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How to Use a Wiggler
Guide · Updated October 28, 2026
A wiggler is a set of tips on a ball joint used to find a center punch mark, a scribed line or an edge. It is older than the edge finder but still handy for locating layout marks.
Lay out accurately
A wiggler finds layout marks; check layout heights with gage blocks via the free Gage Block Calculator.
Step by step
- Pick the tip: Use the pointed tip for punch marks, the ball or disc for edges.
- Mount it: Hold the shank in a collet or drill chuck.
- Set RPM: Run about 800–1200 RPM.
- Center the tip: Push the tip roughly true with a finger or scale until it runs steady.
- Bring to the mark: Lower the point near the punch mark and move the table until it stops wobbling over the mark.
- Find an edge: With the disc, move in until the disc kicks sideways; offset half the disc diameter.
- Zero the axis: Zero your dials or DRO at the found position.
Worked example
0.200 in disc tip on the left edge of a part: when the disc kicks off, the spindle is 0.100 in from the edge. Move 0.100 in toward the part and zero X.
Wiggler vs edge finder
An edge finder is faster and more repeatable for edges. A wiggler shines for punch marks and scribed lines from layout.
Accuracy
Expect roughly 0.001–0.002 in on edges and about the punch mark accuracy on marks. For better, indicate.
Tips
- Use a magnifier near the point.
- Keep fingers clear when truing the spinning tip.
- Pair with layout dye and a height gage.
- For holes, indicate instead: indicating a bore.
Quick shop check
Common problems: a wiggler point that orbits rather than running true means it was not trued with a finger while spinning. Spindle speeds above about 1,200 RPM can throw the ball tip off the holder. When the disc tip kicks, back off and repeat twice to confirm the same dial reading within 0.001 in.
FAQ
What is a wiggler used for?
Finding punch marks, scribed lines and edges on a mill or drill press.
What RPM for a wiggler?
About 800 to 1200 RPM.
Is a wiggler better than an edge finder?
For punch marks, yes; for edges, an edge finder is usually faster.
How accurate is a wiggler?
About 0.001–0.002 in on edges.
Can I use a wiggler in a drill chuck?
Yes, it works in a collet or drill chuck.
Related guides and calculators
- Edge Finder Basics
- Layout Dye and Scribing Basics
- How to Use a Height Gage for Layout
- How to Center Drill and Spot Drill
- How to Use a Transfer Punch Set
- How to Indicate a Bore True
- How to Tram a Mill
- Drilling Speeds and Feeds
- How to Drill on a Mill
- Work Offset Basics (G54–G59)
- All free machinist calculators
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