Maul

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This article is about the maul, an implement for splitting wood also used as a close combat weapon. For the rolling maul tactic in the sport of rugby union, see the "Maul" section in its article. For the Star Wars character, see Darth Maul. For the music group, see MAUL

[edit] Wood cutting tool

A maul (or mall) is a heavy, long-handled hammer used for splitting a piece of wood along its grain. A typical maul for wood splitting will have a head weighing in region of 8lbs (4kg). Traditionally, mauls have a wedge-shaped head, but some modern versions have conical heads or swiveling sub-wedges. The original maul resembles an axe but with a broader head.

[edit] Military usage

Mauls are also known as war hammers, as these massive two-handed hammers were sometimes used in battle. Often, such a maul is the mental image that accompanies the word "war hammer." These kinds of mauls are often comprised of large, either plain or ornate metal or stone blocks, usually longer than they are tall, mounted on a long, two-handed handle in a "T" shape.

[edit] The verb

To maul can also mean:

• to injure by or as if by biting or tearing with the teeth. For example: The bear mauled the explorer. The critics mauled the director's first effort.
• to handle roughly. For example: The package was mauled by the careless messenger.
• to split (wood) with a maul and wedge.