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. A method for checking the alignment of a striker structure to a latch mechanism is also provided.