How to Make a DIY Kindling Splitter from Rebar

I need to split wood into small pieces for my wood smoker. So instead of using a hatchet and messing around, I decided to make one from some scrap steel. This one is made from a piece of rebar and a chunk of 1/4" steel for the blade.
So far it works awesome and is so much safer than splitting with an axe of hatchet.
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[@jimbohley2813]

This is an awesome idea. Definetly going to be adding one of these to the shop. And it's so easy. Thanks for the video.

[@scotty01ca]

Nice project! Simple but very effective! Hands are nice and safe too. Good job!

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Thanks and yup way safer for hands and faster than using an axe too.

[@kreigdernier9553]

Considering how many wounds i have been witness to people making kindling Very good idea

[@rodneywroten2994]

I like your idea a lot better. awesome job sir

[@debraunverzagt8959]

Very Good Job....Making one real soon.....

[@debraunverzagt8959]

Very well done...Making one real soon....Thanks....

[@capebretonbarbarian8876]

yep I'm Makin one of these! thx ol buddy nice job!!

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@josuepuente1775]

Muy buen artículo ya empecé a hacer una para mi casa. Gracias por Compartir. Saludos de Coahuila México

[@pb4078]

Saw this on Instructables today. Nice build! my only concern would be the blade cross-section. That's the portion of the splitter that takes the brunt of force, and there's only two small connection points of the rebar on either end. I foresee that with continued use, those welds are going to weaken and eventually break. I probably would have dropped the blade section down another inch or so and welded those reinforcement pieces you have set at an angle onto the blade section. or even get four more pieces of rebar and put them in on the blade section. durability in the area that is going to take the most stress is key. but overall, I like the initial concept. it's simple, practical and yes much safer than swinging a maul or an axe - splitting wood the traditional way scares the crap out of me, as its only a matter of when, not if, something bad happens.

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Thanks for watching, yeah this was a quick dirty build with stuff laying around, for my needs it should last a really long time since it for making kindling. I might make a stronger one eventually :)

[@ronyerke9250]

I was thinking something similar to Patrick, but I think bringing the blade up would be better. Cut off the excess uprights and square frame at the top and use that rebar to re-enforce under the blade ends with a couple of small gussets. Re-use the square just above the blade so you can put a board (double leg TT profile) on it (like a stool) to protect the blade (and careless people) when the splitter is not in use.

[@tif321dc]

Very nice job but I would recommend not using rebar to weak too flimsy. I'm in love to see you make one with square halo steel

[@waldoaguirres]

Excelente artilugio, saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina.

[@hermanvasquez7]

Good job man

[@DIRTDIVER882]

Good idea. And if it does weaken or loosen up over time wld be simple enough to tak it down a lil lower huh?

[@daviddaddy]

Nice I like it!!! But i think id use just an axe head instead of the blade you made. Nothing against your blade it's just an axe is meant for cutting and it's more of a wedge plus the blade is hardened. Or you could maybe harden and anneal/temper your metal blade otherwise it will need sharpening way more! Anyways thanks for Sharing i really like the Easy frame you made! Sorry for the criticism, i swear its constructive Criticism! Lol not meant to offend. And im sorry if it did! Have a great evening!

[@atzerv]

very good job! Can you make it to split on more than two pieces the wood? fire example 4 or 6 or 8 pieces with once?

[@17hmr243]

nice build

[@dribeker]

What diameter rebar did you use?

[@daveshepherd7582]

Nice job.. I like it!

[@paulmarks8401]

!!! Great to see thks for sharin got my Vote keep them comin don,t have to break the Bank or take out Loan use what ya Hav Layin around Works For me Wiffee will be Happy so don,t Need to Looose Fingers so thks again

[@TomStedham]

Great work!

[@LoveWoodFires]

Did you try hard wood?

[@noahslippy214]

Why have that square frame on the top portion?

[@cattleNhay]

Good stuff bub.. But that top square is just a waste of material. If the splitter blade looked loke this + Would be about efficienct as it gets.

[@robertcarlos78]

Do you make some to sell

[@GabrielRamirez-uc6qt]

does it need to be real sharp for it to split the wood? thanks

[@sreejithsj8278]

Please mention size....need it urgently

[@michaellutherdavies]

what type of welder to you use.

[@macgyver6155]

Good idea but what is above the blade is useless, and a flat iron would be better than 2 pieces welded

[@tomotomo7774]

Ok

[@michaelwescott8064]

The whole top frame is counterproductive. Shoulda stopped at the blade.

[@raspillade6027]

Michael Wescott I agree, but perhaps it catches the wood from flying too far?

[@learningkids8897]

I think the purpose of the "chute" is to control the pieces. Take a look at all of the commercial kindling splitters, and they have the same concept.

[@ihavetofishable]

I'm sorry but I just don't see any benefits, over using a small axe and a block. Perhaps I'm missing something?

[@BuildingParadiseOG]

It’s good for kids or elderly. A little bit safer too

[@charliesrcs6214]

Why not just use a axe

[@montanaannie1253]

Step one: get awesome tools

[@donmotz5528]

I guess its ok for all the people with absolutely no hand eye coordination....a bloody hatchet and a solid base (rock.....block of wood) has been working for oh I dont know.....5k years......sheesh....I guess its a sign of youth not wanting to get their hands dirty or close to actual work.......lmao.

[@JustifyJustin]

Well I swing a Husky splitter and I can still see the advantage of this, especially if you don't have an axe neaby. You can use a hammer, rock, brick etc to drive the wood. It also doesn't cost as much as a Wetterlings, Husq, Gransfors etc. Would it replace my Swedish axe? No. But it means I have options for camping etc.

[@ericschmuecker348]

I thought it was constructive. Better than that clay ash tray my kid made me for Christmas.

[@lindamorgey6736]

My husband uses these plans from Woodglut and is very happy with them. However. I love yours!

[@dougriberch9869]

What diameter rebar did you use?