We recently had to install a pair of grounding rods to update our electrical system. There are a ton of methods for driving these 8 foot rods into the ground, but we found a pretty simple way that doesn’t require any special tools.

Grounding rods are a valuable protective measure for keeping your house safe. They function by offering a route for stray electricity to find its way to the earth. General guidance is to install two eight foot grounding rods at least 6 feet apart and bonded with a continuous length of wire to your electrical panel. Refer to your local jurisdiction for code requirements in your area.

It is possible to drive these rods in with a rotary hammer drill, a special grounding rod driving tool, or a fence post driver. However, here is a faster and easier way to drive your grounding rod without requiring any of those tools. This method works best in clay or sandy soils, so if your ground is rocky then this method may be more challenging.

1. Start by stabbing the pointed end into the dirt making a small hole.
2. Pull the rod back out and add a small amount (about one ounce) of water to the hole.
3. Using the weight of the rod, ram the rod into the water filled hole; it should drive down a few inches deeper than previously.
4. Lift rod and ram repeatedly, until it sticks. Then add more water and repeat.
5. Once all but about 8-10 inches of the rod is buried, it may be easier to finish the job with a hammer.

Don’t leave the rod in the ground for more than a few seconds or the mud will begin to compress around it and it will be much more difficult to retract.

Check out our video for more details.