Topcon 1005160-01 Aluminum Grade Rod – TENTHS Calibration
When fractions of a foot matter on the jobsite, you need a rod calibrated to match. The Topcon 1005160-01 is a 15.4-foot telescoping aluminum grade rod graduated in tenth-foot increments, purpose-built for drainage design, building pad prep, utility installation, and any grading application where tenth-foot resolution is standard practice. Lightweight aluminum construction keeps crew fatigue low during extended layout sessions, while the positive-locking extension mechanism holds your set length under field conditions without slipping or racking.
Product Overview & Jobsite Applications
The 1005160-01 is designed for use with automatic levels, digital levels, and laser level receivers on active construction sites. TENTHS graduation aligns directly with the decimal-foot system used in most civil engineering plans and grading specifications in North America, eliminating conversion errors in the field. The rod collapses to a compact carry length for easy transport between setup points and fits standard rod bags and survey vehicles without modification.
Key Specifications
- Model: Topcon 1005160-01
- Material: Aluminum alloy construction
- Extended Length: 15.4 feet
- Graduation: TENTHS (0.1 ft increments)
- Style: Telescoping / direct-read
- Compatible Instruments: Automatic levels, digital levels, laser receivers
- Graduation System: Decimal foot (engineers scale)
- Finish: High-visibility graduated face with durable markings
Key Features
- Tenths-calibrated face reads directly against decimal-foot grade specs — no mental conversion required
- 15.4-foot range handles typical cut-and-fill measurements on residential and commercial grading sites
- Positive-locking extension collar prevents rod creep during shots, maintaining read accuracy
- Lightweight aluminum keeps the rod manageable for solo operation over long layout days
- High-contrast graduation markings remain legible in bright sunlight and low-light morning conditions
- Compact collapsed length for easy transport, rod bag storage, and crew truck carry
- Compatible with standard rod level bubbles and rod targets for precision plumbing
Job Applications
Drainage & Swale Grading: Tenth-foot resolution is the standard for storm drainage design. The 1005160-01 lets your rod person call shots directly from the civil plans without rounding or estimating, keeping your machine operator on grade from the first pass.
Building Pad Preparation: Tight finished pad tolerances on commercial and residential projects demand consistent tenth-foot reads at every stake. This rod paired with an automatic level gives your grade crew the tool to meet spec on every benchmark shot.
Utility Line Installation: Sanitary sewer, storm drain, and water main installation requires verified invert elevations at each structure. TENTHS graduation confirms pipe slope calculations match plan grades at every manhole and inlet check.
Parking Lot & Flatwork Layout: Positive drainage across flatwork depends on precise tenth-foot elevation control. Use the 1005160-01 to confirm subgrade, base, and finished surface elevations against your grading plan throughout the paving sequence.
Compatible Accessories
- Topcon Rod Level Bubble – Ensures plumb rod positioning for accurate shots
- Topcon Rod Target / Rod Bullseye – Improves visibility at long sight distances
- Universal Grade Rod Bag – Padded carry bag for transport and storage
- Topcon Automatic Level AT-B4 – Matched optical level for site grading work
- Laser Level Receiver / Detector – For use with rotating laser systems on open sites
Related Guides
- How to Read a Decimal-Foot Grade Rod in the Field
- Tenths vs. Eighths Graduation: Choosing the Right Rod for Your Project
- Setting Up an Automatic Level for Site Grading
- Grade Rod Maintenance: Keeping Markings Readable Season After Season
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a tenths rod and a standard grade rod?
- A tenths rod is graduated in decimal-foot increments (0.1 ft), matching the engineering plans used on most civil construction projects in North America. A standard rod may use feet and inches or eighth-foot markings, which require conversion when working from decimal-foot grading plans. The Topcon 1005160-01 reads directly in tenths, eliminating field conversion errors.
- What instruments is the Topcon 1005160-01 compatible with?
- This rod is compatible with any optical automatic level, digital level, or laser level receiver that reads a standard graduated rod face. It works with Topcon instruments as well as Leica, Sokkia, Spectra, and other major brands. Always verify your instrument's minimum focus distance against your typical shot length on site.
- What is the collapsed length of this rod for transport?
- The 1005160-01 is a telescoping rod that collapses to a fraction of its 15.4-foot extended length, making it practical to transport in a standard survey vehicle or crew truck bed without special racks. Refer to Topcon's current product documentation for the exact collapsed dimension, as specifications are subject to manufacturer revision.
- Can this rod be used with a laser detector on open grading sites?
- Yes. When paired with a compatible laser level detector or receiver mounted on the rod, the 1005160-01 can be used on open sites with a rotating laser level system. Confirm detector mounting bracket compatibility before purchase, as clamp styles vary by detector model and rod cross-section.
