The only way I've known of testing ground rods without a ground-testing meter, is to disconnect the EGC, place a 5A cartridge fuse in line with the EGC and a 120V line, turn on the power *briefly*, and if the fuse blows, you're done, if it don't, then drive another rod. Gives you a "threshold" of 24 Ohms, rather than the NEC 25, but it works. If you've got (closer to) 125V (we do here in Greenbrier County) then it's a perfect 25 Ohms.
Plus, you can gather nightcrawlers after the test!
I also read this in (I think) an older version of the American Electrician's Handbook (say, 1970's?)...
Kids, don't try this at home!
