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#19852 01/04/03 05:22 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 31
R
rowd Offline OP
Member
I've got four new service upgrades to do in the next two weeks. The ground is frozen. Any good ideas on driving the ground rod past the freeze point?

#19853 01/04/03 05:54 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 49
J
Member
You better be either a really good shot with a sledge hammer or use a simple fence post driver.


The lesson is in the struggle, not the victory.
#19854 01/04/03 06:04 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
H
Member
When I was in business, I had an electric demolition hammer to drive the ground rods into the soil. If the ground was frozen, we would use a hammer drill to get through the frost line, then drive the rod down. Here in northern NJ the frost can get as deep as 36". We had some long hammer drill bits. [Linked Image]

#19855 01/04/03 06:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 134
L
Member
rowd...i use my hilti drill to install all my ground rods.(no more sledge hammer.)

or you try to a drill a pilot hole and dump some antifreeze down the hole.

#19856 01/04/03 07:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
well the anti-F's a new on on me lighthouse.....

#19857 01/04/03 07:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 112
G
Member
everybody knows this is the best time of year for driving ground rods! the frozen ground is good for keeping the rods from going in TOO FAR!...lol!.... [Linked Image]

seriously, we have a driving attachment for our hilti that works pretty good....also, i've used an auger bit and extension before, then pour a little antifreeze, or even warm "water", down the hole............... [Linked Image]

#19858 01/04/03 07:55 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
To all that use their roto hammers or demolition hammers to drive ground rods, do like gramps says and use an attachment. Driving the rod directly in your tool may not ever cause a problem, but, when it does, (I know from experience) it cost to repair the head.

Roger

#19859 01/05/03 12:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
Likes: 3
Member
lighthouse, mate,welcome to ECN.
What a huge idea that is, best I've heard yet,what sort of tip do you use for this?.
How prevalent is the Hilti in the US?, they are pretty big over here(NZ), for the serious contractors, we have Core-bits and all sorts of other attachments, but none to drive an Earth Rod.
Was the Hilti, an American invention?, just curious?, one thing I must say I'm glad that someone invented it.
It makes life so easy. [Linked Image]

#19860 01/05/03 01:06 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 507
G
Member
"Any good ideas on driving the ground rod past the freeze point?"

Have your apprentice drive them!

GJ

#19861 01/05/03 02:08 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 333
S
Member


Steve
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