We have ordinary residential lawn sprinklers. Typically I have to dig up a few each year for various reasons. I struggle to push the 1" fittings together in the hole. I usually hold one end and whack the other end with the side of a hatchet. Not much room to swing unless I want to dig a BIG hole. It works but any suggestions would be appreciated.

These are just pushed together with no clamps. works fine but I would not want to court trouble by using lubricant.