If you’re wondering how to split large rounds of firewood by hand, we’ve got the perfect step-by-step guide for you! Whether you’ve recently harvested wood from a tree removal or are preparing for the winter season, splitting firewood by hand with basic tools can be a rewarding task. Recently, we split rounds from a 42-inch wide pine tree, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the process we used.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
For this project, we used a Husky brand axe, which is heavy-duty and perfect for splitting larger rounds. Having the right axe is crucial because its weight and sharpness will help split the wood more efficiently.
- Tip: Make sure to sharpen the axe blade before starting. Use a file to sharpen both sides at a slight angle to make your task easier and more effective.
Step 2: Start with Smaller Pieces
Begin by working on the smaller rounds of wood. These often split easily with one or two strikes. Larger rounds, especially those with branches, might require more effort, so starting small will build your confidence.
- Pro Tip: If you see a branch bulge on the round, avoid hitting directly on that. Instead, strike to the left or right of the branch area to make splitting easier.
Step 3: Find the Natural Splits
As you continue splitting, look for natural cracks or splits in the wood. Striking along these lines will help the rounds split more easily and with fewer strikes. The natural splits help guide your axe and reduce the physical effort needed.
Step 4: Maintain a Clean Work Area
While splitting large rounds, be sure to load the split wood onto a wheelbarrow and clear the area regularly. Keeping your workspace tidy will prevent tripping hazards and help you work more efficiently.
Step 5: Keep a Steady Pace
If you’re working with someone else, as I did with my dad, alternate between splitting and organizing the wood pile. We split about 10 rounds per afternoon, over the course of a few days, allowing us to manage the workload without exhausting ourselves.
- Community Tip: If you have a lot of rounds to split, consider offering some for free on community sites like Facebook or OfferUp. We had people come and pick up some of the larger rounds, making our job a lot easier!
Step 6: Splitting Larger Rounds
When tackling larger rounds, look for natural splitting lines and focus your strikes there. Don’t hesitate to flip the round if you notice one side isn’t splitting easily. Patience is key here—these larger pieces will take several strikes, but once they crack open, the rest becomes easier.
Step 7: Organize and Store the Wood
After splitting, organize the firewood neatly in a dry, ventilated area. Firewood typically needs about a year to dry out before it’s ready to burn, so don’t rush the process. In my case, I’ve stacked the wood along the fence, ready for use in future gatherings or for winter heating.
Step 8: Enjoy the Results!
Splitting firewood is hard work, but the results are rewarding. Not only will you have plenty of wood for winter, but the satisfaction of completing this task by hand makes it even better. We ended up with around 3 to 4 cords of wood—worth approximately $500!
Video Tutorial:
Watch our full video on how we split these large rounds of firewood by hand: