Abstract: A system for splicing rods to connect a shear wall (12) to a concrete foundation (6). The system includes a hold down device (2) coupling a first rod (4) extending upwardly from the foundation with a second rod (8) suspended downwardly from the top (10) of the shear wall. The hold down device includes a body member (14) having a rod support (22) disposed on one side of the rods and two pairs of arms (32, 34) through which the rods extend. A cam element (54, 56) is disposed within the body member for positioning the rods within the body member. A securing bolt (18) extends through the rod support for securely retaining the cam element in position.