On Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:24:45 -0400 Jamey Brookover
<jcbrook@mindspring.com> writes:
>There has been a wealth of information in this thread about the theory
>and practice of proper grounding procedures. Getting back to basics
>for
>a moment, how does a 6 foot tall person safely / properly / *easily*
>manage to get an 8 foot ground rod into the ground in the first place?
>
>The picture of someone standing on a step ladder swinging a 16 pound
>sledge hammer is not a pretty sight. Are any special tools available
>to
>aid in this process, and how do the pros do this day in and day out?
>When I lived in West Virginia I was once told a story about
>Appalachian
>rock worms.... Please -- No limmericks!
>Thanks --
>Jay -- NT4D -- (ex WB8BMV)
>jcbrook@mindspring.com
##########################
Dear Jay,
I see someone already told you about the "EASY" way to sink ground rods.
The water method "really" works in Missouri. It takes more than a cup
of water but a bucket full should do the job. I usually dig a small
hole where the rod is going and pour a quart of water in the hole. That
way you can keep the hole full and it will self- feed the water down
along the ground rod. Don't get in too big of a hurry doing this job.
Let the soil have time to soak up the moisture. Somewhere around the
four or five foot depth, pull the ground rod all of the way out and fill
the hole again. Go get a cup or coffee or a soda and let it soak for 10
or 15 minutes. From that point on, you will not need anymore water. I
have found the need to take a hammer and drive in the last two feet
simply because I could not get enough pressure on the rod by hand. Wear
some gloves because blisters will appear quickly and be cautious when
pushing the rod in on top of the water else it will squirt back at you
with vigor.
Good luck. 73, Jerry
**************************************************
JERRY LILEY, k0gug@juno.com, Holts Summit, MO (nr Jeff City)
ARRL Life, CW Honor Roll, CW 5BDXCC, NRA Benefactor Life
**************************************************
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