Customer Reviews

Anaconda 878 Slide-Hammer Manual Log Splitter

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

Without using a power tool, the anaconda is the easiest way we have found to split wood.
We have Oak in 20 inch chunks from 5 to 18 inches wide. The wood was cut one year ago.
The Anaconda made splitting the wood fairly easy. It also split fine when we had logs which were cut at an angle - something we could not do with a wedge and sledge.
The unit seems well-built and is designed so that the tapered end of the splitter can be locked from extending by inserting a screw (included).
I have seen one other type of splitter, but only the Anaconda had the rubber handle and the stops to keep the tapered end from coming out of the splitter.

This item is of course not nearly as easy as a powered log splitter, but certainly safer than wielding an axe. It is somewhat easier, too, because you just let gravity and the weight of the slide hammer do the work for you. I tried splitting some unseasoned maple that was about 12" in diameter. This is probably the most difficult kind of wood a homeowner like me would ever need to split, and it did require about a dozen "hits" to get it to split. If I let it dry out and try again next fall, it should be easier. So for occasional wood splitting needs, it is pretty decent. Not great, but not bad either!

This works quite well for chopping either pine or hardwood. It takes more strokes than an axe, but I am far more comfortable with my safety with this one. It is heavy, but easy to use once you set it on the log.

After reading the good reviews on Amazon, I bought this device to split the occasional round log that is really just too big for the fire place.

I used it on approximately 5 or 6 rounds when I first got it. I split them all on a big ol' cedar stump I use for chopping. I put the tool away dry and clean.

Now, a few months later, I got a new cord delivered. I tossed all the big rounds aside then later picked up this tool hoping to make short work of them. I split a couple fine then on my third log the head (the wedge at the end) just CAME OFF!

I retrieved the head from the log and examined it hoping it just came unscrewed or something. No such luck.

Here is the flaw I discovered: The rod part, at the end, is machined down to a 1 inch across by 1 inch deep little round nub. This inserts into a hole of the same size in the splitting-head. There is just a spot-weld done around the collar where the rod goes into the hole.

That's right, all that is holding the head on is a little, 1 inch circular weld around the base of the rod. And the rod only inserts into the head about an inch. With the kind of impacts this tool produces--OF COURSE IT BROKE WITH USE!

I bought this from Amazon back in July in anticipation of my winter wood-chopping chores. I used it a bit when I first got it. I wished I had given it just a bit more testing then. Unfortunately the return window for the item has expired. I can still return it for partial credit but I have to pay the shipping. On this heavy item it just doesn't pencil.

So I am out 40 bucks and have a piece of scrap metal to pile in my garage somewhere.

Yet another product well conceived but poorly manufactured.

Good luck.

This tool performs well what it can reasonably be expected to achieve, making short (and easy) work of splitting small amounts--by which I mean at least the approximate quarter cord I tackled on first use--of seasoned, flat-sawn logs of up to 10-12 inch diameter and 15-inch length. Users needing to split very many and/or very large logs (especially if also very green) and expecting this $44 tool to deliver comparable results as effortlessly as a $500-5000 powered splitter can only be dollar-driven self-deluders, and will be disappointed. This product's few non-positive reviews, while preparing me for disappointment, didn't dissuade a gamble on its modest cost; I'd call my outcome an unequivocal win.

The tool's complete portability--it's easily taken to and used at sites lacking adequate unobstructed axe-/maul-swinging space or where even a small portable powered splitter (and requisite fuel) would be an inconvenient haul-in/out--is an added plus. Pending the task's demands, it's absolutely worth its price, and even for users who own or would rent a powered splitter for larger jobs, this tool would be handy for the occasional smaller job that with it could be completed in less time than might be needed to get out, set up, employ, and put away a powered splitter.

Irrelevant to the tool itself, but meriting mention is the (highly atypical) 2-day delivery of this part of a multi-item purchase using Amazon's free shipping option. Kudos as due to Amazon's packers and shippers. May this sort of service become the norm.

Obviously if you were going to split a cord or more of wood in a day, a hydraulic splitter is a no brainer.
This tool however is perfect for the homeowner that occasionally wants to split some kindling or wood for the fireplace,without to much $investment, hassle or setup etc...although I wouldnt want to find myself camped next to someone using it as it would be annoyingly noisy.
I used it right out of the box,splitting about a dozen 12 inch diameter logs of misc.wood types,and it worked great!
I would find this to be much safer than an ax in the average persons hands for sure.
The guy that suggested cutting off the handle to pour molten lead in is definitely correct about improving on an already good design by adding more mass to drive behind the wedge,however an easier approach to the same modification would be to simply drill a small hole and pour in lead shot to fill the handle,then a small amount of silicone to plug the hole.This is almost as dense/heavy as the melted lead approach.
This was in my oppinion a great tool investment for my occasional home use/application and an even better deal with the free supersaver shipping!Thanks Amazon!

This is good for small to medium sized cut logs. They need to be cut very flat on the ends to set it up so you can use it. But once you get the hang of it -it works like a charm. I'm an older woman with no real upper body strength. I was able to use it easily.

I was a little skeptical when I ordered this but after using it for a few logs, I'm convinced I made a good purchase for my needs. I was a little concerned about the safety of using a maul and splitting wedge, as I am not experienced in that and didn't want to risk losing a limb.

This is a good light duty tool. I'm not going to be splitting multiple cords of wood. I use this for splitting wood for firing my pizza oven, and when I do I usually only split 3-4 pieces at a time.

I don't see this product as something that someone could use without some decent upper body strength. I saw a few reviews and comments that said an elderly person or child could use it - to me that is a bit of an embellishment. I could see them being able to pick it up and lift the hammer and let it drop, but that doesn't necessarily achieve the intended goal of splitting the wood. I have found that simply lifting the hammer and dropping it, or even applying what I would consider normal downward pressure when dropping it doesn't do much. I had to really pound on it pretty good probably 10 times or so to get it to split through the log. Having said that, the logs I have are quite long - up to 18" in some cases maybe even 20". They are all dried and cured oak. There were a few 14-16" pieces I split that were not nearly as tough.

This tool does the job and isn't dangerous, I will give it that. It works perfectly for me and what I intend to use it for. But don't buy it thinking that you just lift the hammer and drop it. You'll have to give it some effort.

-Ryan

Two or three weeks ago I wrote a review for this product. That review was wrong. After using it a couple more times, I have that Anaconda sliding hammer works just fine. I have scent spit upto a hundred logs( 10 to 12 inches around x 20 inches long) and had know problems. I am looking forward to spliting two hundred more. P.S. They are all walnut.

My application is to split already cut "seasoned" wood smaller for easy start while out RVing, cozy fire in the fire place, or the back yard fire table. To ensure safety, place the log on level ground. Wear a pair of work gloves too. Rest the hammer head on top of the wood where you want to create the split, remove the safety screw, raise the handle up and STRIKE down. The number of strikes needed to split the log will vary depending on the type of wood and how "seasoned" it is. I've found that I can use as little as three strikes, or it may take five or more strikes to split the wood. At 15 pounds, this makes Anaconda, a log splitter you can use too. Stores easy in a RV or at home. A good value.