Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This splitter works well for some of the larger pieces of firewood I bring home for my stove insert.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

He must have split half a cord of wood the day I gave it to him, and didn't want to stop. This is a brilliant tool for guys like my husband with injuries to the shoulder, back, and neck that make chopping wood with an axe almost impossible. Sadly, a metal bar on the side broke after about a month - it looks like an assembly error so we are getting a new one.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

It works very well - we have had a blast with it. The only problem is that everybody wants to borrow it.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Works great on smaller logs and makes great kindling. Works fairly easy and I would buy another one should the one I have wear out!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Use it on a screened porch...able to avoid the elements

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Worked great. Took a min. to figure it out and definitely not for big logs but cuts down on the back breaking endless chopping of a big pile, and you can use it indoors!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Easy to use, saves your back ! Wish I invented it.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Works fine for 4-5 inch logs. Does not perform as advertised when dealing with larger diameter logs.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I got one last year and really loved it, but I guess you always hurt the ones you love and I sort of abused this one so I just ordered another. Sometimes green or just plain tough stringy wood gets stuck in the wedge. I would tilt it up, release the ratchet and hit the wood with a small mallet to release it.Well it wasn't working so I really started slamming into it when I realized the ratchet hadn't released. It did last for a bunch more logs but the tooth finally gave out. [...]

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I don't know who they get to give this product a good review. Unboxed it yesterday, put it together, inserted a 5" log and tried 6 times to split it. Would not even go in 1/2" in seasoned wood. Boxed product back up and returned it today. Do not waste your time or money.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This is exactly what I was looking for. I am a 55 year old woman. I wasn't looking to start my own firewood business. I needed something to split small tree limbs and to split some of the wood I bought already split into smaller pieces for kindling. Works beautifully for both purposes. I probably won't try to split anything over 8 inches in diameter. I recommend hanging on to a post for balance for the first split of each piece. This is much safer than other methods.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I was looking for an easier way to split logs for my fire pit other than an axe. I found the foot operated log splitter in the catalog and decided to give it a try. It has worked great! I was surprised at how easy it now to split logs for my fire pit. It takes all most no effort to operate and is small and compact yet very well built. I am very happy with it, and would highly recommend it!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This is one of the slickest little tools ever! We lost a couple of trees in the backyard and I wanted to use them in the outdoor fireplace. This tool did a great job! You'll need to use a little common sense, of course: dry wood, not huge rounds, and relax and let the splitter do its work. I did about a quarter rick in a half hour, just trying it out.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I was actually very skeptical that this item would work, but due to back surgery, I can't swing a maul anymore so, I thought I would give this a try. Pleasantly surprised, it does exactly what the web page said & is so easy to use that my wife even enjoys using it. We are on our second season of use and the only maintenance was to clean off the old grease and apply some new so the catch decends cleanly. Great Product.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

After finally figuring out the directions (which are not well written)I got it to work and it did what it was meant to do. For anyone who purchases this just make sure the foot pedal height is high enough so the whole weight of the log is resting against the blade or it will not work. I am only 112 pounds so sometimes I had to use both feet but even then I could not split the larger diameter logs but for the most part it worked as described.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Didn't do the job for 18 to 24" logs we wanted to use in our woodstove.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

While the product performed as described, it is best used on logs that are less than 6" in diameter and straight. Don't use on wood harder than oak. This is a casual use tool.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Enjoy being able to split logs down to stove burning size without a wedge and sledge hammer.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Makes splitting logs a cinch!!!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Aside from this item being backordered for months (not just on this site, but any site), I am pleased with this splitter for the strain it will save my back.

We get a few face cords each winter and even though it's pre-cut, there are always quite a few pieces that need to be cut down in order to burn well in our fireplace. I've either used an axe or a hand-held splitter to this point...which works but can be a pain in a number of ways and very loud.

This splitter solves both those problems, but the trade off is that it will take longer as even small "easy to split" logs take several steps on the machine...and the really thick and knotty stuff won't split at all.

Overall, it's good for splitting some logs and for those with limited space or back issues. It's not good, however, for really big logs or for people that want to be able to split logs with one thwack.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

It is perfect for me. My wood stove needs wood no more than 3 1/2 in in diameter. I get wood already split but was using a hatchet and hammer to split it more and was aggravating my tendonitis. I'm a woman in my fifties and only weigh a 110 lbs so I use it in my kitchen where I can put a hand on each counter and use both feet. I just tried it out and couldn't stop. Not as messy as I thought either. I think the directions could be a tad clearer for those like myself who are not mechanically inclined but I figured it out ok.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This is a great device. I get wood a couple of times every winter for my wood stove which is the main way I heat my house. The wood is always pre-cut, but often times the logs are too large for the stove or they are green or wet and don't burn well when they are delivered. I had previously been splitting wood with a manual log splitter, but tough with pre-wood since it doesn't balance well. I got the foot operated log splitter and I will never go back. I can easily split most the wood I get and not have the strain the other splitter brought. But its compact enough that it sits nicely on the deck and doesn't take up much room. My niece says its loud, but compared to the wood splitter I was using it doesn't make nearly as much noise. And the manual splitter had to be used on solid ground, this can be used on the deck or even inside. You can watch me demo it below. I highly recommend it, my winter just got much nicer.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

A great way to pass the time with a group around the camp fire.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This is the first one of these that I've ever owned to replace the maul and axe. I find that it works beautifully and as advertised. The length of the cut that the wedge makes on each foot stroke is adjustable as is the follower that follows the log down for subsequent cuts made by the wedge. It is important to keep all of the poles and other arms that these things slide on CLEAN or things like the follower won't contine to follw. I mean CLEAN like when you tokk it out of the box. That's what I've been doing and I haven't found anything that it won'y split yet.

"Wood Splitter For 61 Years"

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I use this product at home and for camping. It is easy to use and works well if used as instructed. Only thing that could be improved is that the rear slider that holds the wood in place could be a little larger to better hold the wood. Other than that, this is a great product that I have no problems using.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This little splitter worked great on up to 8" diameter hard wood. Even with knots, this splitter got the job done. I bought it for my 72 year old mother to split smaller logs and kindling. She loves it! I put it together and the whoe family had fun splitting wood. For anyone you dont want to have to swing a sledge and wedge or ax, this is the perfect tool! So easy my 72 year old Mom can do it!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I bought this because I was worried about having an axe around the kids. This thing works great, put a log in, step a few times and it spits. Works best with seasoned and dried wood. Green wood doesn't split as easily in my experience.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I was looking for a light weight splitter I could put into my motorhome. and I found this on the internet. when it came, I tryed it and it worked so well I couldn't believe how easy it split the wood! no more swinging an ax for me! I would recommend this log splitter for anyone who likes to camp!!!

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Purchased this unit to be able to split delivered word. Larger mechanical units cannot be stored at my house. Have back problems and wanted something that can be easily used to split the wood needed for the day, and not take too much room in the garage. This unit works very well, is easy to setup and move away when finished. Pump lever action has enough force to easiy split 18" pieces of wood.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I used the term "Aid" in my title because I couldn't get the tool to completely split a log. After a few pumps of the foot pedal, all practical splitting came to an end as further pumping action had no effects of furthering the log into the wedge. As long as there was a lot of resistance and back pressure felt in the pedal while pumping, I was sure it was splitting the log. When I continued to pump and no longer felt resistance, I knew splitting had come to an end. I then found my log stuck in limbo on the tool. It wasn't all the way through, so the log wasn't split. However the log was in the splitting wedge deep enough for it to be stuck in the tool. I then had to use a sledge hammer to back it off the wedge and free it from the tool. I then turned the log around 180 degrees and placed it back on the splitter to do the other side. After the same result, I used the sledge hammer again to free the log from the splitter.

While the Quality Craft Foot-Operated Log Splitter didn't fully split the logs for me, it did easily create nice cracks or fault lines in the log. I then used another wedge tool I own to complete the split.

One noteworthy point - After 30 minutes of use, the slidestop that slides along the upper bar to hold and guide the log into the splitting wedge no longer went all the way up to the splitting wedge. Upon closer examination, I found the bar was no longer laser straight. It had bent one half inch from flexing past the point of no return during normal operation. Now the slidestop only comes within six inches of the splitting wedge. That should only be a problem if I try to split short logs.

