AM Tools & Equipment Operation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hand tool is specifically designed to cut external threads on a rod or bolt?
- Tap
- Die (Correct answer)
- Reamer
- Thread chaser
Correct answer: Die
A die is used to cut external threads on cylindrical stock, while a tap cuts internal threads inside a hole.
Question 2: Before using an oxygen-acetylene welding outfit on an aircraft component, the technician should verify:
- That the acetylene pressure exceeds 30 PSI
- That hose connections are leak-free and regulators are functioning correctly (Correct answer)
- That the torch tip is the largest available size
- That the oxygen cylinder valve is cracked open only halfway
Correct answer: That hose connections are leak-free and regulators are functioning correctly
Leak-free hose connections and properly functioning regulators are essential safety checks before using oxygen-acetylene welding equipment.
Question 3: What is the function of a feeler gauge in aircraft maintenance?
- To measure fluid pressure in a hydraulic line
- To measure small gaps or clearances between mating parts (Correct answer)
- To check torque applied to a fastener
- To detect cracks in metal surfaces
Correct answer: To measure small gaps or clearances between mating parts
Feeler gauges are thin metal blades of precise thickness used to measure small gaps, such as valve clearances or spark plug electrode gaps.
Question 4: A pneumatic impact wrench used in aviation maintenance should NOT be used to:
- Remove wheel bolts during tire changes
- Final torque aircraft fasteners to specification (Correct answer)
- Break loose heavily corroded hardware for removal
- Remove engine cowling fasteners during disassembly
Correct answer: Final torque aircraft fasteners to specification
Impact wrenches cannot apply precise calibrated torque, so they must never be used for final torqueing of aircraft fasteners; a calibrated torque wrench must be used instead.
Question 5: When using a hand file on an aircraft aluminum part, the technician should use:
- A double-cut file for finishing
- A single-cut mill file for smooth finishing cuts (Correct answer)
- A rasp file for precision work
- A rotary file at high speed for aluminum
Correct answer: A single-cut mill file for smooth finishing cuts
A single-cut mill file produces smooth, fine finishing cuts on aluminum and prevents loading (clogging) that double-cut files can cause on soft metals.
Question 6: Which of the following describes the correct use of safety wire pliers?
- To crimp electrical terminals in aircraft wiring
- To twist safety wire uniformly and cut it to the correct length (Correct answer)
- To pull cotter pins through castle nut slots
- To form lock wire loops around turnbuckle barrels only
Correct answer: To twist safety wire uniformly and cut it to the correct length
Safety wire pliers grip and twist the wire into a uniform spiral pattern and can be used to cut the wire to the correct pigtail length.
Question 7: An ultrasonic thickness gauge is used in aircraft maintenance to:
- Detect ferrous metal contamination in hydraulic fluid
- Measure material thickness from one side without removing surface coatings (Correct answer)
- Calibrate torque wrenches to FAA standards
- Align control cable tensions in the fuselage
Correct answer: Measure material thickness from one side without removing surface coatings
Ultrasonic thickness gauges send sound waves through the material and calculate thickness from the return signal, allowing measurement from only one side without stripping paint.
AM Tools & Equipment Operation 3
Which hand tool is specifically designed to cut external threads on a rod or bolt?