Metal Layout Worker how-to

How to Lay Out Hole Centers on a Plate

Accurate centers make accurate holes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Accurate centers make accurate holes. In short: clean; set; scribe, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean and dye the plate.

  2. Set datums.

  3. Scribe X lines.

  4. Scribe Y lines.

  5. Prick punch intersections.

  6. Center punch.

Safety reminders for metal layout workers

  • Handle scribers carefully
  • Lift castings safely
  • Wear eye protection
  • Ventilate dye solvents

Layout dye · Scriber · Surface plate · Height gauge · Datum · Center punch: see the full metal layout worker glossary.

More metal layout worker how-to guides

Learn this in Metal Layout Worker trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz