How to Make a Kindling Splitter (Simple Steps)

Published on: January 12, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Kindling means small pieces of wood that are used to start a fire quickly. It’s one kind of ignitable material which easily can create a flame or light a fire. Kindling is usually used for the fireplace, campfire, pizza oven, and wood stove, etc. So we can realize now how essential this material is to have a quickfire for meeting our daily needs.  

To make a huge bulk of kindling, the easiest way to use a kindling splitter can split the thick logs into small pieces in a minute. It’s a simple hand tool for cracking wood. Another unique feature of the kindling splitter is its protective design. This user-friendly feature keeps the operator’s hand out of the blade and ensures a non-hazardous work environment and operation. 

It’s a portable hand tool widely used by DIYers and homeowners. People prefer this tool to axes or hatchet because of its smart features and simple mechanism for splitting woods. There are various kinds of kindling splitters available in the market to choose from. 

However, I have designed this article to discuss how to make a kindling splitter following a few simple steps and materials. I do hope you, as a DIYer, also would be able to make it on your own.  

What is the Best Way to Use a Kindling Splitter

The best way to use a kindling splitter is to first secure the block of wood you wish to split, then use the splitter to safely and evenly split the wood into the desired sizes. Make sure to keep your hands and other body parts away from the splitter while in use. Be sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses while using the splitter. Additionally, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using the kindling splitter.

Simple Steps to Follow for Making Kindling Splitter

As discussed above, a kindling splitter is a hand tool that consists of some simple materials. This hand tool is designed with a squire cage assembled with a built-in blade that allows your hand to stay out of the blade—all you need to organize some materials to make this tool. Let’s discuss this in detail. 

Materials to Organize

• Pieces of rebar for making a squire cage;
• Steel plate for making a blade;
• Welding machine for joining the parts;
• Angle grinder including cutting and grinding discs;
• Oil paints and brush to paint your tool.

Making Frame

The measurement actually depends on the size you want. The measurement you can follow is 4 pieces of rebar, 8 inches each, and four rebar pieces, 71/16 inches each, to make a squire frame. Take two pieces from each measurement and join them. You require two sets of this to have two squires. Align them properly for framing and use a welder to join them. That’s how the frame is built.    

Making Blade

Based on the size of the squire cage given above, the measurement of the blades would be 73/4 inches x 1.5 inches x 1/4 inches. Take a thick steel plate, cut it into a 180-degree angle like a half-circle. Weld the blade with a piece of rebar to fix it securely. Sharpen the blade using the angle grinder, or you can also use a sanding flap disc. Moderate sharpness also can work great to split the thick log.  

Assembling Parts 

Join all parts, maintaining the right alignment to have a final product of kindling splitter. Take care while setting a blade inside the squire cage to ensure that the blade can efficiently cut the wood. Here it’s to be noted that assembling all parts should be mechanically sound so that your tool can give you a professional-grade performance. 

Repeat the welding twice at every joint to make sure they are welded properly. Finally, paint your kindling splitter as you like. 

Important Tips

For keeping your tool stable during operation, you can also make a chopping block with a few pieces of welded flat bars. Drill some holes in them for joining with a splitter. Get your chopping block screwed with the splitter to ensure that your tool stands resolutely to absorb maximum shock while splitting logs. A kindling splitter is also good enough to chop large logs. 

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Using a Kindling Splitter

1. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when using a kindling splitter.

2. Make sure the kindling splitter is securely affixed to a sturdy surface before use.

3. Keep hands and fingers away from the blade while in use.

4. Always stand to the side of the kindling splitter when in use.

5. Keep children and pets away from the kindling splitter when in use.

6. If the kindling splitter becomes jammed, turn off the power source and unplug it immediately.

7. Regularly inspect the kindling splitter for any signs of wear or damage.

8. Use caution when removing kindling from the splitter.

User’s Instruction

As said earlier, a kindling splitter is a users’ friendly tool that does not require any expertise. Any DIYer also can use this tool perfectly. All you need to do is place your wood over the blade and hit it with the hammer or something like that to split the wood.   

With this tool, you can split your wood pieces even into smaller sizes as you require. The design of this tool protects your hand from the blade. You don’t even need to apply too much force to cut your wood compared to the strength you need to operate an axe or hatchet. 

For keeping your tool firm while in operation, you can also make a chopping block with a few pieces of welded flat bars, drilling some holes on them for joining with a splitter. Then screw the block with the splitter to ensure that your tool stands resolutely to absorb maximum shock while splitting logs. A kindling splitter is also good enough to chop large logs. 

Wear safety gear, including goggles, hand gloves, and others as appropriate to prevent workplace hazards and injuries while operating your tool. 

If you encounter any difficulty with the tool or its use, consult with a nearby professional to resolve your issues. Check up your tool periodically to keep it in order and achieve the desired performance. 

Concluding Remarks

I have tried to cover the necessary information in this article to give you an insight into the construction and operation of the kindling splitter. As it’s pretty simple to build and operate, I would expect you to try one to build and use for your hand-in experience. I’m sure it would give you an amazing feeling and make you proud. 

As usual, I always do wait to have your valuable comments and feedback, which would be enriching our clients’ service in the days to come. If you need any further consultation, don’t forget to knock us at your earliest convenience.  

I also would expect you to share this article and our site with people you know so that more people can have access to our services and products.

Relevant Resources:

• How to Fix Splintered Wood
• Riving Knife VS Splitter- What’s the Difference
• Best Way to Sand Rough Cut Wood