Framing
Anchor Bolt
A bolt cast into concrete that secures the wood sill plate or other framing members to the foundation.
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In the Field
Anchor bolts must be set before the concrete sets — mark template locations precisely. IRC requires 1/2-inch minimum diameter bolts, embedded 7 inches, no more than 12 inches from corners, and maximum 6 feet on center. Shear wall hold-downs are separate from standard anchor bolts.
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Rule of Thumb
Set anchor bolts within 12 inches of wall ends and corners, then maximum 6 feet on center. Use a template or layout board to keep them aligned and at the correct projection above the slab.