Abstract: A bar code wand reader adapted to read a bar code disposed on a narrow surface such as an edge of a printed wiring board is shown to include a bar code wand reader adapter (32) affixed to an end of a bar code wand reader (34). The adapter includes a fore surface having a slot (30) provided therein. The slot is adapted to hold the bar code wand reader at a constant distance and position from the edge of the narrow surface having the bar code disposed thereon. With such an arrangement, the bar code reader is held at a proper disposition as the bar code wand reader is passed over the bar code disposed on the narrow surface. The latter provides a proper reading with a single passing and prevents the necessity of numerous attempts at reading the bar code.