Avoiding bent auger stakes?

[HurtYurt]

Hi

We've got these 8 massive auger stakes that we use for our main shade structure.
They're prob at least 3' tall and very solid (super beefcake)
However, last burn we managed to bend them quite good in multiple directions while screwing them into the playa.
We used long steel pipes for leverage to get them almost flush with the ground, takes quite a bit of force to get them in.

Any ideas how to avoid bending the stakes?
I was thinking a post hole digger to make it easier, but wondering if that will weaken the load that the auger can hold?
Does watering help?

We realized not holding the steel pipe perfectly perpendicular to the stake when screwing it in makes matter worse, but even when being careful it seemed we managed to bend the stakes.

Any/All hints or tips appreciated
cheers!

[melodiousdirge]

Those auger stakes are beefy as fuck. The best way to make sure you don't bend them is to use a long pole through the eyelet with one person on each end, taking care to keep it level. This should help with the whole misaligned bending problem you're having. (I'm assuming you were using a long pole with only one person at the far end)

What I would be very temped to do is as you say - use a posthole digger to dig the holes and set the auger, then backfill with playa and add some water. (a note - DPW has to go around after the burn and break up any clods or playa slicks left by people dumping water, so conduct yourself accordingly and try not to make a big mess). I would add just a bit of water once the hole is half full and again once it's almost full to the top. The water emulsifies the playa and when it dries up it will be like concrete. You may bend the posts getting them OUT if you do it this way, but at least you'll be done with them by that time.

Just a thought. I've seen people poopoo this suggestion before, but I also know some folks that swear by it so YMMV.