing on. That way the log can fall over on the table and you will not have to bend over to pick it up! I like your mod of the ax head but I split mostly 18 to 20 inch wood so that will not work for me. I am 72 years old presently and gave up on wedges and mauls a few years back, instead I purchased for ~$100, the HF manual splitter, and when it comes to those larger rounds, it works great to split in half, then I can lift each halve and the electric goes through them like butter! Been using this system for several years now....work smarter, not harder as you get older! HA HA

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

Are you still alive sir?

[@jaygallagher8064]

Thanks for the honest review. Excellent mod work on the splitting head.

[@thesuperzfamilyvlog6607]

Great video, and you're a ton of fun to watch. Have a great day!

[@denniskolb19]

I recently used your idea and welded an ax head on my small 3 3/4 hp hydraulic Log Buster. Splits everything !!

[@phretbord]

Great video and good thinking on your part for adding the ax head, you definitely made it better than it was! 😊👍👍

[@MA.CUTLER]

Man you are great! I like your presentation 👍🏾

[@blacksun686]

I’m going to watch this video, but first let me get a sip of my beer. Love the video brother! Nice mods as well.

[@jamesmiller7283]

Sip ! Sip !

[@kevinwilson8350]

Bloody ripper idea, definitely doing that. Cheers Kev.

[@dancartlidge5202]

Y'know....best thing about this is the welding the additions to the existing blade....yes, that makes a world of diff!! I now have on of these...might purchase another for my winter abode...and I know some welders!!! Thanks!!

[@wasterangler]

Found you by looking for harbor freight splitter here. You sir need thousands of more subs

[@trbig67]

"Lemme get a drink of beer before I do this..." Picks up an apple cider.

[@dangrimes5078]

I'm going to have to watch again

[@kenwilks6289]

I have two of these up north. As long as you keep the wedge sharp, it will go through just about anything. No need for an axe head to be welded to it.

[@jhonviel7381]

but it looks cooler this way

[@PBandJsandwich]

I liked the video the first time I saw it but after a few beers, I liked it even better.

[@stevencastillo9332]

I think it was the sip of beer that helped that mighty little log splitter grt throughthat log. Very funny video. Chaers brother.

[@zachary8669]

Great video. Please upload more!

[@Dave-rq1uk]

You convinced me. I’m buying one!!!

[@ralphyreive5932]

Im hitting ozy hard wood and this trick with the axe head is smashing throgh it top job mate

[@jimmyinglish2669]

That’s awesome! God bless you sir

[@teddypilny9404]

I use a cheap wood Radget vice to hold the starter button down. Been doing that for 15 years

[@jacquesblaque7728]

Just FYI: IMO fuelwood will NOT season (air-dry) until bucked, split, stacked off the ground, and top-covered. BTDT many years worth. With my HF electro-hydraulic splitter: I sharpened its wedge with flat files. and clamped the electrical switch closed with a woodworking clamp, then ran power through a HF NO foot switch. Soon the motor switch stayed closed on its own- fine, stow the clamp. The lever at the end is for the hydraulic valve; unscrew it to store machine up on end- very little space needed for that. Women could work this just as well as men, if interested.

[@mikegreene9215]

Love the idea of welding the ax head in there, going to add that to my unit. I've had several logs that my unit will bog down on and not do, maybe this will make the diff.Thanks for the post!

[@barrygolden9823]

How was the performance after the mod?

[@PainterD54]

That's my thought also. Looking at the way the my Fiskars splitting axe is made, it's sharp and narrow to get the wood to separate first, the tapers wider to pull the wood apart. Your idea is just what I would do to make it split better. It comes too blunt and stalls the motor with larger pieces because it wants to separate too soon.

[@raulsierra06]

Muchas gracias ,,, bien explicado,,,saludos desde chihuahuas México 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍

[@jackbell5206]

You have a great idea for a very marketable attachment since a lot of people don't have welders, you could call it the penetrator, lol.

[@1rustytree]

Good video! I dont know if mine is newer or older but the switch is push on/ push off, not momentary, but it is a good splitter , if I can wrestle it on it usually splits it! Doesn't like crotchs though!

[@beddy60]

Nice video. What rod did you use ? Was the axe head steel? Did you have to cut or grind a V to get it to fit correctly? My only issue adding this is some smaller length logs. I like it though! My splitter has only not handle a few larger logs but mostly a nice unit but slow

[@grahamcarlson7384]

Make more reviews. short entertaining to the point . requested by your 2nd subscriber , thanks.

[@richarddowner4292]

I liked, Subscribed

[@JoseRivera-tl2dy]

I love mine man….its a beast

[@pappawheely]

Thank Q for the tip I have the same prob. with mine no split and explosive logs I ll do it

[@bigtxbullion]

Nice job boss💪💯. Interesting on mine the power is always on just have to pull the lever. Guess they changed the design.

[@williamduignan6956]

Nice…gonna use that tip!!!

