OCHSENKOPF Wedges and Wedge-Driving Hammers
Turning Force into Precisely Created Space
OCHSENKOPF wedges and wedge-driving hammers are made for moments that require force. Plastic, aluminium and steel fulfil different tasks: from lightweight felling wedges to robust splitting wedges, from universal aluminium wedges to specialised twisting splitting wedges. The range also includes the recoil-free wedge-driving hammer, developed to drive wedges in a controlled manner, protect materials and deliver high impact performance. The right wedge stays securely in place. The right hammer directs the energy to where it is needed. This turns a blow into a clean split – and muscle power into efficiently applied work.
Plastic, Aluminium and Steel: Wedges and Their Effect
A wedge uses a simple physical principle: It converts impact force into forces acting sideways. Its angled surfaces push the wood fibres apart and enlarge the existing split. The effect varies depending on the wedge shape, material, angle and penetration depth. A narrow wedge starts the split, while a more pronounced wedge widens it. A twisting splitting wedge also introduces a rotational movement into the wood through its twisted shape, thereby increasing the splitting effect.
- Plastic felling wedges are lightweight and a practical choice for felling work. OCHSENKOPF offers various versions such as ALASKA, YUKON and LABRADOR. They are particularly suitable for supporting the felling direction and must be used appropriately for the material.
- Solid aluminium wedges are robust universal wedges for various felling and splitting tasks. They combine comparatively low weight with high stability.
- Aluminium chainsaw cutting wedges are intended for use during felling work and in connection with chainsaw operations.
- Aluminium hollow wedges are lightweight and feature a special hollow design. They are particularly suitable for larger wood diameters. Their use extends the wedge effect and enables greater spreading and splitting performance.
- Aluminium twisting splitting wedges are designed specifically for splitting firewood. Their twisted shape creates an additional rotational effect.
The Counterpart to the Wedge: The Wedge-Driving Hammer
The wedge-driving hammer provides the energy that drives the wedge into the wood. The key is not to strike as hard and uncontrollably as possible, but to match the hammer and wedge correctly. OCHSENKOPF offers the recoil-free OX 36 H-2609 wedge-driving hammer for driving in wedges. It is designed as a universal forestry hammer for steel, aluminium and plastic wedges. The large, flat striking surface of our OCHSENKOPF wedge-driving hammer makes it easier to hit the wedge safely. The polyamide hammer head prevents damage to the wedge and reduces material wear.
More Features of our wedges and driving hammers
Driving in Wedges “Without Recoil”
Our OCHSENKOPF splitting hammer is recoil-free. “Recoil-free” means that the hammer does not rebound to the same extent as a conventional hammer when it strikes. In the OCHSENKOPF wedge-driving hammer, this effect is supported by a special filling inside the hammer housing. This keeps more energy in the blow while reducing recoil and vibration.
This protects the hands, tendons and joints and enables more controlled, ergonomic work. The polyamide head also strikes the wedge without splintering and protects its surface. This reduces material wear and supports a longer service life for the wedges.
30° with a Powerful Effect
The OCHSENKOPF OX 41 aluminium twisting splitting wedge has a shape twisted by 30°. Unlike a straight wedge, it not only pushes the wood apart when driven in, but also creates a rotational movement. This increases the lifting height and strengthens the splitting effect.
The twisting splitting wedge is specially designed for splitting firewood. Its front features pointed-angle grooves that improve its grip in the wood. Additional saw-tooth serration on the rear and barbs on both sides help prevent the wedge from slipping out and springing back, particularly when working with frozen wood. Aluminium combines comparatively low weight with a robust design.
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
When steel is struck against steel, particles of material can chip off. These fragments may fly away at high speed and cause serious injuries. This also applies when working with steel wedges.
Steel wedges must only be driven in using a hardwood or plastic hammer. A steel hammer or another tool made of steel is not suitable for this purpose.
Use only a suitable tool, such as a splitting maul. Its specially designed construction makes it suitable for driving in aluminium and plastic wedges over an extended service life.
If the polyamide head shows cracks, heavy wear, deformation or other damage, the wedge-driving hammer must no longer be used. Our replacement head has been developed to fit the OCHSENKOPF wedge-driving hammer precisely.
The wedge and hammer must be free of cracks, serious damage and sharp burrs. The hammer head must be securely attached, and the handle must not show any damage. Damaged tools must not be used.
The aluminium twisting splitting wedge is designed for splitting firewood. Its shape, twisted by 30°, creates a rotational effect in addition to the spreading effect and can therefore support the splitting process.
Depending on the situation, plastic felling wedges, solid aluminium wedges, aluminium hollow wedges or special chainsaw cutting and felling wedges may be suitable for felling work. As a general rule: use a plastic wedge for felling and a universal aluminium wedge for splitting.
