Axes & Wedges

About Axes & Wedges

Axes and wedges are fundamental hand tools for timber work, whether you're a professional arborist, landscaper, or homeowner maintaining a woodland garden. MyToolShed.co.uk offers a comprehensive range spanning traditional felling axes for tree work, powerful log splitting mauls for firewood processing, compact hand axes for precision tasks, and the essential wedges that make timber work safer and more efficient. From heavy-duty pickaxes to specialist log hooks, this category provides everything needed for professional and domestic timber applications.

The variety within axes and wedges reflects the specialised nature of different timber tasks. Felling axes feature thin, sharp blades designed to cut across the grain, whilst splitting axes and mauls have wider, wedge-shaped heads that force wood fibres apart along the grain. Hand and hatchet axes offer portability for camping and bushcraft, whilst felling and splitting wedges help control tree falls and multiply your splitting force. Quality matters significantly—a well-balanced axe with properly hardened steel and secure handle attachment will last decades, whilst inferior tools can be dangerous and inefficient.

Applications

• Arborists and tree surgeons felling trees and processing timber professionally
• Groundskeepers and estate managers maintaining woodland and parkland
• Landscapers clearing sites, removing stumps, and processing timber
• Foresters working in commercial and conservation forestry operations
• Firewood suppliers processing logs for commercial sale
• Agricultural workers managing hedgerows and farm woodland
• Camping and bushcraft enthusiasts using hand axes for outdoor pursuits
• Homeowners with wood burners processing firewood and maintaining gardens
• Allotment holders managing vegetation and processing timber waste
• Outdoor activity centres teaching traditional woodcraft skills

Choosing The Right Axes & Wedges

Task-Specific Design: Match your tool to your primary activity. Felling axes have thin blades for cutting across grain when dropping trees, splitting mauls feature wedge-shaped heads for processing logs, whilst hatchets offer portability for smaller tasks. Each type is optimised for specific grain interaction.

Head Weight and Handle Length: Heavier heads (2-4kg) deliver more splitting force but cause faster fatigue. Felling axes typically range from 1-2kg for controllable, repeated swings. Handle length affects leverage—longer handles (700-900mm) provide splitting power, whilst shorter handles (350-500mm) offer precision in confined spaces.

Handle Material: Traditional hickory handles offer excellent shock absorption but require maintenance. Modern fibreglass and composite handles resist rot and provide consistent durability in all conditions. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both options to suit different working preferences and environments.

Wedge Selection: Felling wedges are typically plastic or aluminium to avoid damaging chainsaw chains. Splitting wedges are hardened steel, designed for repeated hammer strikes. Consider multiple wedges in different sizes for tackling large or difficult logs effectively.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses or face shields to protect against flying wood chips, and steel toe cap boots to protect feet from dropped tools or rolling logs. Maintain a clear working zone with at least 2 metres radius free from people and obstacles. Keep axes sharp—sharp blades cut cleanly and predictably, whilst dull blades are more likely to bounce dangerously.

Never hold wood with your hand whilst striking it with an axe. Inspect tools before each use, checking that heads are securely attached with no cracks, and handles are free from splits. Never strike steel wedges with an axe blade—always use the poll or a proper sledgehammer. Store axes with blade guards fitted and out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a splitting axe and a felling axe?

A felling axe has a thin, sharp blade designed to cut across wood grain when bringing down trees. A splitting axe or maul has a much thicker, wedge-shaped head that forces wood fibres apart along the grain direction. Using the wrong tool makes work unnecessarily difficult—felling axes bounce off when splitting seasoned logs, whilst splitting mauls are too thick and heavy for efficient felling cuts.

Should I choose a fibreglass or wooden handle?

Traditional hickory handles offer excellent shock absorption and a natural feel but require regular maintenance with linseed oil. Modern fibreglass handles are virtually maintenance-free, won't rot, and provide consistent durability in all conditions. For occasional use or outdoor storage, fibreglass is practical. For intensive daily work, many professionals still prefer hickory's superior shock absorption.

How do I maintain my axe to keep it working efficiently?

Keep the blade sharp using a file or sharpening stone, working at the existing bevel angle. Clean off sap and dirt after use, and apply light oil to the head to prevent rust. Wooden handles benefit from annual treatment with boiled linseed oil. Check regularly that the head is secure—if it loosens, drive in a new wedge. Store axes in a dry location with blade guards fitted for longevity.