This paper proposes and evaluates the use of a mirror for improving the scanning process when using laser-stripe acquisition devices. We propose to exploit mirrors for two different purposes: automatizing the 3D acquisition process and allowing the scanning of hard-to-reach parts. The combined use of a flat mirror and a rotary table allows to scan, in a completely automatic and unattended manner, small complex objects with an high level of completeness. Moreover we show how the use of a small hand-held mirror can to be effective for scanning parts that are difficult to be reached or scanned because the physical dimension of the scanner device.