Years ago when I worked on a power company line crew, I would carry a gallon jug of water to slowly pour next to the rod as I worked it down. This makes the job a lot easier.
I don't believe that NAPA parts are as consistently high as they used to be. Many are now made in China and are over priced. Rock Auto has the best prices on major brand parts. Sometimes you can beat Rock's prices on Amazon prime because of the free shipping which is often faster.