My conclusion is that it is better to have this tool than to not have it. Although I use a total of three tools to completely spit a log, this tool does take a lot of work out of splitting that the other tools can't do by themselves. I just don't recommend splitting logs on a hot humid August day. Pick a cool day. :-)

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I primarily bought this to do additional splitting on my delivered fireplace wood. Sometimes I get smaller pieces that weren't split at all, or split pieces I consider too large. Thus far I've found it to work very well on both sorts, even with non-straight grain patterns. Like all tools, it has to be used properly to deliver the proper results. The wood has to be placed as centered as possible, it has to be gripped firmly by the device, and yes, it will take several pumps to do the job. The device is delivering a LOT of force and so of course the gearing means a lot of input for a small amount of actual wedge movement. That's how it's supposed to work. I've had pieces up to 12" in it, knots and all, and it cracks them right down the middle. You sometimes have to peel the pieces apart by hand, but that's true of anything you split with a wedge and a hammer; again no problem there. I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This gaget works surprizingly well, It splits small to medium sized logs in a slow controled manner. I especally like to use it indoors, when I can't use my splitting maul or sledge hammer. This is great when it's dark or rainy outside.
Like all splitting devices it works best with straight grain logs, and gets stuck on gnarley pieces. I would recommend it as an alternative tool for splitting wood, but don't throw away your maul; it works faster.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Workes very well easy to use but I should bought a larger unit a lot of my wood is too large for this unit think about a stronger model

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Product works as listed.
I primarily use it to split small pieces of wood to start my wood burning furnace.
The unit does have it's limitations, wet wood doesn't split as well, nor does a log at the units max length.
If your in the market for a portable tool to split small seasoned logs this is it.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I lost 4 beautiful elm trees 3 or 4 years ago. Let them dry out for a couple of years, then cut them down and into 16" lengths for the fireplace.

Elm, it turns out, does NOT like to split. I worked hard to break just a few pieces with a sledge and wedge.

Not only is the foot operated log splitter inexpensive, but it splits elm up to the 10" diameter log that it claims it will split!

I AM REALLY HAPPY WITH THIS SPLITTER!!!!!!! So far, I've racked up 1 1/2 face cords with little effort or cost.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I like to use my wood-fired barbecue smoker, primarily with hickory or apple wood. I'm not the greatest expert in using an axe to split wood. And I particularly don't want to rent a splitter to split all my wood at one time. This foot-operated splitter is just the thing for splitting wood each time I need a piece. I can split as needed, with just a few steps on the simple tool.
It's easy to use, and works just as advertised. I'm very happy with the splitter --and the results. It's now an important part of my "smoker accessories."

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

great product, really does what it says it does. splits fairly big logs and very surprising . Waaaay cheaper than a splitter ot easier that a maul. thx.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Boy! I sure don't know why this product got so many good reviews. It may be that it only works as advertised under ideal conditions ... meaning soft, dry logs ... but it sure isn't working for me. And I was only trying to split small logs so they would easily fit into a little wood-burning stove. I had to pump the foot pedal 20-25 times to partially split a log that was only 7-inches in diameter. Unless the back end of the log is perfectly square to the metal plate that pushes it into the blade, the log slides off to one side or the other, and with no pressure against the blade the whole thing stops working. Then the problem becomes getting the log off the blade so you can start again. And forget about splitting anything more than 6-7 inches in diameter ... unless, I suppose, the condition of the log is perfect; ie: soft dry wood with nice even grain. I spent 20 minutes, worked up a good sweat, and had three small split logs to show for all that. And I had to pull them all the way apart by hand, too! Short version of my review: Do NOT buy this product. It's a flop.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

