An alignment gauge and method of use for aligning a scriber tool, the alignment gauge including a base and a pair of upstanding, at least semi-transparent side walls that extend forward of the front edge of the base. A pair of sight lines extend along the inside surfaces of the side walls in a common plane with the base front edge, and a clamp holds the guide post of the scriber in abutment with the base front edge while the scribing needle is visually aligned with the sight lines.