a method is disclosed for accurately aligning a shaft in a hole . one application is disclosed for aligning electromagnetic reflectors . an accurately positioned front surface targeted mirror on a predefined reflector axis is used with a reflected laser beam , optical auto - collimation or auto - reflection using an alignment telescope . the mirror is mounted on one end of a shaft which is inserted into a hole of depth l formed through the reflector at the axis , and has formed thereon a reticle at the shaft axis . by aligning the shaft axis with the hole axis in accordance with the invention , extremely accurate alignment of the reflector can be accomplished .