Splitting Wedges

[g123]

Hey Guys,

I really like carrying my GB Wildlife Hatchet due to the light weight. It is too light to split medium size firewood easily. It is easy to split with the GB if I use wood wedges. I do not always like to take the time to make wood wedges. Does anyone know if someone has manufactured a set of light weight splitting wedges that will last a long time?

Thanks,

Geoff

 

[HornyToad]

There is another thread about 3 pages back that talks about splitting wedges. They suggested buying them here: http://www.baileysonline.com/search.asp?skw=wedge&PageNo=1&x=0&y=0

 

[DWK2]

It's not light so this isn't directly responsive to your question. However, if you like GB products, their wedge is one of the neatest things they make. It will shave hair off your arm so you never have to strike it to start it in a log---just stick it there by hand.

GB forges a twist into their wedge so the thin tip enters easily then the twist helps separate the wood without the extra mass/weight of a thick wedge. They also have some friction-reducing chevrons built into the flats of the wedge.

Nice piece of equipment.

DancesWithKnives

 

[Bushman5]

just NEVER use you GB axe poll to hit the GB steel wedge, or any steel wedge.

 

[DWK2]

Excellent point! You need a maul or sledge.

DancesWithKnives

 

[Any Cal.]

Lightweight wedges, like these? 'Course, they were softwood, so one time use.

Ultra light...you don't even have to pack 'em! Just kidding, I was actually thinking about building some hardwood wedges after I did this.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

There is another thread about 3 pages back that talks about splitting wedges. They suggested buying them here: http://www.baileysonline.com/search.asp?skw=wedge&PageNo=1&x=0&y=0

What he said. Polymer wedges are cheap, highly impact resistant, and feather light. Also brightly colored so you can't lose them!:thumbup:

 

[Blue Sky]

Those polymer wedges are for felling not splitting. They'll work up to a point as long as there is an existing crack to start them in, just don't expect them to hold up too long under heavy use.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Their primary purpose may be for felling, but they DO work well for splitting. As mentioned above you just need to use them like a wooden wedge--open the beginning of the split first, THEN pop the wedge in and go to town. You have to be smart with them, but if you screw one up you can always buy another. They only cost a couple of bucks after all. Personally I only would use one when you don't have the time to make a wooden one, but they're nice to have.

For added durability, see this one.
CLICK

 

[Blue Sky]

You're right of course. They're light, cheap, and they'll do the job. :thumbup: They're probably even tougher than wooden wedges, which I use often with good success. I wouldn't want to dissuade anyone from using them. The OP mentioned that he wanted them to "last a long time" so I just wanted to add a cautionary note about that.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

They are indeed tougher than wooden wedges, since they have no grain and are designed specifically to be impact resistant. The only damage I've seen them take is when they hit a BAD knot, and the end gets a little chewed up. If you cut the end of the wedge behind the tear and sharpen the end back up on a belt sander you're golden. But yes, I see where you were coming from. :thumbup: