Abstract: A log splitting apparatus comprising an elongated driving shaft, a wedge shaped splitting tip attached at one end of the driving shaft and an elongated driver sleeve in which the driving shaft is telescopically mounted. The driving sleeve includes a catch coupled through the sleeve wall and adapted for releasable engagement with respect to the driver shaft. The catch is biased to a nonengaging position to allow the driver shaft to freely move within the encasement except when the catch is depressed by the user. When depressed, the catch locks the shaft in an intermediate position to enable the user to transport the apparatus in a vertical orientation.