A great tool for the back yard fire builder. We built a wood fired pizza oven in our back yard along with an outdoor fire place for those chilly spring and fall (and summer) nights! This tool is just what we needed for splitting those logs that are just to large for our different uses. The splitter is easy to use and pretty straightforward. Just load a log on the rail and slide the 'pusher' down to meet the end of the log and start pumping with your foot. It does take a bit of leg strength for that first push, but nothing any average person couldn't do. After that, it just opens the split log with almost no effort. Sometimes a log does get jammed if your dealing with a gnarly wood knot but overall, it's a big time saver and you get some leg exercise to boot! This tool does not take the place of an industrial splitter should you need one but it's a great time saver for someone with a fireplace or wood oven or fire pit, etc. The ONLY drawbacks I found in the quality of the tool is that the little latch which engages the jack tree on the bottom is not really ground to fit tightly into it's slot(s) as it climbs. I'll probably file it to seat better for a more positive fit. Also, the log 'pusher' could have been designed to be a bit wider. I WOULD recommend this tool as an alternative to hand splitting fire wood! It's a decent quality tool that seems like it will last a very long time with a minimum amount of maintenance.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Good only for recommended size logs, Not good for Hard woods, or Damp Wood, Binds upand jams Spring if otherwise used. If used on soft wood and as recommended very effective.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Product did not function as described or anticipated. Engagement teeth on the rod are not deep enough or plate pin sharp enough to catch the advance bar on the rod when you push down with your foot. I used a standard piece of round wood to split and the teeth deflected off the catch rood when I push down. Might consider a hydraulic unit by hand or foot wood be better. Waste of money.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

The foot-operated log splitter is easy to set up, and take apart. You can lock the splitter in the down position for easy storage. Some of the bigger logs that I have split, I had to jump on the foot step, but for most of the wood I have split I have just stepped on the foot step and the wood split. I am glad I got the foot-operated log splitter: it is a bit safer then splitting wood with an ax.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Yo, 120lb female here. I just received and tried this splitter on several types and thicknesses of wood. It is awesome. It will be a real backsaver compared to using a hammer and wedge. The only limitation is with my weight. For the more dense varieties of wood I had to bounce up and down on the foot pedal with all my weight. Probably not totally safe to do that. As another reviewer said, it does help to have a chair or ledge to hold to steady myself. I'd give this 5+ stars except for the limitations for those of us who are under-gravitationally challenged. Overall, this splitter is well worth the money.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

This splitter works exactly as described. Just a few foot pumps can crack a 10 inch diameter log. Needs no upper body strength to use. Only foot power. It's very quiet for use in a suburban neighborhood, even at night. No flying chunks or heavy axes to swing. I do recommend having a chair or fence, etc to hold onto if you are less than 150 lbs, because you will need to put your entire weight into it and a chair helps balance on the pedal. This thing is lightweight enough to carry around. I'm taking mine camping for some nice, split firewood. I'm not sure it would hold up to comercial volume splitting, but works great for wood for your house or cabin.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

Maybe the guy that first reviewed this didn't pump it multiple times. This tool worked great for me. It does only move about 3" for every pump of the pedal, but consecutive pumps take you all the way down to about the last 5 inches of log. The stopping plate on the non blade side of the log slides down with the log when the springs pull the foot pedal back up for the next pump, so the unit is (most of the time) self feeding.
When I recieved this item there was only 1 part to assemble along with a safety screw and latch to remove. Assembly was easy.
It went through my Oak like butter (8" sized pieces that were previously split too large). Ash was easy too. It went through a 16" diameter Ash piece with just a little trouble (took a lot of foot force, and I am 275 lbs). It even wen't through a 10" piece "where the trunk splits into two trunks) of Ash without trouble (just put the "Y" end away from the blade). Went through Cherry easily. The only thing it couldn't get through was my seasoned Apple. I can't even split that with my Maul.
In General, the Maul is faster, but with this, there are no flying peices, no swinging of a sharp heavy object overhead, it is super quiet, and you don't have to have any aim. You also don't need to stand the log up, there are rails to lay the log in. Nice for after the sun goes down and the neighbors and the baby are trying to sleep. I just returned one of those Pogo style splitters because they are way too noisy. This works better anyway. Not better than a maul, just safer and easier when you wake up cold in the middle of the night.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

The Ad eas 'too-good-to-be-true', but it really works well! It won't do knots easily but it goes right through my oak, maple, etc with out a problem.

Comments about Kotulas Foot-Operated Log Splitter - 1.5-Ton Capacity:

I was very disapointed with this product. Assembly was quick and easy but when put to the test it didn't prove to be up to the task. The throw after pressing the foot pedal was short (only three inches) and only split the log about two inches. Even after turning the log to the opposite side the result was the same.
The size of the logs were already split but for my fireplace I need to split them again to fit. I thought this splitter would do the trick but it has 'No Punch.'