How do you get a 2" diameter steel rod into frozen ground?

Answer 1

Go to the rental shop and pick up an auger... the hand operated one with a motor that is used for fence posts. The tough part will be the beginning but it will cut through like a screw or a drill bit. Set your rod in at the desired depth and use the dirt to backfill or mix up some fast-set concrete to secure and hold it in place. As long as the concrete sets before it freezes (by keeping it warm if need be by tarps or heaters), you can use it any time of year.

Answer 2

Allow water to trickle slowly into the ground, making it most and slightly defrosted. The water temperature will raise the temp of the ground to above freezing. Don't let the soil get soggy. Use good gized sledge hammer with a long wooden handled to drive the rod. Take a bout five swings and rest. Keep going.

Answer 3

There are various steel companies like Ryerson that you can find on the net which sell carbon steel rods of 1/8" dia. I would go with cold rolled. You can specify the lengths or take one of their standard lengths. Also, locally you should be able to find steel supply companies that will supply some bulk rather than resort to a local hardware company that will cost quite a bit more.

Answer 4

You'd have to come up with a way to thaw out the ground first. Maybe put a fish house over the spot with a heater in it??

Answer 5

Jackhammer a hole to put it in. That's a BIG rod.
Treat the frozen ground as you would concrete. Jackhammers are used by road builders all the time and they work just fine.

Answer 6

Where are you ? Frozen ground is a little vague. Is it perma frost or seasonal? Try building a fire over the spot?

Answer 7

wait till the spring thaw or you can try pouring hot water on the ground to loosen it up

Answer 8

I would say a big hammer.