Homelite UT49102 Electric Log Splitter
Homelite UT49102 Electric Log Splitter
Are electric log splitters faster and easier than wielding an ax? Hmm....you'll have to wait just a bit to find out.We took a look at this tool several years ago when we produced DIY Tools & Techniques (hosted by David Thiel, a contributor to this website). It's a very simple tool in both design and operation. You simply plug it in, engage the safety lever and push the start button to split your logs. That's it - not terribly complicated. My dad has a favorite phrase with regard to power accessories on a car, "Power windows will eventually break, but manual windows will crank on and on." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the point - the fewer bells and whistles something has, the less there is to go wrong.That's pretty much the case with the Homelite UT49102. The motor engages a ram at one end of the tool, forcing the log placed on the bed against the steel wedge at the other end. It's a relatively slow process, but the result is a clean split of the aforementioned log. As long as you take care of the unit, it's bound to give you years of service. The unit we had previously worked as well the day we got it as the day it went on to its new owner. As with any tool like this, it's a good idea to keep it neat, clean and to make sure that nothing gets lodged in or around the motor. Nice and simple.
Features:
- 15 amp motor
- 5 tons of force
- operates on 120v
- splits logs up to 20" in diameter
- weight - 105 lbs (ish)
This tool has one purpose only - to turn big pieces of wood into little pieces, and it does it with style and ease. We decided to have a little fun with our video review, pitting a crazed ax-wielding remodeling contractor (Dana Wilkerson) against a laid-back (read lazy) carpenter (yours truly). It's a lot like the tortoise and the hare, really. How does the story end? Watch our video review below and see for yourself.
Homelite UT49102 Electric Log Splitter
Home Depot purchase link ($299.00): CLICK HERE
For more information on the Homelite UT49102: CLICK HERE