Abstract: A gauge (100) for measuring wear of a trailer kingpin (10) provides, for each of the base (20) and shank (30) parts of a kingpin, two contiguous slots (118 and 120, and 114 and 116, respectively), one slot (118, 114) sized to indicate sufficient wear to warrant scheduling replacement or rebuilding, and the other, more lateral slot (120, 116), sized to indicate failure due to excessive wear. In described embodiments, the two pairs of contiguous slots (118 and 120, 114 and 116) are joined in the middle of the gauge (100) by an entrance area (112). A respective kingpin base (20) or shank (30) that does not pass, at its widest point, from the entrance area (112) into the respective slot (118, 114) has not worn to the point of warranting replacement or rebuilding. Embodiments of the kingpin gauge (100) may also have spaced apart open slots (141, 142) for measuring the length and trueness of a kingpin along its vertical axis (50).

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter.

Abstract: A brake evaluation gauge is useful to determine a brake lining thickness and/or brake drum wear. Depending on the particular embodiment selected, one of a thickness measurement, a percentage of brake life left, a pass or a fail indication may be indicated for the thickness of the brake lining. A first end of a gauge is inserted between a brake shoe table and a brake drum of applied air brakes to provide this reading. Furthermore, a recess in the gauge is placed over a ridge created by wear of the brake lining on the brake drum. If the ridge contacts the interior surface of the recess, then excessive wear of the brake drum is indicated.

Abstract: A rotation-angle detecting device contains two rotators having the same number of teeth, which engage with a gear fixed to a rotation-detecting axle as a detected object. The detecting device further includes a controller. Receiving a rotation-angle signal from the rotators, the controller amplifies the signal, performs calculations, and stores the results. The controller converts each rotation-angle signal from each rotator into each periodic waveform output having the same crest value, and stores an initial phase difference value at initial setting. In driving operations, monitoring an evaluation value calculated with reference to the initial phase difference value, the controller determines that abnormalities occurred, if the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined abnormality-evaluation threshold.

Abstract: A fixture and method for checking whether a steering column alignment mark is properly placed. The fixture includes a wheel member that is affixed to a spline adaptor and that includes a plurality of surface alignment indicators. The fixture is rotatably linked to the steering column, and then the steering column, by manipulation of the fixture, is rotated the maximum amount in one direction. An offset reference indicator is selected from the face of the fixture by its alignment with a fixed point at the point of maximum rotation, and then the steering column is rotated the maximum amount in the opposite direction. An offset reference indicator is selected from the face of the fixture by its alignment with a fixed point at the point of maximum rotation. The numerals associated with the two selected offset reference indicators are compared and based upon this comparison, it is determined whether the alignment mark is properly positioned on the steering column.

Abstract: A fixture and method for checking whether a steering column alignment mark is properly placed. The fixture includes a wheel member that is affixed to a spline adaptor and that carries a range marker. The range marker has a length that corresponds with an acceptable deviation. The fixture is rotatably linked to the steering column, and then the steering column, by manipulation of the vesture, is rotated the maximum amount in one direction, and then the position of the range marker is compared to a fixed reference. Based upon this comparison, it is determined whether the alignment mark is properly positioned on the steering column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a fuel injector in an engine assembly by providing a variable fuel injector height gauge, selecting a height on the gauge, setting the height on the gauge and adjusting the height of the fuel injector in accordance with the height of the gauge.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two optical adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions two optical targets of the aligner at transversely spaced apart locations. The stand is positioned between the vehicle and the aligner and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to the thrust line of the vehicle. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the thrust line.

Abstract: A method of reducing an n-order component of a radial run out (RRO) of a wheel rim is disclosed, wherein an average Y of RRO Y1 and RRO Y2 of the bead seats is obtained around the wheel rim; the peak-to-peak amplitude X of the n-order component of the average Y is obtained; minimum position(s) at which the n-order component becomes minimum is found to determine deep position(s) P on the wheel rim corresponding to the minimum position(s); a corrective tape having a thickness t of 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the chassis measurement of vehicles such as motor vehicles, wherein the apparatus includes a vehicle lift platform with which a chassis to be measured can be reversibly lifted and an axle measurement lifting device with which an axle measuring unit can be reversibly lifted. The axle measurement lifting device has at least two lifting stages which are actuable reversibly independently of each other.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching vehicle doors to a body such that the doors are attachable without further adjustment. A net body coordinate system is established for a welded vehicle frame, and upper and lower locating slots are pierced in hinge pillars of the vehicle frame relative to the net body coordinate system. An offline fixture is provided for setting upper and lower door hinges cross-car and forming a locating nubbin in the hinges relative to a door. The door is attached to the vehicle frame by engaging the locating nubbins in the door hinges with the locating slots in the vehicle hinge pillar.

