Clothes line soil spike

[TubbyRutter]

So I have been gifted a lovely rotary clothes airer for the garden along with a spike to mount it in.

My house is a new build on the site of an old printworks, the lawn is fine however it appears that there is around 4 inches of soil above a fairly solid layer of rubble and hardcore.

I have tried whacking the spike into the ground with a mallet however this was clearly not man enough, so I then used a hefty sledge hammer and the full force of me (6 foot 5 and think arnie in his prime and you are about there!) crashing down and I still can't get it any deeper!

Any suggestions? guess I need a drill or some kind of specialist tools so let me know!

[miniman]

HTH

[TubbyRutter]

Probably should add without destroying too much of my putting green standard (read yellow and moss riden) lawn.

[yellowbentines]

I had to use a pickaxe to dig a hole, then I'd recommend cementing it in a bucket then burying the bucket. That way if you ever want to move the spike its an easier job to dig up and move.

[jeff m]

Rent a post hole auger.
Ask them for a for a small bit as they usually come with a bit that makes a hole a larger diameter than you need.

[HiRich]

To be honest, pick is probably the simplest idea to break through the layer. You might well backfill the soil rather than Postcrete it.
As you set it, stick the drier in the spike, so you can get it dead upright.
If you backfill the soil. tamp it down thoroughly and repeatedly (mallet & block of wood) as the soil goes in.
A mate or wife might be handy.

[Shadytree]

[captainzep]

yellowbentines said:

I had to use a pickaxe to dig a hole, then I'd recommend cementing it in a bucket then burying the bucket. That way if you ever want to move the spike its an easier job to dig up and move.

I filled a big planter with concrete, with an old paint roller tube set into it to hold the rotary dryer thingy. Its heavy enough to hold the dryer in breezy conditions but its (just about) light enough to heave around.

I put it on the patio because Mrs Zep was tending to hang washing out on the lawn standing in one spot on dewy mornings, therefore creating unnecessary areas of wear on the lawn. -That was an epic punishment bumming, I can tell you.

[bazking69]

Get the pick axe out, dig a hole and set it in concrete like the insructions say.
If you just drive it in I will guarantee it will be wonky.

[Eggle]

I had the same deal. Went through 3 metal "spikes" before I found the "screw".
It is basically a big hollow screw, to a point. What I did was bored down with an SDS drill 12" to give the center hole. Then you just screw this in with the aid of a bar. It even has a spirit level on so you can get it upright.
Homebase, £12!

[VxDuncan]

Worth a quick check of the drain layout just to make sure you're not trying to go through the main soil pipe for the road?

[blueyes]

How about nailing it to your other half's back?

Advantages:
1. You'll be able to see her coming and turn off the porn dvd
2. Easier for her to hang the washing
3. If it's raining she can dry the clothes inside as she moves from room to room.
4. At Christmas, cover it with tinsel and baubles.. Voila! Instant cristmas tree!

Disadvantages:
1. Certain sexual positions will be impossible