Electricians: anyone use(d) either of these?

[ElectricNut]

Just curious if anyone has used, heard about, hates, loves, etc. either of the following tools.

Ground Rod Driving Bit: http://www.absolutehome.com/assets/images/product_enlarged/milwaukee48-62-4045.jpg

PVC Bender: http://www.hotbend.com/index.html

The bender is something I'd never need or be able to afford and I'm just wondering about. The ground rod driving bit is something I'd definitely use if it's worth it. Anyone have any opinions?

[mdshunk]

Yes, I absolutely use the ground rod driver bit. Mine's made by Milwaukee. It ran around 65 bucks. I use it in my 5321-21 rotary hammer drill. It puts in ground rods pretty well. Sure beats a sledgehammer.

I've never seen the HotBend gun. I have two Greenlee "Hot Boxes". One does 1/2 through 2" and is about 2 feet long. The other does 2" through 6", and is about 7 feet long. They are both electric. I have three sizes of electric heating blankets that are handy for correcting and adjusting stub-ups. That HotBend gun looks like it would be really easy to scorch pipe. I know some guys skillfully use a propane torch on smaller sizes, and a weed burner (roofer's type) huge torch nozzle on bigger sizes. That seems like the basic idea that the hot bend gun works on.

[ElectricNut]

MD,
would you recommend only using a corded rotary hammer, or would a higher end cordless like a Milwaukee or Dewalt work with the ground rod driver?

[mdshunk]

Are you pulling my leg? A cordless will do nothing at all. You need the most top of the line spline rotary hammer that you can afford. Some guys use an electric jackhammer. If you're looking to drive ground rods, you're in the "more than 500 bucks" category right off the bat. If you're just looking to get rid of the sledgehammer, check out a farm or feed supply store and look at manual fence post drivers. They'll put a gound rod in all but the last three feet. You'll need a sledge to finish it off.

[ggratecc]

You need the most top of the line spline rotary hammer that you can afford. Some guys use an electric jackhammer.

Stupid question...as I am getting ready to spend $500...is SDS the
same as Spline?

also, have you ever seen someone use air compressor and tool for
driving the ground rods?

thanks,

[mdshunk]

Stupid question...as I am getting ready to spend $500...is SDS the
same as Spline?Nope. There are 3 systems. SDS, SDS Max, and Spline drive. SDS is light duty, and SDS Max and spline have the same capacity. None of the three systems are interchangable. I prefer spline, because it seems to be more "standard" for heavy rotary hammers.

also, have you ever seen someone use air compressor and tool for driving the ground rods?Yes, a jackhammer. This is how many tent erectors drive stakes for big tents. Tower grounding crews do this too, since you could be driving many sectional ground rods a hundred feet or more. Never saw an electrician using such a rig.

[6pack]

always used as mentioned by MD, drill itself was WHACKER, deffinetly high dollar item and well worth it. Depending on your situation I would assume this tool or one similar could be rented. Not familiar with your situation if money not there to pop for one and you can rent. Add to your bid, well worth it. Another thing I used for years, was a weighted driver. Basically a tube with a weighted end similiar to what is used for driving wells. Then just lift till and drop till you need that final 2' with a sledge. What it's worth. We too used a hand torch till the box came out.