Anchor Bolt Locating Jig (SDCJ)
Anchor Bolt Locating Jig (SDCJ)
Anchor Bolt Locating Jig (SDCJ) — Find Dead Center on Bent, Leaning, or Damaged Anchor Bolts
The SDCJ is a precision anchor bolt locating jig built for land surveyors who need fast, repeatable dead-center measurements during anchor bolt as-built surveys. When freshly set anchor bolts are bent, leaning, or knocked off-plumb, eyeballing the center with a rod and prism introduces error that often isn't caught until the raw data reaches the back office — forcing a costly return trip. The SDCJ gives every crew member the same fixed, repeatable datum, so you capture the true center where the bolt exits the concrete the first time.
It's the first product in our Dead Center Assurance Solution line, engineered and manufactured in the USA around a lightweight, high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum body with corrosion-resistant 304/316 stainless steel hardware.
How it works on the job site: slide the jig over the anchor bolt, install the bottom plate that matches your bolt diameter, then use the included laser plummet and level to confirm plumb before you store the location. The result is millimeter-accurate as-built data on even the most complex bolt patterns — no guesswork, no return visits.
Built from the right material for each job:
- Main body: precision-machined 6061-T6 aluminum — the lightweight, rigid structural datum for every measurement
- Hardware: 304/316 corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners
- Incremental bottom plates: high-impact ASA plastic, manufactured in ⅛" increments from ½" to 2" for a precise, repeatable fit across bolt sizes
- Alignment yokes: two ASA plastic yokes that keep the rods aligned and form part of the main body's structure
Key specifications:
- Fits anchor bolts from ½" to 2" in diameter, adjustable in ⅛" increments
- Handles up to 12" of bolt stick-up above the concrete
- Includes laser plummet, plumbing plate, shim pack, hex keys, interchangeable ASA-plastic bottom plates, and a 5/8-11 to ¼-20 mini-prism adapter
- Compatible with mini-prisms for any major total station (Trimble, Leica, Topcon, and others)
- Engineered to support First Order, Class I (1:100,000) relative closure standards
- Ships in an orange weatherproof field case
Whether you're locating hundreds of anchor bolts on a prefabricated steel structure, a cell tower, or a bridge foundation, the SDCJ turns a "good" as-built into a certified one. Every unit is hand-inspected and serialized with a Certificate of Accuracy before it leaves the shop.
Prism not included. Lead times are currently up to 2–3 weeks. For fleet or quantity orders, contact us directly. Free shipping on all U.S. orders.
Technical Resources
Download the full specs and documentation:
- Technical Data Sheet (PDF)
- Quick Start Guide (PDF)
- Warranty & Safety Manual (PDF)
- Certificate of Accuracy (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find the center of a bent or leaning anchor bolt?
Without a tool, crews eyeball the center and plumb the rod by hand, which introduces error that often isn't caught until the raw data reaches the back office. The Shields Dead Center Jig (SDCJ) removes the guesswork by seating on the bolt and establishing the same fixed dead-center point every time, so every crew member captures the same location.
What tool do surveyors use for anchor bolt as-builts?
The Shields Dead Center Jig (SDCJ) is purpose-built for anchor bolt as-builts. It fits bolts from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter, adjusts in 1/8 inch increments, and includes a laser plummet and a 5/8-11 to 1/4-20 mini-prism adapter compatible with any major total station (Trimble, Leica, Topcon, and others).
How accurate is the SDCJ?
It is engineered to support First Order, Class I (1:100,000) relative closure. Each unit is hand-inspected and serialized with a Certificate of Accuracy before it leaves the shop.
How much does the SDCJ cost?
The SDCJ is $880. At roughly $300 to $450 in crew time per avoided return trip, it typically pays for itself in about two to three prevented go-backs.
What anchor bolt sizes does it fit?
It fits anchor bolts from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter, adjustable in 1/8 inch increments, and handles up to 12 inches of bolt stick-up above the concrete.
What is it made of, and is it made in the USA?
Yes — it is designed and manufactured in the USA. The body is precision-machined 6061-T6 aluminum with corrosion-resistant 304/316 stainless steel hardware and high-impact ASA plastic bottom plates.
What comes in the kit?
Each kit includes the main jig body, laser plummet, plumbing plate, shim pack, hex keys, interchangeable ASA-plastic bottom plates, a 5/8-11 to 1/4-20 mini-prism adapter, and an orange weatherproof field case. The prism is not included, and lead times are currently up to 2–3 weeks.