[@thedarkgreenvanman]

Lol you have the perfect personality for youtube. Thats my favourite beer too!

[@fsj197811]

Thanks for sharing.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Looks like it works pretty well for it's price

[@marcjoseph8300]

Noted for the welded axe head. Cheers!

[@darellsunderlin4670]

I have three of the older ones , love this Splitter, glad they are not the new ones!!!

[@duffg9229]

What are “the new ones?”

[@darellsunderlin4670]

@@duffg9229 they are the same ones except they took the on - off switch out and made it so you have to push the button to split wood , which gives you only one hand to pull hydraulic lever. Which means you don't have any control over the wood if one pops like it does in cold weather . OSHA , I think it made it more dangerous. It's totally changeable but not everyone has the skill.

[@duffg9229]

@@darellsunderlin4670 got it. Thanks

[@thenorsemen2452]

I wish I could hit the thumbs for everytime he said I need a drink of beer.

[@normski262]

HAH I have the same problem, and now sorting out your MOD, AXE head,. Thanks !!

[@douglas9607]

I've got the 7 ton version of this splitter. I like you're ax addition. Mine is made by Boss Industries. It doesn't have the safety switch thing. My motor runs continually. It's just a lawyer that needs a new boat that specified the stupid safety switch. You can probably rig that. Good vid, brother. it's been several years. I hope you are still well and using your splitter.

[@barrygolden9823]

How do you like your Boss Industrial?

[@douglas9607]

I've been using it for the past three years. Doesn't disapoint. Get the optional legs. Very quiet vs gas engine@@barrygolden9823

[@mikesmith8187]

I have the same problem with this splitter. Very often the logs will jump out violently. I will definitely try your modification, as the standard wedge angle is too wide. 👍

[@barrygolden9823]

Did you try the mod on your splitter? How did it work?

[@mikesmith8187]

@@barrygolden9823 I did grind it down slightly, but I haven’t been brave enough to remove too much.

[@motomikebuilder]

I like mine as well. It struggles with oak. 1.5 cords and the blade is getting dull. I do a cross cut with a saw to help get it started. Time to sharpen the blade before I destroy this thing.

[@andrewkelly2621]

Please please please make more videos!

[@dad4836]

Hey Jeffrey it’s been several years since you have been running this rig. How’s it holding up. Thinking about getting one. Thanks

[@Discoveryquest]

How many beers before a really good cut? Should I count my fingers at the end of the day?

[@dianebrodie2956]

Thank you for Athens axe tip. I tried it straight out of the box and it was no good l will try the axe head and plate mod.

[@barrygolden9823]

How did the mod work?

[@MrBugman2525]

On new years day u can buy a harbor freight log splitter for 25% off good price for 230dollars

[@markboucher7441]

Anyone who's ever split wood knows you can't split from the center with a maul. Any electric hydraulic log splitter will work from the outside edge.

[@happycamper-ux5pv]

I could not find the harbor freight electrtic log spliter on their web site

[@Redneck_Ed]

0:55 hilarious.

[@vinnieromano1336]

I have a older one from HF and it would split everything just slow.

[@theozarkoutdoorsman8845]

Sooooo Slooooowww. Not bad for the price though!

[@jasondean88888]

Angle grinder to sharpen the existing wedge...?

[@hphillips7425]

Hatchet mod is a good idea

[@theozarkoutdoorsman8845]

A manly tool!

[@dannyboy7086]

great video.. get ya anudder beer ;)

[@oldmandixon]

You are hilarious!

[@TM-qp3pw]

I'm going to get another drink of beer

[@MrThenry1988]

One vid? Good show

[@teddypilny9404]

6 In. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader

[@EPeltzer]

These little splitters are pretty cool and priced well. Though having seen a manual system like the Splitz-All that is so clever I'm starting to wonder. A lot of lifting and positioning involved in this kind of traditional splitter. Also electrics that are more prone to failure at some point. With the clever chain wrap system and the speed of that manual splitter, starting to wonder if it might actually be faster. Would love to see a head to head both on speed and the reflection of the user on which is easier. A lot of lifting and positioning involved in this kind of splitter.

[@erniepenny221]

Just sharpen the blade and if there are any logs that don't go thru, try oiling the blade, that helps.

[@jasonsharpbucks]

I saw someone waxing it with a candle, bar of soap would probably work also

[@tjellis1479]

the CAPS LOCK guy

[@426superbee4]

If you would split those big round logs, it would make more easy to lift and set on the splitter. Then you can go to town making firewood

[@bagger2013jm]

Lmao. Get another drink of beer. 😂😂😂

[@cxzm3395]

what brand/model? is harbor freight the store?

[@garrettmangrove9602]

I got one just like that but I got a foot pedal rigged on mine with a lever to hit the green button so u only gotta use one hand!!!

[@SteverRob]

Mine crapped out, splitting some big pine rounds. The motor quit.

