Help me pick a maul....

After splitting with an axe, I went to a maul. Wow, what an improvement. I use the hardware store maul that is 8 pounds and I love it. When it gets stuck in the wood, I have a 12 pound sledge that will drive it through.

I have had two in the past few years and now both fiberglass handles are broken. I am trying to figure out which splitting maul to buy next.

I might be able to get the Mrs. to cave on an expensive one, but I don't think $200 will fly. Should I just keep buying the 30 dollar hardware store maul or should I go with Mueller, Oshenkopf, Ox-head or other. I could just get the monster maul replacement, but it might be a little heavy. I like the eight pound as it splits easier than the 6 pound.

What suggestions do you all have?

 

My favorite maul is a 8 pound with slightly oval handle. I don't like the flat handle mauls at all.

 

I have 2 that I bought at tsc,one is a lighter(4 and a half lb I believe?)speed maul that is nice for stuff that isn't to big and i also have a bigger one that I think is 8 lbs.both of these were pretty cheap price wise but have been holding up good,I think the brand is trouper or something like that?

 

I am in the same boat as you. I have a 9.2 lb yellow monster p.o.s maul that bounces off everything. Looking to get one of the high end ones in the near future. would like to hear others experiences

 

my trouper handle has been destroyed and the head is now loose.

 

For the money get an x27. You already have a 8lb maul and sledge. The x27 would round out your arsenal well.

 

I like wooden handles. I have a few and one is more of the Oval eye type. It splits well but I have had trouble finding handles at times. I am thinking of trying the Husqvarna splitting ax. Someone might be along that knows more about it. splitoak. I also have a fiskars X27 that I like for straight grained stuff.

 

I also buy mine at flea markets or auctions so I don't spend a ton on them. A lot of times they have fairly new handles at the one I go to.

 

my maul is broken
I am looking to replace it. The x27 might be a future purchase......

 

I would also get another 8lber for some tough pieces.

 

With out being rude. How do you break a fiberglass handle.

 

It's actually easy to do and the splinter like crazy usually.

 

I've missed a lot driving in concrete stakes with wood and fiberglass sledges. Never have had any problems with my maul.

 

I agree with Gunn. Short money for a really decent product. I also have the x27, works well for me. Great balance and the weight is easier to manage.

 

really cold? It broke when whacking a nasty log in really cold temps. It has lasted a couple of years.

 

I believe it, the cold can affect alot of things when they get more brittle in the cold weather.

 

I haven't used one, but these are made in USA, get good reviews, and don't break the bank:

http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=73

I have used this one (Big Ox). They make all Stihl axes, can be purchased in USA. Outstanding quality, made in Germany, more pricey:

http://www.ochsenkopf.com/en/products/group_articles.html?oe_opt[list_set]=211078,210865,210866

 

I bought a Truper a couple years ago. FG handle has served well 8# head is about right for splitting. On a splurge some blue moon in the future I would like to try a x27. On my Truper I cut a 6" chunk of pvc and split it in half. I then cut a chunk of tire tube 6"x12" and folded it twice placed it as an impact pad between the pvc and handle then duct taped it on under the head. This was my first maul and I overstruck plenty with no damage.

 

I am narrowed down to the ochsenkopf, an x27 + monster maul, or just the cheap hardware store fiberglass handle and replace it every couple of years. The ochsenkopf can be had at dealers near me for a cheaper price than online, it is the rebranded Stihl version. I do like the exercise with the 8 lb maul - keeps my shoulders (somewhat) strong and is about the only exercise I get.

 

I have be Stihl PA80 which is just a rebranded OX. I'm not very happy with it. It rarely gets used anymore. It just feels clunky chunky and slow compared my others.