Segmented mechanical shafting alignment tool and method

Method of aligning multiple shaft segments which are coupled together to form a single rotating shaft, said shaft segments having couplings with a plurality of bolt holes extending there through, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an alignment tool comprising an elongate cylindrical bar having:
• i) an annular axially-extending outer surface;
• ii) rotating means on a first end of said bar;
• and,
• iii) engaging/disengaging means on a second end of said bar;
• b) inserting the tool through a bolt hole in the collar of a first shaft and partially through an aligned bolt hole in an adjacent coupling of a second shaft until at least a portion of said engaging/disengaging means is positioned within the hole of the second collar;
• c) temporarily connecting the couplings by engaging the bar with the collar of the second shaft so that the couplings rotate together as a unit;
• d) rotating the shaft segments;
• e) ceasing rotation of the shaft segments;
• f) disconnecting the couplings by disengaging the bar from the collar of the second shaft by rotating the cylindrical bar within the bolt holes;
• and,
• g) measuring the coupling alignment of the adjacent shaft segments.