Abstract: A fixture and method for aligning a vehicle fender and door, particularly a fixture for an assembly line point that attaches to a vehicle door and moves a front edge of the door to a spacing element, attaches to a vehicle fender, moves the fender to the spacing element and to a pre-defined 3-dimensional relationship with the door, and holds the fender in the pre-defined relationship while the fender is secured in place on the vehicle.

Abstract: Device for the dynamic measurement of an object's relative position, with respect to a mobile reference system, which comprises an articulated mechanical arm with five degrees of freedom and with five angular position sensors that allow the measurement of the three spatial coordinates of a point on the object and the two inclination angles (&agr; (convergence) and &ggr; (descent)) that define a plane of symmetry for the measuring object with respect to a reference point, said device being particularly applicable to the dynamic measurement of the relative position of a vehicle's wheel.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus, system and method of alignment for motorcycle is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes an elongated threaded rod and two internally threaded cones that screw onto either end of the rod in opposition. The alignment system typically includes two of the apparatuses, one to be fitted within the rear axle and the other to be fitted within the swing arm pivot shaft. The distance is measured between the ends of the rods on either side of the motorcycle and the rear axle is adjusted until the distances are equal. The rear wheel is then in alignment with the motorcycle.

Abstract: A torque sequence template includes a head gasket backing that is constructed and arranged to support a head gasket when packaged with the backing. The head gasket backing has a plurality of tightening sequence punch-outs arranged thereon in positions corresponding to head bolt locations. The cylinder head bolts are used to secure an engine head to the block. The head gasket backing has sequence indicators provided next to the punch-outs that indicate the sequence in which the bolts are to be tightened.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting a change in inclination beyond a threshold level is provided. Preferably the change in inclination results from a reduction of pressure for a tire associated with a vehicle. In the preferred embodiment mercury tilt switches are preferably placed at right angles to each other and are placed at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The contacts of the tilt switch can be at least substantially vertically oriented to further reduce spurious activation. The tilt switches are preferably connected to a timing circuit such that only a preset time duration activation will result in a signal being sent to a notification device, such as a light, sound, or other indication member or device.

Abstract: A method 500 and an assembly 200 for determining the presence of gaps located between a first portion 240 of a partially assembled apparatus 228 and a second portion 230. The existence and size of the gap may be discerned by use of a wireless gap sensor 309 which is engaged by the portion 230 as it abuts or comes into close proximity with the portion 240. Other methods 400 and 500 may be respectively used to respectively discern the existence and the size of a gap within an assembled vehicle and to measure the deflection of a portion of an apparatus, such as a vehicle.

Abstract: A J-back calibration device is adapted to vary respective positions of the seat and the back on a chair to which it is removedly attached. A chair measurement device is mounted to the seat of the chair and is adapted to take measurements of the chair given a set position of the J-back calibration device. A design of experiments software is provided with test condition information including the variable positions of the J-back calibration device and measurements from the chair measurement device. The software generates a table of configuration settings for the J-back calibration device at which shirt-pull and bridging or other such variable sought to be optimized can be measured and provided to the software. Through graphical and other analytical tools, optimal configuration settings for the variable positions of the J-back calibration device are determined. The J-back of a chair is adapted to these calibrated settings.

Abstract: A unit assembling error prevention structure consists of a first unit, a second unit, a plurality of fixing means arranged at equal pitches, with which to assemble the first and second units together, two types of positioning frames, large and small, provided in an alternate manner on one of the first and second units, and a projection means provided on the other of the first and second units. The projection means is capable of advancing into the large positioning frame, but abuts against the small positioning frame. A pitch discrepancy is prevented at the time of assembling a battery connection plate or the like to a battery assembly or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a housing such as a flywheel housing with a crankshaft or other rotating member. The apparatus includes a main shaft and a mount by which the main shaft is mounted to the center axis of a member rotating in a housing. A sleeve is received upon and rotates relative to the main shaft and is provided with a mount for a dial indicator. The dial indicator is positioned so that any misalignment between the rotating member and the housing is output by the dial indicator as the sleeve is rotated relative to the housing. Depending upon the output of the dial indicator, the position of the housing is changed relative to the rotating member to align the center axis of the rotating member with the center axis of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for measuring the wheel angle on steerable vehicles. When determining large course angles, such as maximum wheel deflection, the course angle itself, which is difficult to measure, is not measured directly. Instead, the wheel camber (or turning) is measured and this angle is then utilized to calculate the course angle sought, with the aid of known values of straight course angles of the wheel and gradient of the kingpin.

