5 Best Cant Hooks for Logging in 2024 – Review and Buying Guide
A cant hook is one of the indispensable woodworking tools, used to grip, turn and roll logs. It works like the Peavey, but instead of the peavey’s pointed end, the curved spike and hook in a cant hook generates more traction.
This tool minimizes the effort needed to manipulate logs, and can also reduce the risk of injuries and back pain in the process. Users don’t have to bend down nor use too much strength when moving woods.
However, the challenge for most woodworkers, as you would expect is finding a reliable cant hook.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Get Best Cant Hook?
There are many different models of these log turners. Each brand honey-coats their tools with colorful marketing information, in lieu of dependable cant hook advice for buyers to make the right decision. When I was first getting into commercial logging, I was a bit gullible and fell too often into such marketing traps. I didn’t know how to buy a cant hook, and solely depended on the bloated sales pitches I read online.
My first cant hook only functioned well on small logs. The moment I tried it on a big trunk and applied some force, the bracket bent and ripped, while the hook hadn’t even managed to pry into the log. I still remember that tool for the pains it caused me, and how quickly it sent me back shopping for replacement parts. I knew I had to find some reliable tools.
I talked to several seasoned woodworkers and was let into cant hook secrets only the old and wise know. There are critical things to analyze when shopping for a cant hook. These tenets ensure that you get the best value for your money and that you get a tool that is efficient and safe.
An aluminum handle is preferable for strength and durability
The handle is a critical part of the cant hook, given the moving force falls within it. In a reliable cant hook, the handle should be sturdy built, made of a material that can withstand high pressure without breaking. Common cant hook handle materials you will encounter in the market include wood, aluminum, and steel. Aluminum scores big points on durability and quality. Most aluminum handle cant hooks can comfortably maneuver large logs without bending under pressure.
Wooden handles are lightweight, but with limitations on strength and durability
On the other hand, wood handles can be your favorite if you need super lightweight log turners. Lightweight tools are convenient because you can carry them further into the woods without much of a hassle. The only downside is that wood is not very durable. It would help to search for a long lasting wood type such as oak or teak. Rot and moisture are the biggest villains here, and so your storage area should be moisture free.
A long handle is energy efficient
The length of the cant hook handle also plays a critical role when moving logs. Physics 101: With a long lever on a fulcrum, one can be strong enough to move the world. A long handle gives you more control and reduces the strain of having to bend over. With a cant hook, a long lever is preferable for tall people as it extends your reach. However, if you are short, a long bar might drain your strength. Find what is considerably long and comfortable for you.
Look for a handle with rubber holdings
The design of the handle, especially where you hold it should facilitate a comfortable experience. Find a cant hook model that has some rubber holdings. Other brands have added an extra holding slot on their tools. The point is, if your nine to five involves moving massive logs, you have to protect your hands because sores and blisters mean lengthy downtimes.
Powder coated metal hook
The hook makes it possible to turn logs by gripping around and rolling the trunks. Typically, the hook is made of steel or a metal alloy. When shopping for a cant hook, look for a hook material that is powder coated. The coating reduces the risk of chipping, wear, and scratches.
5 Best Cant Hook Reviews
1. LogOX Log Hauler and Cant Hook
- DELIVERS OUTSTANDING VALUE – Harvesting your own firewood provides you with a money-saving, reliable, and renewable source of home heating fuel (see chart in photos). The LogOX not only makes your...
- 21" LOG HAULER – This ergonomically designed hand tool gives you an instant mechanical advantage to efficiently drag, lift and move log rounds, as large as you can physically handle. It’s been...
- 21" CANT HOOK – Its ultra-sharp hook and beveled toe design simultaneously bite into the wood to engage and hold onto logs better than any other cant hook on the market. After making 3/4 depth...
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The LogOx Hauler, as per its name, is a multi-functional woodworking tool. As a hauler, it facilitates lifting and loading logs onto a splitter. As a cant hook, it gives users a 21-inch grip for rolling logs without having to bend over.
Compact and considerably light
I personally like its compact design, which also helps with portability if you have to do some walking into the woods. The machine measures 28” when disassembled. The LogOx weighs 12.0 lbs but its diameter is smaller than many cant hooks, making it easy to hold and use.
Steel made hook
The 21” cant hook means that you will have an easy time moving or sawing thick trunks. One gets to minimize the risk of plunging their chain into the ground or the resultant kickbacks from that. The hook is made from hollow frame steel complete with powder coating for more strength and durability. Also, the sharp steel hook makes for an aggressive bite and a steady grip, just as anyone would want.
The hauler feature is thoughtful
Compared to other cant hook models in the market, the LogOx stands out more with its multifunctional features. The hauler feature helps with lifting, as the hook feature enables rolling. This flexibility was among the many things missing on my disastrous first cant hook. I ended my days with a sore back every day for that.
Handle extension
LogOx comes with a handle extension that turns this tool into a 38” cant hook. This addition makes it possible to work with even bigger logs. The handle is thick and forged from aluminum, a factor that guarantees power and durability.
The LogOx cant hook is a heavy duty lever but still light enough. It works well, but not necessarily effortlessly. With a bit of human power, one can roll a 1000 lb log with this tool.
LogOX Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid build
- Multifunctional; can work as a cant hook and as a hauler
- Lightweight aluminum handle
- The clasp is steady and sharp enough to achieve a good grip
Cons
- The handle could be longer
2. LOGRITE 78” MegaHook Cant Hook
- LogRite MH078 Mega Hook is part of their Xtreme Duty series, and is their longest cant hook at 78". Features a larger hook that accommodates logs from 15" to 45" in diameter.
- Meant for heavier work, the Mega Hook is made from reinforced aircraft aluminum and zinc-plated steel with a 1.75" diameter handle with a rubber grip.
