Need to install some ground rods, is there a hammer drill adapter tool for this? really hate the sledge routine.
actually were removing some planters at a friends to widen his driveway and his ground rods are in the planters.
wonder if we could drive them deeper his idea:( my misguided buddy suggested we pull them out and relocate them. i seriously doubt they can be pulled out and reinstalled.
or install new ones about a foot away in a non drive area.
At the phone company, we recently switched from using 4-ft galvanized ground rods to 8-ft copper-clad rods. I have an "official" post driver that works amazingly well, identical to the item pictured here:
When the rod is far enough into the ground that the driver contacts the ground, I simply invert the driver and finish pounding the rod the rest of the way (another foot or so?). After all the rods I've driven using a hand sledge hammer, this tool is a godsend. Good luck!
I've seen rod drivers for demo hammers and for rotary hammers. I don't think a hammer drill has enough oomph to the impacts.
Make sure you don't puncture anything, like wires, gas pipes, or even drain pipes.
Paul
General Info Ground Rod Driver Bit This bit attaches to the hammer and allows it to be used to drive ground rods. It will cost you about $50 and it is important that you buy the bit after the hammer as there are several different attachment standards (spline, SDS-Max etc.).
The tool is a hardened steel cup that fits over the end of a straight rod -
If you live near a White Cap you can pick one up at the counter, otherwise you can shop their website or alternatively purchase a bit at Coastal Tool.
The ground rod driver bit will fit over rebar up to =BE" in diameter.
Specific SDS type driver bit
Maybe if you soak the ground for several days you might be able to pull them out....but unless they're solid copper they're probably not worth your time.
btw the driver bit works like a champ, I drove a 5/8 rod 8' long to full depth in less time than it took to plug in the extension cord & setup the hammer & climb up the ladder...... effortless is the best way to describe rod driving with the hammer bit
cheers Bob
Tha's what I always use. ITs just a standard fence post driver.
It certain beats a hammer (until you get close to the ground) put installing an 8' rod still is a PITA.
When I used to do a lot of service changes I would take a garden hose and get the water to just trickle out.... not much water but maybe an
1/8 inch stream or so....anyhow I would drive the rod in about a foot or so by hand then pull the rod back out and put the hose end right at the hole...replace the rod in the hole and just pick it up a few inches and push it back down...do this repeatedly and the you can almost put that rod all the way in without using a hammer.... At least around here I never had much of a problem....
I use four 2ft lengths of 3/4" galvanized pipe connected with couplings. Put a coupling on the top, and screw a pipe plug into it. Put it over the ground rod &7 drive it until the pipe touches the ground. Unscrew a section of pipe & keep driving. Continue until the last section of pipe touches the ground, and finish with a sledge.
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