Ordered a Kindling Cracker and looking for sledgehammer recommendations. Will be using mostly Mesquite as it is readily available.
Attached Files
-
-
I use a 4 pound lump hammer. I do not see a need for a full size sledge hammer. -
Yep, a 4 pound club/lump hammer works great for me.Comment
-
I split plenty of wood into kindling as a kid but never heard of this device until now.Comment
-
That unit looks fragile might what to look for what's called a dead blow hammer it is made of plastic with steel shot inside so when the hammer hits the wood the force of the shot in side is solid. they also come in different pound sizes, lite but it will leave a fine blood blister on your fingers if you miss!
Comment
-
4 lb'erComment
-
Agree with the rest, I use a 4 lb short handled hammer.Comment
-
Yep. Just a hand held 4 pounder.Comment
-
Is this device something that is considered a must have for offset smokers?Comment
-
I have been camping and cutting kindling all of my adult life and never heard or saw one of these before. Always used a hatchet...and I still have all my fingers! I suppose that may be a tad bit safer.Comment
-
This more for splitting up larger pieces of hardwood. For instance, split a 6" log into 4 equal sized chunks to feed into an offset. Tough work for a hatchet or axe and easier than a maul. -
Not wanting to dismiss something I haven't fully reviewed/investigated I take note of the positive comments supporting this product and may add a new tool to my inventory. Still love my hatchet.
-
I was splitting hickory and the 3 or 4 pound mini wasn’t enough. I prefer this full size 8# sledgehammer: https://www.harborfreight.com/8-lb-s...dle-94058.htmlComment
-
I have the standard size Kindling Cracker and the hand sledge I use is either 3 or 4lbs. Works perfectly. I'd think if you had the XL model you may need something heavier since the logs would most likely be larger in diameter. By the way, The Kindling Cracker is anything but fragile. There are others on Amazon but they are imitators. If anyone is looking to buy one definitely get the original.Comment
-
The regular or XL size really does not matter much. The XL does work better with the sledge, I will say that. You can use a 4 lb hammer for both. If you have knots in the logs, a sledge works better. But as long as the grain is not twisted, like you would have with Elm or something like that, a 4 lber works great. If the wood is dry, the back of an axe or hatchet work well too. More weight per swing just makes you tired, use the lightest you can.Comment
-
Yeah, I sort my wood for straight grain and limited knots. That gnarly, knotted wood will make you swing harder and have the potential for swinging through and damage the blade of the Cracker. I've had to file mine clean a couple of times because of that. -
Yeah, if the grain is straight, the will pop apart really easy. CaptainMike
-
-
I have no idea how many of the folks here have ever split mesquite. Well cured mesquite can be incredibly hard. I’ve cut some smaller limbs up on an old table saw, there was smoke coming off the blade. My concern is if you hit the tool with a sledge you may break the tool.Comment
-
a 4 pounder does it..
Comment
I don't currently have a stick burner, but I now use my Kindling Cracker to get my firepit wood down to the perfect size.
Comment