Making a ground anchor where none exists

[gf beranek]

That's a good idea, Burnam.

Having worked for the utilities, (both phone and electric) I relied a lot on using the same ground anchors that they used to guy their poles. The expanding plates stay in the ground. When done you simply unscrew the rod. I've never seen one pull out of the ground.

 

[Burnham]

It for sure was not my bright idea...learned it somewhere, and used it a few times over the years. Digging the hole is not as much fun as all that, but otherwise, it's a gem.

 

[murphy4trees]

I had the idea to use an old flat foot from a broken trailer jack as a ground anchor. The adjustable ones where there is a row of holes for the adjusting pin. Place horizontally on the ground. hammer foot into the ground, and pound rebar into each hole. Quick, light, easy setup and break down. The only thing I didn't figure is how to tie on a rope. Might need to drill a hole for a biner or weld up a shackle on the top of the foot. It would almost certainly hold the weight of three men pulling 3:1, but maybe not a vehicle.