Steel Inline Easy Read Flow Control Valve, Female 1/4-18 NPT Ports, Up to 6.00 GPM & 5000.00 PSI

For that kind of setup, yes. Flow control valves in this family let you restrict flow going one direction while the opposite direction passes through unrestricted. So you could slow the extend stroke down to whatever feels right and the retract would stay free-flowing. Rated up to 6 GPM and 5000 PSI, it fits comfortably in most small cylinder circuits running standard hydraulic pressure. The 1/4-18 NPT female ports are a common thread size on log splitter hydraulic connections, so fitting it in shouldn't require any unusual adapters.

For a cylinder that needs controlled speed in one direction and a free return the other way, that is exactly the job of this inline flow control. It meters flow in one direction for a steady, adjustable rate, and it allows free flow in the opposite direction.

the valve has a set screw that lets you lock it down once you've got the flow where you need it. That keeps your settings consistent, which is key for keeping your system running smooth.