[Antennas] How I can drive 10' ground rod in

[Eric Lemmon]

Andy,

Since the top of the rod should always be below the ground surface, I
usually use a post-hole digger to create a hole about a foot deep.  I
then fill the hole with water, several times, if the soil is very dry.
For just a few rods, a heavy sledge hammer will work.  The hammer should
be at least a 12-pound sledge, but 16 or 20 pounders work much better.
The smaller sledges don't have enough mass relative to the rod to impart
much energy.  Once you have the rod at least 4 inches below grade, use a
clamp that is listed for direct burial to fasten a heavy copper wire to
the rod.  Better still, use an Erico Cadweld "One Shot" to make a
permanent bond.  Be careful not to use any aluminum wire or zinc clamps
in contact with the soil.  A lot of cheapo clamps are copper or brass
plated to look like solid brass or bronze, but these will corrode away in
just months.  Good luck!

73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY

VA3PL - Andy wrote:

> What is the best way to drive 10' long grounding rod into the ground?
>
> Andy - VA3PL
>
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