Introduction
Holding down bolts are critical for the stability of steel-framed buildings. Yet, getting them in the right place during concrete pours has long been a challenge on construction sites. Even small misalignments can lead to costly remedial works, delays in steel erection, and headaches for contractors.
Key Points from This Article
- The Centraliser keeps holding down bolts perfectly central during concreting.
- Ensures accurate bolt positioning — no risk of misaligned base plates.
- Speeds up steel column erection by removing the need for remedial adjustments.
- Reduces labour, plant hire, and rework costs on site.
- Prevents debris entering bolt pockets after cone removal.
- Simple to install, robust, and reliable even for less experienced site labour.
- Available in multiple sizes (60–130mm cones, M20–M36 bolts).
- A cost-effective solution to an age-old construction problem.
The Centraliser is a new product that solves this age-old problem. Designed to work with traditional waxed cardboard cones, it keeps holding down bolts perfectly central during installation, then leaves a clear pocket once the cone is removed — ready for accurate and easy steel column erection.
Why Bolt Positioning Goes Wrong
On many sites, cones around holding down bolts can shift during the concreting process. Even a few millimetres out of tolerance can create big problems when base plates don’t line up with the bolts. Surveyors and site engineers are then left dealing with time-consuming rework, drilling oversized holes, or even breaking out and recasting bases.
The Centraliser eliminates this risk. By holding the bolt securely in the centre of the cone throughout concreting, it ensures 100% accuracy, regardless of who is installing the bolt assemblies.
The Benefits of Using Centraliser
1. Guaranteed Accuracy Every Time
Centraliser acts like an insurance policy for holding down bolts. It guarantees that bolts remain central in the cone throughout concreting — no more guesswork, no more reliance on nails or temporary fixes.
2. Faster Steel Erection
With bolts perfectly positioned, steel columns can be stood and fixed more quickly. There’s no need for site teams to wrestle with misaligned base plates or spend hours correcting mistakes.
3. Reduced Labour and Plant Costs
Centraliser reduces the risk of remedial works, meaning no extra drilling, cutting, or breakout. It also prevents debris from falling into bolt pockets once cones are removed, cutting out the need for cleaning before erection.
4. Simple, Robust, and Reliable
Centraliser are incorporated into the waxed cone, giving extra rigidity during placement into wet concrete. They can be installed quickly and easily, even by less experienced site labour.
5. Universal Fit
Available in a range of sizes from 60mm to 130mm outer diameters and for bolt sizes M20 through M36, Centralisers suit all standard cone sizes used in construction.
Real Savings on Site
While bolt problems may not occur every day, the cost when they do is significant. From lost time to damaged client relationships, remedial works are something every contractor wants to avoid. The Centraliser delivers peace of mind for a minimal cost per unit, ensuring both productivity and accuracy on site.
Summary
The Centraliser is a small product with a big impact. By eliminating bolt misalignment during concreting, it removes the risk of costly errors, speeds up steel erection, and improves site productivity.
If your project relies on accurate holding down bolts — and most steel frame builds do — the Centraliser offers a simple, proven solution to an old problem.
👉 Learn more about the product at Centraliser UK
👉 Order directly via Lichfield Survey Supplies
