How should the drill rod be removed from the hole?

• A. Pull straight up
• B. Rotate and pull straight up
• C. Twist and push
• D. Pull at angle

Answer: (B)

When removing the drill rod, you want to unscrew it while pulling straight up. Rotating helps disengage the threaded connection and overcome the grip of friction and soil that builds up inside the hole. Pulling straight up keeps the rod aligned with the hole, reducing lateral forces that could bind, bend the rod, or damage the hole walls. Options like pulling at an angle or twisting and pushing can increase the chance of binding, damage, or jamming, whereas simply pulling up without rotating tends to leave the threads seized. So, rotate to loosen, then pull straight up to withdraw smoothly and safely.