When the aircraft is sitting on a level surface, I put a ruler(or tape measure) up to the control surface then deflect it to find the throw setting, and adjust as necessary. This is kind of inaccurate when working with tail draggers due to the angle of the control surface to the ruler, however it will get you pretty close. Tricyle config it works fine. As far as the rudder goes, I just place the ruler on the top of the tail(assuming it does not have a counter-balance at the top like extras and sukhoi do), then deflect and measure, and adjusting then. you will find it is a lot easier to use an angle of attack finder tool or the deflection tool if you want to get very precise..Thats how I do it..anyone else have any other methods? I'd love to do something that is easier and more accurate...