Project details
Skill
Cost
Estimated Time
Maul
Bungee cord
Plastic chain
In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares a quick tip to make wood splitting easier.
Steps:
1. Set the log to be split on top of a chopping block.
2. Tightly wrap a bungee cord around the bottom third of the log. If necessary, extend the reach of the bungee with a length of plastic chain.
3. Split the log into at least four pieces using a maul. The bungee cord will hold the log together and prevent the split pieces of firewood from falling off the chopping block.
4. Carry the split log over to the firewood pile, then disconnect and remove the bungee cord.
Pro Tip: Wood needs to be split for two reasons: to reduce it to manageable pieces, which burn more efficiently, and to dry it out. Bark seals in moisture. Green wood is more than half water, which robs a fire of energy—and therefore heat. A colder fire smokes and produces creosote, which can contribute to chimney fires.
