The first splitter that arrived bent after splitting only a few logs. The seller paid return shipping and sent a new splitter. The second splitter was very sticky at first. The paint was inhibiting the movement of the splitter, but after a few frustrating logs, the issue resolved itself and the splitter now works as it should. This device is much easier on your back than an ax and much safer as well.Using the device is surprisingly loud, but splitting wood is hardly a library activity. It is fairly easy to use assuming the wood you are trying to split is not too green or too knotty. All in all, this is a good value considering the price. The engineering could be better, but for
Update Sept. 2017: When it worked, it was a nifty tool, but the second splitter has also broken. Just does not seem to want to stand the test of time. It's too bad because I really wanted to like this product.

Easy to use, but don't think it is completely idiot-proof. Once you remove the screw holding the mechanism for storage, you have to watch out for the head, yes the pointed end, sliding out. This happened to one of my crew, and he was bruised, and embarrassed, but not hurt. You have a foot or so of travel to build up enough inertial energy to drive the head into the wood. Multiple short strokes are required for large pieces of oak or pecan, but once the split starts, it goes very quickly. Even with the minor mishap, I'd say that this is much safer than trying to give that guy a hammer and wedge.

Way too much effort to split a simple log. Though it is heavy, it is a somewhat awkward and inefficient mechanism. Makes a great weapon though.

I got this for my Dad last xmas and he has used it a number of times to split wood. He says it does a great job without making him sore the next day and it isn't as heavy as our mauls and axes. I tried it and I've got to say I prefer an axe/maul, but this still did a decent job of splitting oak, pine and eucalyptus; it just took me a lot longer, though I was less tired...I think.

This splitter works, but it's not a couple of rams and the log is split. You have to just slam the heck out of the log before progress can be seen. That's fine, but I live in suburbia, and the noise is really LOUD! It's not the quiet, efficient *whump* of a brawny dude splitting logs with a 10 pound maul. It's a loud, clattering metallic racket that just rings out over and over and over... If I lived 20 miles from anywhere, that would be okay. But on nice days, when I'm inclined to go out and split some wood - and it's wood for a fire pit, so that's summer when everyone is out - it's unpleasantly noisy. I try to pick times when my neighbors aren't outside themselves. I do use it because it works and because I just can't heft a big old maul, and it's just a little wood for an evening fire pit fire. If, on the other hand, I needed it to lay in a supply of wood for winter heating - well, I'd hire a guy.