Abstract: A splitting tool comprising a splitting head mounted on a handle. The splitting head comprises at least two relatively rotatable wedges, at least one of which is also freely rotatable with respect to the handle. Each wedge has a front edge for striking and penetrating an object to be split. The freely rotatable wedge has a lobe rearward of the front edge and a center of mass located in the lobe, the center of mass being offset from the axis of rotation of the freely rotatable wedge. The offset center of mass creates a force moment about the axis of rotation. The force moment has a first rotational sense tending to align the front edges of each wedge along a common plane when the splitting head is impelled toward the object and a second and opposite rotational sense tending to separate the front edges of each wedge when the splitting head strikes the object, thereby applying splitting forces to the object in directions generally perpendicular to the common plane.

Abstract: A seamer for completing two preformed abutting sheets has a wheeled body for straddling by rolling over the sheets. Sets of die rollers and opposed backing rollers longitudinally aligned along the body are driven by a drive unit after being pivotably positioned in operative opposed relationship. A control mechanism including sensors extending from the body seeks the presence of the preformed sheets or an obstruction to control the operation of the drive unit.