Wedges

Spiral wedges multiply the forces used in splitting,they actually twist their way through the log much faster & easier than a straight one.Plus they have notches or serrations on the edges that dig in & keep the wedge from popping out in stubborn or frozen timber.My Helko 5.5lb was $37,plus the US shipping for your total order added only $5 to that,no matter how much you spent.Their US warehouse/distribution center is in California,Los Angeles I think.

 

Website has them at $42 and $48.

Which one of the three is your favorite?

What are the advantages of the 4 pound and the 5 pound?

Which weight would you go with?

 

They work.

I don't think I'd pay that for a wedge unless it split Elm!

 

I mean, what makes a $50 wedge better than the $10 ones I picked up at sears.

 

Here's even a pricier wedge. You should see their axes.

http://duluthpack.com/gransfors-splitting-wedge.html

 

I went with the 5 lb/2500 gram helko. The 4.4 lb Mueller from Austria is similar,its hand forged from small family run 300+ yr old company,that accounts for its higher cost.

Normally use wedges in pairs,except on certain stuff that isn't extra tough.I prefer the helko & Mueller,the wetterlings was similar in cost from where I got it from - but its "fatter" at the edge & don't drive in as easily.It does have more grooves so that helps.

 

Here's the image of it. Wow! And it's only $80

 

I don't know, and I don't think I would pay that much. It has to be the type of steel, and the hand craftsmanship. Does it split any better? Not sure.

 

What makes them such a good tool?

C'mon, I'm waiting for it Jack.

Will it be "That's what she said."

Or ....

LOFL

 

Spiral wedges multiply the forces used in splitting,they actually twist their way through the log much faster & easier than a straight one.Plus they have notches or serrations on the edges that dig in & keep the wedge from popping out in stubborn or frozen timber.


They DO split better,PERIOD..And using them in pairs (yeah,I know that's expensive) really makes the difference in the tough stuff.I'd rather do something with less effort & brute force & in less time than keep bashing the chit outta it for a longer period while wearing myself out in the process......

 

For these prices, I might just import the Fiskars!

 

Here's the US version of the fiskars wedge. No poly cap to dampen sound, though.

Anyone use this one?

 

Never mind, they took this off the U.S. site. I'd have to import this as well.

Why does Europe get all the cool fiskars stuff ?

 

Good point Lumbering On. Maybe someone needs to start another company in the U.S. that makes quality axes, wedges, mauls, sledges, knives, etc. etc. But the craftsmanship and quality better be there or it won't last for chit.

 

Y'all can send me all the elm you want.

 

+1 on the Helko wedge. Thanks for the posts. I have a motherlode of Beech that has been wearing me out. I saw this post a few weeks ago and got the Helko wedge. It's fantastic. I have a bunch of standard wedges. There's no comparison. The Helko was so good I went and bought the Gansfors. It's smaller, but really penetrates. The big thing with these wedges is that you can get them started with a 2#pocket sledge and they never fly out. A standard wedge is so hard to start by comparison and they jump like crickets. It has really made tackling the Beech much, much easier.

 

I have a couple of the old cheap steel wedges, but since I bought the hydro they don't get used anymore. If the logs are too big I noodle them down to size for handling.