Abstract: An apparatus for securing the rock formation of a structure, such as in the walls and ceiling of a mine shaft includes a forward portion having a given diameter and length and cross section and a larger diameter rear portion also having a given diameter and length and cross section. A tapered conical portion is attached between the forward portion and the rear portion thereby serving as a smooth interface therebetween. A slit, having a predetermined width gap, runs the full length of the apparatus and an annulus is provided that is attached to the rear portion to engage a mine shaft plate. To insert the apparatus into the formation, a first larger diameter hole is drilled into the formation approximately equal to or slightly in excess of the length of the rear portion. A second smaller diameter hole is then drilled along the same axis to an overall depth which equally or exceeds the length of the apparatus. The mine shaft plate is then placed over the apparatus before it is inserted into the drilled holes.