Log splitter injury (no pics)

[s219]

Was splitting wood for a couple hours yesterday and managed to smash a fingertip (ring finger on left hand). Really did a number, with lots of bone fragments and deep lacerations. Took 8 stitches to sew the tip back together in the ER. 50/50 chance the tip can be saved (all dependent on staving off infection while it heals they told me). Will consult with hand surgeon on Monday for followup. As bad as it is, I am thankful it wasn't worse.

The way it happened was odd. I am generally very careful about where my hands are and am always looking at the wood. This time I loaded a split piece on the cradle to break it down once more. And then a half dozen deer ran across my driveway diverting my gaze. Next think I know my finger is getting smashed between the end of the splitter and the wood. I either must have dropped that left hand without realizing it, or used my right hand to hit the lever too soon. Been using splitters since I was a kid and this shows that all it takes is a momentary distraction to throw off the rhythm and get hurt.

Sad thing is I was only splitting to kill a couple hours at the end of the day since it was too late to get into my next major project, which I had decided to put off until this morning when I could get a fresh start. I probably will be out of commission for a couple weeks at least, maybe longer, so it was stupid to try and cram in extra chores at the end of the day in the name of productivity. I have been behind on a lot of stuff and just trying to get caught up, but it wasn't worth a couple hours of splitting to lose use of my hand for a couple weeks and maybe lose a fingertip.

This same fingertip got split open about 25 years ago when I worked in a machine shop, so it's like a lightning rod.

I imagine when I get back to splitting wood in a few weeks, I am going to be putting both hands on the lever, even if it's awkward. Or maybe put that left hand behind my back before hitting the lever with my right hand. Whatever the case, I need to mind that left hand and not let distraction become a risk.

Be safe with your splitters my friends!

 

[check]

Another one you have to watch out for, is when a tough piece of wood let's go, and then the two smaller pieces go flying! I always turn my back at the very last second, in order to avoid any injuries to my face.

And how many of us wear safety glasses?

 

[murphy1244]

Glad your alright! Darn Deer

 

[The Deerslayer]

Sorry to hear of your mishap and thanks for sharing with the rest of us. Glad it was not worse. Impressive that you were able to type the post. :laughing:
You need some payback come next deer season....just sayin.

 

[JRobyn]

Very sorry to hear. Hope it heals fast. I can sure identify! Wife did almost the same thing a few weeks ago with her brand new splitter. Got just the tip of her pointer finger, but nowhere near as much damage as you. Nail is all black, but looks like it might not even fall off. I was proud of her that she didn't even scream.

 

[mrmikey]

....and then the two smaller pieces go flying!

Caught a piece in the boys a few weeks back, does not feel good. Mind you I was singing tenor fo awhile....ten-or twenty octaves higher....Mike

 

[ultrarunner]

Thank you for posting because safety cannot be overemphasized... especially went working with powerful equipment.

My grandfather in his 80's lost three fingers on his right hand with a splitter... the ones between his pinky and thumb.

He was working alone and went to a neighbor who rushed him to the Hospital.

I find when I'm rushed or rushed and tired is when I get sloppy...

Hoping for the best outcome for you.

I've been using my vertical with Mom at the control... this way my hands are always on the side and never near the top.

 

[LD1]

Yea, I think them deer really need some payback:thumbsup:

Hope the tip can be saved. But look on the bright side, if the tip cant be saved, and you have a shortened finger, maybe it wont get in the way next time:laughing:

 

[s219]

It's good I have always been a lousy typist, as this won't slow me down too bad. Right now the gauze dressing has a big metal splint on the tip and that is hitting everything, so I have to be careful -- the splint may be as much of a liability as a help. On the drive home last night, I was just trying to keep my left hand rested on the steering wheel while the right did the work, and the dang splint kept hooking the turn signal/wiper stalk. Then I was still numbed up so it at least didn't hurt.

Interesting that the pain, albeit dulled by 800mg ibuprofen, is about the same as when I'd hit my finger with a hammer or similar (only then I don't take ibuprofen). Lord knows what's happening under all the gauze, but at least the pain is bearable. Does feel like it's swollen inside the gauze, so I am icing a couple times an hour.

 

[s219]

Yea, I think them deer really need some payback:thumbsup:

Hope the tip can be saved. But look on the bright side, if the tip cant be saved, and you have a shortened finger, maybe it wont get in the way next time:laughing:

That occurred to me as well -- I may avoid the problem next time. After a few more years I may be so well adapted to this splitter that all the risk will be gone. Will have some big wood paws and no fingers.

The dang deer and I were in real solid eye contact right as my finger got pinched. They were really messing with my head. They must know I am working on setting harvest limits for our property association hunt club next year, and were trying to take out my trigger finger or something.