Abstract: A hand held integral gauge for comparing automotive starters so that a replacement starter will accurately match the starter being replaced, to avoid poor engagement and premature failure of flywheels and starters. The gauge is compact, easy to use and manufacture, and consists of only three main parts. The gauge is mounted on the starter to be replaced to get initial measurement (in ten thousandths). The gauge is then mounted in the same way on the replacement starter to compare, thus determining an accurate fit.

Abstract: A torque sequence template includes a head gasket backing that is constructed and arranged to support a head gasket when packaged with the backing. The head gasket backing has a plurality of tightening sequence punch-outs arranged thereon in positions corresponding to head bolt locations. The cylinder head bolts are used to secure an engine head to the block. The head gasket backing has sequence indicators provided next to the punch-outs that indicate the sequence in which the bolts are to be tightened.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor that contains multiple bits of positional data is provided. The rotary position sensor includes an overmold and an applique that is applied to the overmold. The applique includes a clear film upon which the multiple bits of positional data can be screen printed. The rotary position sensor can be utilized in a variety of different applications to determine a position being sensed, such as, those applications relating to determining the position of an automotive steering wheel during operation.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuous variable speed transmission, the power roller unit having a trunnion with concentric pivot portions at opposite ends thereof, a pair of bearings disposed around the pivot portions, a displaceable shaft rotatably supporting a pivot support shaft disposed in a hole formed in the trunnion, and a power roller rotatably supported around the pivot support shaft, the measuring apparatus comprising at least one pedestal having an upper surface adapted to support the pivot portions of the trunnion, a hold-down actuator adapted to press the bearings against the upper surface of the at least one pedestal, and a power roller hold-down actuator adapted to press the power roller toward the trunnion, a drive actuator adapted to displace at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft, and a measuring device that measures the displacement of the at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a first member in a desired radial orientation relative to a second member. The positioning device includes a coupling portion for coupling the positioning device to the second member, a contact member for contacting the first member and an adjustment portion for controllably adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. The radial orientation of the first member relative to the second member is changed by adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. A method for taking dimensional data on a hinged subassembly is also provided.

Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the impressing depth of a tire on a motor vehicle disk wheel, the impressing depth is determined using a wheel balancing machine structure from the wheel rim width, the axial spacing of an abutment surface on the main mounting shaft of the machine from a reference plane of the machine, and the axial spacing of one of the two measurement points for the wheel rim width from the reference plane.

Abstract: A tool for indicating whether a measured ride height of a vehicle is within a tolerance range for a specified ride height is provided. The measured ride height is equal to a vertical distance between a reference surface of the vehicle, such as a vehicle frame rail at a suspension centerline, and a rotational axis of a vehicle wheel. The tool has a support member, a first measurement member, and a second measurement member.

Abstract: A repair device for repairing body panels for motor vehicles and the like includes a thin filament with a hook at one end and a Y-shaped body at the other. The device is used by attaching the hook and the body to the respective portions of the body and then tensioning the filament in between to establish a straight line. A body filler then may be added to repair the panel as required using the straight line as a guide. The filament may be cut off and left in the filler for reinforcement.

Abstract: An improved frame height gauge for race cars includes a substantially hollow housing having an open top end. A spring urges a stop member pivotally mounted within the housing to an extended position in which the stop member projects through the top opening. In use, an individual slides the gauge beneath a frame portion of a race car at a location to be measured, causing the stop member to contact a portion of the race car frame, depressing the stop member against the bias of the spring into the housing to a depressed position in which the distance from a bottom surface of the housing resting on the ground or a floor to the uppermost extending portion of the stop member corresponds to the car frame height at the particular location.

