Abstract: The disclosed retainer is useful in tying together sections of concrete or like elements; e.g., in roads, highways and the like, especially where a new section is laid next to and is positively joined to an existing section by several dowels inserted into drilled holes in the old section and left protruding to interlock with the poured new section. The function of the retainer is to slip over the dowel to abut the old section and to prevent leakage of the grout or other adhesive used to cement the dowel to the old section. The retainer of the present invention is preferably a disk of relatively stiff but flexible material having a central circular opening to fit frictionally over the dowel.