Good day everyone. I'm installing piles for the first time and I'm moving pretty slowly because I want to get everything perfect. My neighbor said I'm being too cautious and should just speed up the rotation to get through it faster. Is there actually any harm in turning the pile driver quickly, or is slow and steady really necessary?

Good day! Your instinct is absolutely right - slow and steady is the correct approach. Turning too quickly can actually damage both the pile and the tool. Rapid rotation creates uneven force distribution, can cause the pile to bind or twist, and increases the risk of losing vertical alignment. It also puts excessive stress on the pile driver's components, potentially causing premature wear or failure. The article at https://tips-for-working-with-piles.blogspot.com/2025/07/how-to-choose-pile-driver-for-screw.html specifically warns against rushing. Smooth, controlled rotation gives you better control, allows you to feel when you hit different soil layers, and ensures the pile goes in straight. Speed comes with experience, not force. Better to take an extra hour and do it right than rush and compromise your foundation.