Soil Spike: Here Martin is holding up a proto type soil spike being used at the Brienza Property. The spike consists of a rod and cable which is set into the soil with an insertion tool. This generation of soil spike works ideally in very soft or sandy soil. For hard-pack soils such as gravel beds the second generation of soil spike is recommended.

Advantages

• Two individuals can carry to the worksite one insertion tool and 100 spoil spikes easily. The equivalent in T Bar fence posts would require over 20 individuals to carry the same load (assuming one individual can carry 5 T Bars each).
• No onsite preparation is required prior to insertion of the soil spike. The anchor is factory pre-assembled (soil spike with a 5 foot tether). When using T Bars, one or two individuals are typically required to remain behind in the work party to cut cables into appropriate lengths. Afterwards individuals are required to secure the cable to the T Bar and then to rehabilitation materials.
• The second-generation soil spikes use an all-in-one insertion tool. Every blow of the post-pounder hammer counts towards driving the spike into the ground and the post-pounder used on the insertion tool is secured in such a way that it cannot be removed from the insertion tool. Crews using T Bars with sledgehammers frequently miss their mark while attempting drive it into the stream bank. The safer tool to use for T Bar is the post-pounder. Unfortunately, this tool can also pose a danger. The post-pounder is not secured to the fence post. It can inadvertently slip off on the upstroke if the user is not careful during every stroke of use.
• The post-pounder used on the all-in-one insertion tool has ergonomic handle positioning. The users hands can slide freely along the handles on the downward stroke, preventing a sudden impact to the wrists of user as the hammer hits home.
• The all-in-one tool is also used to rotate the soil spike into undisturbed soil thereby setting it firmly. Installers are not required to tug on the cable to set the anchor. This eliminates any future cable slack.