Splitting maul A splitting maul also known as a " block buster " , " block splitter " or " Godevil " , is a heavy , long - handled axe used for splitting a piece of wood along its grain . One side of its head is like a sledgehammer , and the other side is like an axe . Techniques . The maul is most commonly struck onto a flush - cut section of log , usually standing on end atop a splitting stump or other suitable base . Most cut sections can be split in a single downward chop of the maul , splitting the wood apart along its grain . Mauls regularly become stuck in the log for several reasons , such as the wood not being struck with adequate force , the wood containing hidden knots , or the length of wood being too long . Unlike an axe , mauls are effective longer after the edge dulls , as the primary mechanism is that of a wedge pushed through along the wood grain , and not a cross - grain chop of an axe . In some cases , longer logs may be split while they rest length - wise on the base or ground . Mauls often become stuck in logs mid - split requiring a " full - lift " chop to be used . This involves the chopper reswinging the maul , but this time lifting the half - split log while still attached to the embedded maul , often requiring one or two additional full - lift chops . Another technique for splitting upright logs of thicker diameter is to land the maul ' s full force off - center of the log , usually removing 1 / 4 of the mass of the log . When repeated , large logs that would ordinarily cause the maul to be embedded on a center - strike can be handled easily . Additionally , as the temperature gets colder , the fibers in the log become more brittle making the logs easier to split . Safety . The hammer side of the maul is often used in wood splitting when combined with a splitting wedge , driving the wedge into the wood in the same fashion as the maul itself . This is generally used when attempting to split logs with a large diameter . Modern mauls are made of a strong enough steel to withstand the metal - to - metal contact without chipping . However , it is still common for the wedge itself to chip off . This can be dangerous as flying chips of steel could damage the eye . This is also the easiest way to break a maul ' s handle because the wedge is a very small target as opposed to the whole log , and can be overshot , resulting in the handle hitting full - force onto the wedge . This greatly weakens the handle , and can cause it to break after only a few over - shots . Harder seasoned logs which have dried sufficiently often split apart with enough force that each half tumbles away at some speed , which is a hazard for people or objects nearby . A common danger for inexperienced splitters is to miss the upright log entirely or give it only a glancing blow . If the maul lands beyond the log , the maul handle may either bounce or break . If the maul lands in front of the log , it may hit the feet of the splitter if they are in a closed stance . If the maul hits the side of the log without biting in , the maul commonly will bounce to one side and to the ground . In this situation , even a widened stance may still leave the splitter ' s feet vulnerable . When performing the " full - lift " chop described above , the splitter must never raise the maul and log above his head . Generally speaking , a maul should never swing to the side . Rather it should be powered through the drop , using force to assist the natural weight of the maul . In addition a suitable splitting base is one of the most important components to splitting wood with a maul . Wood can be split directly off the ground , although this is a disadvantage for a few reasons . For one the ground , if not frozen , will give on each blow , thereby weakening the overall effect of the blow . The second disadvantage is that it can present the log to be split at a low level , forcing the person splitting the wood to bend over during the swing , which causes back fatigue . The best bases are a flush - cut segments of logs , usually about one foot tall , and made of hard wood . For repeated season use the top open grain may be treated slightly . The diameter should be at least 100 per cent larger than that of the diameter of the wood placed atop it for splitting , and the base should be placed on firm ground . Another technique to improve safety involves pinning the head of the maul to the handle . Repeated use can loosen the head , and if the wedge or expander fails , the head will fly from the handle . Placing a pin involves drilling a small diameter hole through the side of the maul , into and through the handle , and usually out the other side . A small , flush , or counter - sunk pin of aluminum or similar material should be placed through the head and secured . It is critical that the pin not protrude from the side of the maul head .