[TowerTalk] Copper pipe for ground rods?

[Dale Martin]

>
> I have heard a lot of pros and cons about hydro-drilling.  I believe that
> people who use one over the other will not notice what they have or don't
> have until they compare the two.  If you hydro-drill, your ground will
> eventually pack back around the pipe.  If you drop a solid rod,
> you will add
> a lot of elbow grease.
>
> If money is an issue, use the copper pipe and the water hose.  If
> not, then
> plan on buying a short piece (about 24") of heavy-gauge steel pipe with
> threads and an end cap.  The heavy pipe will make for a rod hammer that is
> easy to use.  Just place the ground rod where you want it to go
> in with the
> pipe on top.  Lift the pipe and let go.  It will stay over the ground rod
> and the weight will drive the pole into the ground.  If you are feeling
> really good, life the pipe and pull it down hard over the rod
> while holding
> onto the pipe.  This could make the job go faster.  Around here,
> the pipe is
> usually able to do the job.  When the pipe gets close to the ground, use a
> sledge hammer.
>

For a real workout, put a T-fitting on the pipe end and plant it about
halfway down in a paint can filled with concrete.

That worked real well for me...until I found out about the 1-gallon of water
method of sinking a ground rod--drive the rod in a foot or so, pull it out,
pour in a bit of water, put the rod back in and work it down, keeping a bit
of water in the hole.  My ground rods have gone in smoothly and without a
lot of noise and trouble.  Of course, it helps to be on the Texas Coastal
Prairie where the ground is gumbo.

73,
dale, kg5u