Abstract: A pneumatic ground piercing tool has a reversing mechanism than can be operated by remote control but which does not contain a moving valve member inside the tool which become jammed. Such a tool generally includes, as essential components, an elongated tubular housing having a rear opening, a striker disposed for reciprocation within an internal chamber of the housing to impart impacts to a rear impact surface of the anvil for driving the body through the ground, an air distributing mechanism for effecting reciprocation of the striker, a tail assembly mounted in a rear end opening of the housing that secures the striker and air distributing mechanism in the housing, and a reversing mechanism including a supplemental air line capable of supplying compressed air for reverse operation to a radial port in the air distributing mechanism. Opening the supplemental air line to the atmosphere produces a short stroke forward mode of operation useful for operations wherein a less forceful impact is desirable.