- Ideal for rolling and positioning larger logs.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This LogRite cant hook features a 78 inches long aluminum handle that helps with energy efficiency especially when moving massive logs. Because of the aluminum handle, you can also expect considerable durability with this tool. The grip diameter of the hook is up to 45 inches making it easy to move massive trunks.
Ergonomic design
Apart from the mega long handle that generates traction for large logs, LogRite MegaHook cant hook features rubber holdings on the handle. This is a safety feature; as much as it makes the tool comfortable to work with, it also enables a firm and non-slip grip.
Lightweight handle, sharp hook
As with all aluminum handle cant hooks, LogRite MegaHook is lightweight and robust at the same time. The scythe is laser sharp, a factor that contributes to a steady and nonslip grip on large logs.
The clasp features a zinc plated material with a blue powder coat that might help with resilience through all sorts of abuse. With the mega-sized grip, you can move 15” to 45” thick oaks without breaking your back. With this size and weight of loads, other tools might bend and deform under pressure.
High visibility
The cant hook comes in a bright yellow color that is easy to spot around the wood lot.
LOGRITE Pros & Cons
Pros
- Turns heavy work into a piece of cake
- Ideal for big trunk rounds
- Packed with the strength to move up to 3000-pound logs
- Sharp hook
Cons
- The grip slips when it comes to small wood trunks
- The extremely long handle might be unsuitable for short people
3. Woodchuck WCT04 Dual
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Woodchuck Dual offers the versatility of a peavey and a cant hook all in one. The Peavey point is made to be retractable, repositioning into a curved hook for rolling logs. Unlike other cant hooks, one can also position logs with this tool by engaging the peavey end.
Long handle
The Woodchuck WCT04 Dual cant hook has a 48” 6061 aluminum handle. You can, therefore, expect that the cant hook will put up well under pressure and through a long time of use. The metal construction is also safer when you are rolling massive logs. Wooden handles can snap in half on you. The contraption weighs 9.5 pounds.
Firm grip hook
This cant hook can manage to grip logs of diameter between 16 and 24’’ diameter. Whether you are muscular or average built, it wouldn’t take so much strength to move 1000 lb. logs up to 12-foot lengths with this device. That will make a big difference in time and labor.
Comes with a detachable jack foot
Apart from working as a cant hook and a Peavey at the same time, the Woodchuck WCTO4 has a third functionality. The detachable jack foot converts this machine into a log jack that facilitates easy cutting. It is relatively fast to attach and detach the log jack.
As an economical convenience, users don’t have to acquire a separate timber jack. When it comes to safety and efficiency, the log jack part will elevate your wood so that you don’t drive your saw into the ground. Your saw, therefore, gets to remain sharp for long, while you stay safe from the risk of nasty kickbacks.
Woodchuck Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s a sturdy cant hook, can roll a 1000 lb trunk section
- Does not slip even on large logs
- Well built, has the potential for durability
- Bites well
- Works as a cant hook, a Peavey and a timber jack
Cons
- Heavy-duty, requires some physical leverage to move
4. STIHL 48”
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The STIHL 48” cant hook enables a 20-inch grip, giving users the control needed to maneuver massive logs. It has a heavy duty body design that might be able to stand up well to wear and tear. Just like the LogRite MegaHook, the STIHL cant hook features a bright orange color for high visibility in the woods.
Ergonomic design
The STIHL 48” cant hook features a sturdy steel handle and with rubber holdings. That means that you can work with it for long without experiencing discomfort. The tool is lightweight, weighing around 9.5 pounds.
The sharp hook can easily dig into the wood and spin large logs. This factor will afford you a high level of efficiency with your physical energy. The grip is steady, zero flex and zero kicking out. What’s more, you can get the complementary log stand that will further improve the efficiency of your cuts.
Regardless of its strength and versatility, one might find the small opening to be too limiting. You will not be able to use the TIHL 48” on log sizes that exceed a diameter of 24”. On the other hand, the timber jack accessory compensates for this limitation, helping to lift logs from the ground for easy sawing.
STIHL 48 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Comes with a timber jack accessory
- Ergonomic and comfortable handle
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Its small capacity is limiting
5. Ironton Wooden Handle Cant Hook
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a wooden handle cant hook, Ironstone excels in many aspects. One is the rubber clad handle that makes it ergonomic and easy to use. It is smooth and kind on the hands. The material used is hardwood (red oak), and it’s made to be thick, a factor that might add to the strength of the cant hook.
The hook can manage logs of diameter between 8 and 10”. You will experience difficulties when working with bigger sized logs. The other concerning issue is that no matter how sturdy the hardwood handle is, you can’t expect the same strength and durability of aluminum cant hooks. However, you might be able to extend its longevity by waxing and treating it.
Ironton Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable steel hook
- Ergonomic hardwood handle
- Thick handle, very solid
- Good grip on thick logs
Cons
- It slips on small wood trunks
- The handle is short making it a significant effort to move logs
Which cant hook should you choose?
In this list, the Woodchuck WCT04 Dual cant hook stands out with superior features and user-friendliness. Its 24-inch diameter hook accommodates both big and small logs. The 48-inch handle has an ergonomic design that facilitates easy use for both tall and short persons.
The LogRite MegaHook limits usage to big size logs. The LogOX Log Hauler and Cant Hook is pretty superb and can work as a hauler and a cant hook, but the Woodchuck WCT04 can work as a cant hook, a Peavey and a timber jack all at the same time. The STIHL 48” limits usage to logs less than 10 inches in diameter while the Ironstone has the inconveniences of a wooden handle. The Woodchuck WCT04 Dual cant hook, therefore, is a top choice.
Last Updated on July 15, 2019 by Tom Bradly