Abstract: A telescoping bar includes a track pusher for adjusting and measuring the track on a motor vehicle's wheels. A pneumatic spring, housed within the telescoping bar, functions as an accumulator and applies expansion forces on either the two front wheels or two rear wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for adjusting the alignment of a beam characteristic of a distance sensor, in particular of a proximity radar for a motor vehicle. An apparatus for positioning a motor vehicle, preferably a headlight aiming device, is joined to the target object for the distance sensor. Also provided is a service unit with which measured values or data of the distance sensor can be read out. On the basis of at least one predefined criterion, the measured values or data are analyzed in such a way that necessary displacement directions of the distance sensor can be displayed by way of the service unit. Preferably the capability of the distance sensor to determine angular positions of detected target objects is utilized. Otherwise adjustment is performed to predefined reception levels.

Abstract: A tool which facilitates the alignment of a closure striker with a latch on an automotive panel in which the automotive panel includes at least one alignment opening. The tool includes a plate having an outwardly projecting alignment pin(s) which is positioned within the alignment opening(s) on the automotive panel. A pair of spaced supports are secured to and extend outwardly from the other side of the plate and thus away from the automotive panel. An elongated guide rod is secured to and extends between the supports so that the guide rod is substantially parallel to the side of the plate abutting the automotive panel. A slide is longitudinally movably mounted on the guide rod and carries a striker to be secured to the automotive panel. A centering pin aligned with the striker is mounted to the slide. The latch on the automotive panel abuts against the centering pin when the panel is moved to a preset partially closed position.

Abstract: A ride height gauge comprising a frame and an indicating mechanism. The frame preferably includes an upright and a generally horizontal base attached to the upright to form a right angle joint. The indicating mechanism preferably includes an arm, an arm mount, and an indicator device. The arm is attached to the arm mount, and the arm mount is slidably attached to the upright. The arm has a vertical position along the upright. The indicator device quantifies the vertical position of said arm. The indicator device may either be an analog device or a digital device. A method for using the ride height gauge to measure the ride height of an automobile chassis includes the steps of positioning the gauge directly under a corner of the chassis, sliding the arm upward until the arm contacts the chassis, and reading the quantified vertical position of the arm from the indicator device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for installing door hinges on car bodies, whereby the actual opening width of the car door on the side frame receiving one or two car doors in the longitudinal car axis is touch-sensitively determined by means of a sensor in a direction X and the arrangement of the door hinges is adjusted in said direction X using a positioning system connected to the sensor by a cranking device, depending on the tolerance margin, which should be calculated so as to have at least vertically (direction Z) as uniform a slot width as possible once the car door is mounted.

Abstract: An electronic compass system for eliminating magnetic noise which is integrated with an instrument cluster. A vehicle accessory, such as a stepper motor, also located in the instrument cluster, generates a known, consistent, magnetic field of intensity sufficient to cause a static magnetic offset in the electronic compass for each of its' electrical states. A magnetic field sensor detects a combination of The Earth's magnetic field and this stray magnetic field. A controller uses a predetermined correction factor, corresponding to the electrical state, to eliminate the effect of the static magnetic offset. The controller then displays a heading unaffected by the static magnetic offset.

Abstract: An electronic compass system using magnetic signatures to detect a vehicle event which is integrated with an instrument cluster. A vehicle accessory, such as a rear defrost grid, generates a known, consistent, magnetic field of intensity sufficient to cause a static magnetic offset in the electronic compass for each of its' electrical states. This known consistent, magnetic field has a magnetic signature. A magnetic field sensor detects a combination of Earth's magnetic field and the stray magnetic field produced by the vehicle accessory. A controller is coupled to the magnetic field sensor and searches the magnetic field signal for the magnetic signature. The controller then looks up a predetermined correction factor, or uses an algorithm to determine a correction factor, corresponding to the magnetic signature, to eliminate the effect of the static magnetic offset. The controller then displays a heading unaffected by the static magnetic offset.

Abstract: A self-centering arbor adapted to locate a hole in a mechanical object having coaxial openings, such as brackets, bushings or the like, with vastly improved accuracy and repeatability. The self-centering arbor comprises two opposite free floating, spring biased, coaxial, tapered pins mounted in a housing member for engagement with the openings in the axle bracket or the like. The housing includes opposite first and second housings interconnected by a mandrel shaft. Furthermore, two spherical locating members are secured to the housing member and are oppositely aligned on an axis of the tapered pin.

