Definition & Meaning of "splitting wedge"

What is a "splitting wedge"?

A splitting wedge is a tool used for splitting or breaking apart materials, typically wood or stone. It has a pointed, tapered shape and is made of durable metal, allowing it to withstand the force needed to split hard materials. The wedge is typically driven into the material with a hammer or sledgehammer. As the wedge is driven in, it forces the material to split along the grain or fracture. Splitting wedges are commonly used in tasks like splitting firewood or breaking rocks into smaller pieces for construction or landscaping purposes.