1. Probe site with rebar ahead of rental.
2. Mark footing locations.
3. Set string line and grade reference.
4. Verify torque arm and driver connections.
5. Drive in High Gear.
6. Shift to Low Gear when resistance increases.
7. Check grade before final depth.
8. Leave saddle bolts loose until posts and beams are level.
9. Tighten final hardware.
Before your drill rental, probe all planned install locations with rebar and have your string lines, footing marks, and grade references fully prepared.
A. Probe Install Locations in Advance
Probe each planned screw location with 6-foot rebar before your driver rental date. This helps identify boulders, buried debris, or other obstructions before install day.
B. Mark Footing Locations
Mark all planned footing or screw center points before the driver arrives. Ground screw layout should be established ahead of installation so the install day is spent driving screws, not figuring out layout.
C. Set String Line and Grade Reference
Set your string line, layout lines, and grade reference before rental day. Official install guidance commonly relies on a survey plan, and finished height should be established from a level reference so all screw heads finish at a uniform elevation.
D. Relocate as Needed
If probing reveals rock, boulders, or buried debris, move the install location as needed before driving begins. Cobbles and boulders can interfere with installation performance.
A. Verify Final Screw Positions
Confirm each screw location against the project layout before installation begins.
B. Maintain Straight Lines
Use string line to keep rows straight and spacing uniform.
C. Confirm Access and Working Room
Make sure each location has enough clearance for the driver, torque arm, and operator movement.
A. Verify Torque Arm Position Before Trigger Use
Before pressing the trigger, confirm the torque arm is snug against the ground spike, wall, or other supporting structure and is ready to safely receive torque.
B. Verify Connections
Ensure the driver bit, adapter, and torque arm are fully secure before driving.
C. Five-Second Rule
D. High / Low Selector
If the High / Low selector does not move freely, lightly press the trigger in small increments until the gearbox aligns and the selector moves freely.
A. Initial Placement
When selecting the ground spike or brace point, verify the torque arm has enough room to retract during operation.
B. Retraction Check
If the torque arm fully retracts, stop and move the ground spike or support point as needed.
C. Personnel Safety
Keep all personnel clear of the energized torque arm during operation. High-torque install tools can create serious reaction force hazards.
A. Start in High Gear
Begin driving the screw in High Gear.
B. Shift to Low Gear
When the motor begins to sound stressed, slow significantly, or stop progressing, shift to Low Gear and continue the install.
C. Use Low Gear for Final Control
Use Low Gear for final depth control and for level adjustments with survey rod.
D. Maintain Plumb
Keep the screw plumb during the early portion of installation. AKGS specifically notes using a level and keeping the screw plumb, especially in the first 18–24 inches.
E. Pilot Hole if Needed
A pilot hole may be needed in some soil conditions. Pilot holes can help with location accuracy and maintaining plumb in hard soil, while other guides note pre-drilling may be required depending on soil type.
F. Watch for Excessive Churning
If material continuously churns to the surface for a prolonged time, the soil may not be accepting the screw properly. Stop and consider relocating the screw. Over-drilling the hole can reduce capacity.
A. Check Height Before Final Depth
Before reaching final installation depth, place the survey rod on the aluminum torque arm plate or drill motor housing to verify grade.
B. Match Finished Elevations
All foundation screws should finish at close to consistent elevation. Install guidance commonly calls for establishing finished height from a laser level.
C. Make Adjustments in Low Gear Only
Use Low Gear ONLY when making final level or height adjustments. Always return to the Five-Second Rule before re-triggering.
A. Leave Saddle Bolts Loose at First
When installing saddles, leave bolts loose initially so posts and beams can be leveled.
B. Level the Structure
After posts and beams are set, level, and secured, tighten the three set bolts according to the correct beam or post configuration.
C. Install Final Hardware
Install timber locks, structural screws, through-bolts, or other required hardware after final alignment is complete.
A. Best Practice for Rental Efficiency
To get the most from your rental period, have all probing, layout, footing marks, string line, and elevation references completed before pickup or delivery of the drill.
B. Alternate Locations May Be Required
Ground screw installation is fast when soils cooperate. If rock, buried debris, or poor conditions are encountered, alternate locations may be required.