Abstract: A measurement platform for an overhead cam shaft type internal combustion engine having at least one piston reciprocable within a cylinder formed in a block; an intake valve and an exhaust valve for the cylinder, wherein intake and exhaust cam lobes on the cam shaft engage upper ends of respective intake and exhaust valve stems, the platform comprising at least one relatively rigid bridge component including a pair of mounting flanges at opposite ends thereof, the mounting flanges having fastener holes aligned with fastener holes in the engine head on opposite sides of the cam shaft, the relatively rigid bridge having a plurality of holes therein adapted to support one or more measuring devices adapted to engage the intake and exhaust cam lobes on the camshaft.

Abstract: A ride height gauge comprising a frame and an indicating mechanism. The frame preferably includes an upright and a generally horizontal base attached to the upright to form a right angle joint. The indicating mechanism preferably includes an arm, an arm mount, and an indicator device. The arm is attached to the arm mount, and the arm mount is slidably attached to the upright. The arm has a vertical position along the upright. The indicator device quantifies the vertical position of said arm. The indicator device may either be an analog device or a digital device. A method for using the ride height gauge to measure the ride height of an automobile chassis includes the steps of positioning the gauge directly under a corner of the chassis, sliding the arm upward until the arm contacts the chassis, and reading the quantified vertical position of the arm from the indicator device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving rear wheel alignments for motorcycles having a swing arm suspension including a measuring rod for extending between a swing arm bolt or shaft and a rear axle of the motorcycle, a measuring rod having an end thereon for mechanically coupling with the swing arm bolt or shaft or a nut or other device coupled to the swing arm shaft or bolt so that the measuring rod is registered at a predetermined position with respect to the pivot shaft and further including a marker for marking a position along the measuring rod of a predetermined position of the rear axle of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A method of use and apparatus for estimating repair cost, particularly applicable to cost estimation of interspaced defect damaged vehicle surfaces. The method of use of the present invention provides that a defect count be made for a predetermined representative area; that a determination of relative severity be made with respect to at least one defect within the representative area; and that the repair estimate is then based upon the defect count information and defect severity. A set of physical templates may be provided, with a first template allowing the calculation of the number of dents per surface area, and a second template for grading, comparing, or otherwise determining the size or severity of the individual dents. Additionally, the defect count data and defect severity data may be determined with an electronic scanning means. Various formulae may be employed (manually or electronically) for calculating the cost estimate to repair the damaged surface.

Abstract: A timing device for locking a fly wheel of an engine in place for timing purposes comprising a bushing with a threaded portion at one end that engages a threaded aperture in the bell housing of a diesel engine. A timing or locking pin is disposed within the bushing and is movable longitudinally therein. A washer is disposed between the locking pin and the bushing. A spring is attached at either end to the washer. The spring may be used to bias the locking pin into engagement with a detent in the flywheel. Removal of the spring from the locking pin allows the pin to be removed from the detent in the flywheel.

Abstract: A fixture for interacting with an exhaust system having exhaust pipes and mufflers and an image of the exhaust system, the image having location indicia locating the fixture on the image, displacement data associated with the location indicia indicates an alignment point in space above the image, the fixture comprising at least two stands adapted to lie in a selected positions relative to the image, an alignment mark on the stands, the alignment mark being adapted to align the stands with the location indicia on the image, and at least two modules, a plurality of holders configured differently from one another to be attached to a module, each holder defining a coordinate point that moves relative to the stand and image in response to movement of the module relative to the stand, the plurality of holders including at least one pipe holder configured to receive the exhaust pipe therein to position a central axis of the exhaust pipe at the coordinate point and a muffler holder configured to cooperate with anothe

Abstract: The tool of the present invention includes a body portion, a coupling portion and a gauging portion. The coupling portion is coupled to the body portion and includes a beam member and a tool centering structure. The beam member is adapted to engage the latch ratchet of a latch mechanism and the tool centering structure is adapted to engage either the latch mechanism or the closure member to which the latch mechanism is coupled. The coupling portion maintains the body portion in a predetermined orientation relative to the latch ratchet. The gauging portion is adapted to contact a striker structure when the tool is coupled to the latch mechanism and the closure member is moved toward the closed position. Depending upon the configuration of the gauging portion, one or more indicator lights may be employed to notify the technician of the out-of-tolerance condition. Alternately, the gauging portion may be configured to permit the technician to obtain variable data on the position of the striker structure.