[TowerTalk] Ground Rod Installing Machine

[Pete Stark]

I bought one of these things and a large Bosch demo hammer.
Works great in dirt.  When it hits rock it stops and rod bends.
Is there a drill that works and does not come apart?  (SDS-Max chuck)
On my hill in WV, about 4 feet down the sand and clay quit and I hit 
solid sandstone.  3/4 rod did not help the situation.  When the rod hits 
refusal it is over.



Pete K4OM



On 9/17/2012 3:41 PM, Art Trampler wrote:
> Many rental stores do not want anyone driving ground rods with a hammer drill, although that is often effective. You can search for ground-rod driver bit and get results like the following
>   
> http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=sds+ground+rod+driver&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=13454037450&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1617235751764179773&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_2m495h2k2g_b
>   
> Most are designed for SDS chucks.
>   
> I live on a ridge in the Ozarks, so when I begin my new install (QRT NOW) I am going to purchase 3/4" x 10' ground rods from a local plumbing supply store in the hope that the larger diameter will not be as prone to bending when they are moving rocks.
>
> I tried a small electric jackhammer and once I reached solid limestone...well nothing moved and the ground rod bent!
>   
> I think that the bigger issue may be flex/bending of the ground rod which is why I am going the 3/4" route.
>   
> 73,
> Art K0RO
>   
>
> --- On Mon, 9/17/12, Jim Hargrave <w5ifp at gvtc.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: Jim Hargrave <w5ifp at gvtc.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Ground Rod Installing Machine
> To: "Jerry" <grf at npgcable.com>, "Tower Talk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Date: Monday, September 17, 2012, 2:22 PM
>
>
> Jerry,
>
> I have a lot of rocky limestone here at my QTH. It may be a little softer
> than your terrain.
> I use a small electric Jack Hammer. I would suggest you try that approach
> before you buy something. You can rent one for a few dollars at most home
> improvement stores like Home Depot or local equipment rental. You can slip a
> short pipe over the Ground rod to help hold it and keep it from bending.
> I have enough soil mixture that Bending has not been a problem. So far I
> have not had to pre-drill any holes. it helps to sink the rod following a
> nice soaking rain. In AZ you may have to fake that one with a garden
> hose...Hi.
>
>      73s de Jim
>         W5IFP
>
>
>    > -----Original Message-----
>    > From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of
>    > Jerry
>    > Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 12:58 PM
>    > To: Tower Talk
>    > Subject: [TowerTalk] Ground Rod Installing Machine
>    >
>    >
>    > I've finally convinced our local Club to purchase a "grounding rod
>    > installation drill" for use by our members.  This is almost a necessity
>    > in the desert rocky soil here in the desert.  Any suggestions
>    > as to make
>    > or model...and also the source of drill bit to use with 5/8"
>    > ground rods?
>    > Tnx
>    > Jerry France
>    > K7LY
>    > London Bridge ARA
>    > Lake Havasu City, AZ
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