How to Use a Splitting Maul

Dress with the appropriate safety gear and ensure that the splitting maul's edge is sharp. Check the handle for cracks.

Place a round upright on a chopping block, aligning its back edge with the back edge of the chopping block. If the maul were to miss the round, the head would bury into the block, preventing damage to the maul.

Size up the strike point on the round. Look for a crack that runs from the outside edge toward the center, or where the growth rings come together. That is where you want to strike. Place the sharp edge of the maul on the strike point.

Set your distance from the round and position your feet at a 45-degree angle to the block. Grasp the handle toward the “knob,” or end, with both hands. Keep your arms straight and your feet spread shoulder-width apart to stabilize the body. Bend the knees and start with an easy swing to find your rhythm.

Draw your arms back and swing the maul behind you and over the top of the head in a circular motion. Your weight shifts backwards with the swing. Tighten your lower back muscles and extend your arms before striking the round. Shift your weight forward. The movement is a complete swing, like a tennis player serving a ball. Let the weight of the maul strike through the wood. The maul head should be either level or slightly above the hands when hitting the round.

Follow the first strike with power swings to split the round with a pop. The key is to hit the round on a straight line through the center, starting toward the back of the round and continuing the “line,” or split toward the front. If the maul edge sticks in the round, remove it by placing one hand on the round and the other hand on the end of the handle. Push down and pull up with a pumping movement. Do not move the handle from side to side.