Last Updated on June 1, 2022 by Gary Stephen
When operating a log splitter – or any other kind of machinery – safety should always be your primary concern. Here are our top tips related to how to use a log splitter.
How To Use A Log Splitter
- Always wear protective eyewear to prevent injury from flying chips, debris or metal. If nothing else, goggles will save you from a black eye. I have personally always worn safety glasses.
- Make sure you have proper footwear. In addition to sturdy work boots, you should wear gloves. I have always worn heavy gloves that I purchased at a hardware store.
- Always maintain a safe distance from any machine.
- Keep at least one hand in your pocket to protect it from possible injury.
- Keep your body movements consistent with how you are operating the machinery. If you are using more force to operate machinery, do not jump or sway as you are operating it.
- Keep the machine itself oriented away from people or objects.
- For your safety, never operate machinery on a slope. Disconnect any attachments on the machine before you go up or down a slope.
- Make sure you stay alert at all times.
- Observe all safety warning stickers on the machine.
- If you are being distracted by anything, or if you feel sleepy, or you hear your phone going off, you should stop what you are doing and more safety. Otherwise you might not notice a dangerous situation.
How To Use A Log Splitter: Step-by-step Guidance
The start:
- Follow all of the safety tips for the machine.
- Observe the position of nearby people and objects before beginning the procedure. If there are any people or objects within reach of the machine or cutting device, change the position of the machine before moving forward. Make sure you are wearing safety goggles and gloves for these steps.
- If you want to split a log into more than two parts, you may need a different log splitter. This is especially true if you want to split a log into four parts. Using a different log splitter may be the better idea for your safety.
- Start the machine by engaging the safety mechanism and pulling the starter with your hands on it. Be sure to apply both hands to make sure you are handling the machine with the right level of safety and control. If the machine seems to be vibrating dangerously – or if any other warning or safety light comes on – stop the machine. Remember, there is no substitute for safety.
Operate the log splitter properly:
- Move the sleeve until it reaches a soft part of your log. Keep the log in place with your hands. Once you have located a soft part of the log, insert the log splitter’s blade into the soft spot with your foot. It is important to have your foot in place, ready to operate the log splitter, so you can keep the log in place with your hand(s) and foot.
- Hit the foot lever to separate the log. The log splitter should not be too difficult to use. The log should come apart with just a few good hits. If you encounter more resistance than anticipated, stop the machine and reorient the machine to the log.
- Hit the foot lever repeatedly to separate the parts of the log. If the log does not come apart after a few good hits, try the following: If the log does not come apart after a few good hits, try the following:
- Twist the log splitter so it is properly oriented. When you place the log in correctly, you should feel a lot less resistance when you hit the foot lever – especially if you use both hands to do so. If you do not feel less resistance, stop the machine. The log is probably not placed in the machine correctly.
- If the log has been properly placed in the machine and you still are encountering excessive resistance, you should stop using the log splitter. Try changing the thickness of the log. You should use a thinner log than the one you are using.
When you finish using:
- Once you have finished using the machine, stop it. Make sure the machine is turned off and the safety mechanism has been engaged. Make sure the blade is removed and stored safely. The safety lock must also be turned off. Make sure you store your safety glasses, gloves, ear protection and other protection in a safe, dry location.
- Unplug the machine. Remember to never operate machinery that has not been stopped and unplugged.
- Store your log splitter in an appropriate location. If you are using a portable one, it must be stored on a dry, level surface. Do not store the log splitter in a place where water is likely to get into the machinery.
- Keep a clean log splitter. Dirty or rusty log splitters are less safe than one that has been properly cleaned. Dirt and rust may cause the log splitter to seize up, which raises your chances of injury while using the machine. Make sure to clean the splitter after using it.
Specific Safety Tips of How to Use a Log Splitter
- Always work in a well-lit area when using a log splitter. The log splitter’s blade can be dangerous; make sure to be safe at all times.
- Always wear ear protection when using a log splitter. Even when the splitter is not turned on, you should wear ear protection. You never know when a log splitter might make an unexpected noise.
- Do not operate any log splitter if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken drugs or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Using a log splitter without being completely sober is extremely dangerous, so drink responsibly.
- Wait until a log splitter has had time to cool down before covering it. If it is covered while it is still warm, it may not regain its original shape and could compromise the machine’s performance. Wait at least five minutes until the log splitter is cool enough to handle.
- If you cannot see a nearby power line, do not handle the log splitter. Wait until you are far away from any power lines. The strings of log splitters can be dangerous, even if you cannot see them.
- Be aware of the ground and what is behind you. Make sure your back is not to anything that could make it difficult to see what is behind you . You can also use a friend as a lookout to make sure you do not trip, slip or fall