[@richardspengel5360]

That side-mounted interlock switch is a great safety item. It keeps both hands out of danger. Unfortunately, it causes your head to be close alongside the log as it is split. When a log explodes, as will certainly happen, your head and a 25 lb chunk of log moving at 100 mph may well be in the same space at the same time. Ouch! Be sure to wear a helmet with face guard and maybe you will only get a broken neck. This is what happens when lawyers and bureaucrats design machinery.

[@jeffreyedward3374]

Great Video - I would like to weld an axe head on mine. Can you send or post better pictures so I can see just how you did that. Thanks In Advance!

[@iseiyoulaitre]

More vids please

[@dbroox]

Could you not just take a grinder to the existing splitter to sharpen it up?

[@nanagerri136]

Before I comment let me get a drink of beer lol

[@svenland6892]

Here, hold my beer...

[@Mixwell1983]

Not sure why you tried to split the log in the heart of it, supposed to start on the edge.. cool log splitter though.

[@markwhite6981]

Lets make a deal Mr "outdoorsman" Ill watch your video if you try that same log with the same ax but you won't hit it that way you show on your video right on the middle of it but rather on the borders of that standing log it would make a huge difference won't matter black locust or Osage as long as it isn't too wavy Blessings

[@pappawheely]

it worked great with the axe head welded on I will do it to mine for sure as I noticed mine wont penatrate any hard wood just like he was saying it explodes the wood

[@DiannaAtherton]

Great video. My question is for Harbor Freight. Why not welding an piece first so when us ladies buy it it's ready to rock & roll.

[@illiniwood]

Just buy a big ax at harbor freight when you buy the log splitter and take them to a welding shop. In most cases they can provide the 1/2 inch plate but you'll need to provide the ax head. It shouldn't cost too much to have this done.

[@DiannaAtherton]

@@illiniwood thank you

[@madddog7]

learn to weld :-)

[@DiannaAtherton]

@@illiniwood thank you. I found one at a swap meet all done ready to go.

[@666dynomax]

can you disable the button, would be nice to be able to have a hand on the wood

[@mikeh8228]

yes you can, just put a wood bar clamp on it...cheap clamp at HF!

[@shinzman87]

Ya gotta hit it more than once with the maul!

[@wlffabrication7196]

And not hit it in the middle.

[@williammccoy9854]

Strike the round with the forward leading edge of the maul bit. Don't hit square or on the beard. I split 2 year old 18-24 inch blackjack oak, post oak, and hickory with a 4 lb fiskar maul without issue.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... 76

[@BAKERHUSKIE]

I want one

[@johnwayne2442]

Let me get a drink of my beer before I watch this video 😁

[@viktorfalstadt4946]

its splitting the log partly because its splitting at the edge. you can split ANY wood at the EDGE with your maul. i'm 5'9" and 160 lbs and i split bigger diameter and longer length juniper and siberian elm with a maul i've had sine i was 14-16 years old. it ain't hard you just have to chip away at the edges. well, yeah it is somewhat hard. but the maul will not even begin to touch the spines, especially when theres a branch off. multiple wedges and a 12 lb sledge work but its not worth the time and effort at that point. but it can be done. sometimes the 20 ton shop press and multiple wedges won't even do it.

[@426superbee4]

I made mine hands free. I use a foot peddle to operate mine. I don't want to be any where around the dangerous thing! I had some logs explode on me. If my head was there it could have killed me> I even had 1 explode while guiding the log. LUCKY that i didn't have a good grip on it. IT STILL HURT

[@Bad-Idea-Network]

I thought an electric log splitter was kind of a joke when my grandpa got one. It does not give a shit it will split anything.

[@Meekerextreme]

I'd probably just cut that top piece off and weld a maul head on that you sharpen first. Maul is $30.

[@joemiller3021]

He could pass for Ginger Billy's dad

[@UnclePorkchop]

Can't we just sharpen the existing edge? ..

[@M70ACARRY]

as you can see

[@jamesgough1887]

You don't need that machine. What you need is more beer.

[@razahassan811]

I've split 5 cords through it so far. Does what I need it to. kzbin.infoUgkxUyQswtttSffRMblGbrhCvZn7JkhtG1-7 I scrounge all my firewood and am not equipped to handle big wood, but for logs up to 24 inch diameter or so, it works great. I've been amazed by some of the gnarly bur oak and elm crotches it has split. For the tougher stuff within it's size range, you might have to study the piece a bit to decide the best attack, but if you split smart it's up to the job. It did arrive low on oil, and I was would have nicked it half a star for that, but it has regained my full confidence. UPDATE NOVEMBER 2021: Still going strong after all these years. I love the one-handed operation. Hope it's still in production if I ever need to replace it

[@travelingjones3786]

ok… i like a guy who hydrates with beer!!! my only beef is that you modified your rig with a welded axe head!!! now i am not saying it was not a bright idea but i am NOT a welder. So out of the box i have no idea how great or bad the splinter is.