Abstract: A bolt positioning and retaining device possesses a base through which it is attached to a mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also includes a stop, and may include one or more steps and corresponding step faces, each of which is capable of abutting an edge of a mud wall to enable accurate positioning of a bolt relative to that mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also preferably includes a bolt retainer comprising a plurality of gripping flanges, which allow an anchor bolt to be quickly and easily inserted into the bolt retainer and which securely retain the bolt after insertion. The bolt retainer is located on an extension arm, which preferably extends outward from and at an angle to the plane of the base.