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Maul vs Splitting Axe vs Felling Axe – Which One Do You Need?

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If you read my blog then you know that I have mentioned a lot of times that there are a lot of different types of axes.  They may look the same, but their purpose and some small detailed are different.

It is important to know the difference, especially if you are shopping for an ax. You want to avoid buying the wrong ax for the right job, it will only consume you a lot more energy and time.

The Maul, Splitting ax and Felling ax are NOT the same. I have seen a lot of websites giving answers about this topic, but most of them are wrong or partial right.  That’s why on this post we will dig down and explain to you the differences between these three axes and also explain how they work and what’s their purpose.

What is the difference between a splitting ax and a splitting maul?

If you are in a hurry, we will shortly explain the differences between these three tools. But I highly recommend you to read the full post so you can know each of these tools’ purpose and how they work.

Let’s start with the difference between the maul and the splitting ax because these two tools are closely related. The main difference between these two tools is the head weight, the splitting ax head weight 3-6 lbs and the maul’s head weight 6-8 lbs.

Now, the difference between the felling axes and BOTH mauls & splitting axes is the purpose, the shape of the head and the shape of the handle. In other words, the splitting ax and the maul kinda look the same and do almost the same job, while the felling axes look different plus they are made for different tasks.

These are the differences between these three tools, if you want to know more about the tools and their purpose then make sure to read the whole post since we will be covering each of these tools and explaining their purpose.

See more:


Splitting Mauls

A lot of times the splitting maul is also called hamaxe or sledge ax. The main reason for this is because of its design. The mauls look like a sledgehammer at one side and as an ax the other side.

Actually, by some definitions, the splitting maul is technically a hammer and not an ax.

Because of the sledgehammer side, the head of the splitting maul is heavier than the splitting ax. Usually 2-5 pounds heavier.  The splitting mauls head weight approximately 6-8 pounds.

If you compare the head weight of the splitting mauls and the felling axes then the difference is higher. That’s due to the fact that the felling axes head tends to be lighter.

Another noticeable thing when it comes to the difference between mauls, splitting axes and felling axes is the handle. Mauls handle is usually longer, it’s also straight and it’s round-shaped. The splitting axes handle is mostly oval-shaped and the felling axes handle is usually curved.

The way that mauls split wood is different from the other two tools. While the felling axes are designed to cut through the wood against the grip, the mauls use a different way and that is to split the wood apart using leverage.


Splitting Axe

We have talked a lot about splitting axes on this post. To make things easier for you, you can consider the splitting ax to be a smaller and lighter version of the splitting maul.

If you compare the splitting ax and the maul, then except for a smaller body, you will also see some small different detailed, for example, the head shape. The splitting ax doesn’t have a hammer-shaped head and the handle is shorter.

So, which one should you use and why?

Since they do the same job and look the same then choosing which one to use can be a hard decision. But it all depends on these things.

  1. The projects you will be working on
  2. The person who is going to use it.

Since the splitting ax is smaller and lighter, then its easier to hold it. Say you will have to split a lot of wood and you will be spending a lot of time splitting them. The best choice for this is the splitting ax because you will be able to work longer without getting tired.  Also, if you are inexperienced then using a splitting ax is easier.

But it also depends on the project you will be working too. Say you have to split strong wood such as hickory.  Hickory is strong wood and it will take a lot more to cut through it.  So, you need to use the maul because its a heavier and stronger tool and can help you split the wood easier.

See also:


Felling Axes

We mentioned it earlier, that felling axes have a different purpose and they don’t have the same design as the splitting axes and splitting mauls. The felling axes are used to chop down trees, cutting off tree branches, etc.  All these tasks require you to cut across the grain of the wood, and that’s why you need a felling ax.

To make it easier for you to understand, felling axes are used for that type of work that created woodchips as a product. The process goes like this –  you cut down a tree, you cut off large branches, and then you cut the logs in half .

To cut the trees you want a sharp and flat blade and that’s the things that a felling ax has. Moreover, while cutting down trees you need to make different swings ( e.g up-down, side-to-side, etc ). Having a lightweight and sharp blade makes this process much easier.


Final Words

Now that you know the difference between these three tools you can buy the one you actually need.  These tools can still be used to complete the other job but to complete a woodworking project faster and better then its recommended to buy the right ax for the right task.

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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