Feeler rod for water mains

In a leak detection device used in locating fluid leaks in a ground surface, and including an elongated rod having a handle transversely attached thereto, the improvement comprising:

• an anvil fixed to the rod and having a pair of spaced openings formed therethrough;
• a first collar slidably mounted on the rod in spaced relationship above the anvil for selective engagement therewith;
• a second collar slidably mounted on the rod in spaced relationship below the anvil for selective engagement therewith;
• a guide rod structure extending between the first and second collars and passing through openings formed in the anvil on opposite sides of the rod;
• a sheath surrounding the anvil, the upper and lower collars, the guide rod structure and connected to the second collar;
• and
• a T-shaped handle having a central portion receiving the rod therethrough and covering an upper portion of the first collar, the central portion being connected to a top end of the sheath,
• whereby pushing downwardly on the handle axially of the rod will cause the first collar to strike the anvil and drive the rod downwardly into the ground surface, pulling upwardly of the handle will cause the second collar to strike the anvil and retract the rod upwardly from the ground surface, and rotating the handle will cause the rod to rotate, the guide rod structure and the sheath acting to rigidify the rod as axial and torsional forces are applied thereto.