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Splitting Locust: What It Sounds Like (With Audio)

Published June 15, 2020

I, Bernie Harberts, did not use generative AI to write or illustrate this article. Spell check and grammar check, yes. AI, no.

Here’s how that locust log I’m using in my new fence sounded when I split it with my sledge and wedge. Locust is known for being one tough wood. Rot resistant, too. But what’s less known is how it crackles and pops when it’s split. I made you a recording of what it sounds like to split the locust log below.

Bernie Harberts splitting a locust log with sledge and wedges

Click on the audio below for the sound of locust splitting.

The sound of locust splitting.

Close-up of a steel wedge in twisted locust grain fibers — One of the 4 wedges I used to split that log. You can see how twisted and intertwined locust grain is. Those fibers tearing, and me sledging on the wedge, is what you hear in the recording.

First locust fence rail set in place at a corner post behind Bernie Harberts' cabin — Hot damn! First locust rail in place. This is the corner for a new fence I’m building out behind our cabin.

After I split all those rails by sledge and wedge (I’m up to almost 40 now) I realize why the few people that split locust rails commercially for fences use hydraulic splitters. Splitting them by hand is bonkers hard work and my chest is tired from swinging that sledge all day. But it’s puffed up, too, a little more than it was this morning. Dang that’s a good looking fence taking shape!

More Locust

If you’re as hardcore a fan of locust as I am, check out these other projects I’ve used it for:

More about life up Shoe Box Canyon: Around the Homestead.

More projects at Built and Grown by Hand.

More about what Julia and I have built and grown on the homestead.

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5 Responses to Splitting Locust: What It Sounds Like (With Audio)

Pingback: Salvaging and Setting Locust Posts to Build a Deck - RiverEarth.com
dave vories on June 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Hello Bernie just wanted to say good to see you writing again. Looks like you have been busy what a crazy year this has been with this virus BS. We wanted to take a vacation and come to see you but, Pam’s mom been sick and her dad as well who just passed away.

Reply
- Bernie+Harberts on June 21, 2020 at 6:36 pm
  
  Hi Dave, Oh man, so sorry hearing about Pam’s dad passing away. Sure seems like you’re going through a lot this year.
  Good to hear you’re enjoying the posts. I’ve always gone through periods of travel and homestead. On compliments the other. This latest fence project will be a great improvement to our barn yard.
  If you’re ever around be sure to drop by. Just gives a ring to make sure we’re not off the farm riding up them mountain or off hunting locust posts.
  Have a great weekend and give everyone a big howdy from me!
  Bernie
  
  Reply
Christian+Harberts on June 17, 2020 at 2:32 pm

Also, they use front-end loaders or at least a hydraulic arm to lift said locus rails, instead of a … posthole digger. But its like photography, where wise man say, best camera is camera you have in pocket. Or something like that. You get what I mean, I’m sure…

In any event, the end result is spleeeeendid! Love it!

Christian

Reply
- Bernie on June 17, 2020 at 7:00 pm
  
  Thing about it is, if I had the hydraulic rail splitter, the front end loader and the pile driver, I’d be tempted to fence in the whole damn place. Which, given that I haven’t finished the first 400 feet, would be mean I’d never finish.
  Sledge and wedge baby, sledge and wedge. Okay and a brother that knows how to run a post hole digger.
  When did you say it was you’re coming back to help….?!
  
  Reply