NCCER Core Hand Tool Identification and Use 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of saw is best suited for cutting curves in wood?
- Crosscut saw
- Rip saw
- Coping saw (Correct answer)
- Hacksaw
Correct answer: Coping saw
A coping saw has a thin, flexible blade in a U-shaped frame for cutting tight curves.
The coping saw features a very thin blade in a deep U-shaped frame. The blade can be rotated to cut curves, scrollwork, and coped joints in molding. It cuts on the pull stroke. For powered curve cutting, a jigsaw serves a similar purpose.
Question 2: What is the correct way to hand a sharp tool to a coworker?
- Toss it carefully
- Hand it with the sharp edge toward them
- Hand it handle first, sharp edge facing away (Correct answer)
- Leave it on the ground
Correct answer: Hand it handle first, sharp edge facing away
Sharp tools should be handed handle-first with the cutting edge facing away.
When passing sharp tools, always present the handle toward the receiver with the cutting edge directed away from both people. Ensure the receiver has a firm grip before releasing. Never carry tools in pockets; use a tool belt or bucket.
Question 3: What is a ball-peen hammer primarily used for?
- Driving nails into wood
- Shaping and straightening metal (Correct answer)
- Demolition of concrete
- Driving masonry nails
Correct answer: Shaping and straightening metal
A ball-peen hammer has a rounded end used for shaping metal, setting rivets, and metalworking.
The ball-peen hammer is a metalworking tool with a flat face on one side and a rounded peen on the other. The flat face strikes chisels and punches; the ball peen shapes and expands metal and rounds rivet heads. Common sizes range from 4 oz to 32 oz.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a plumb bob?
- To measure horizontal distances
- To establish a true vertical reference line (Correct answer)
- To mark circles
- To tighten bolts to specific torque
Correct answer: To establish a true vertical reference line
A plumb bob uses gravity to establish a perfectly vertical line.
A plumb bob is a pointed weight suspended from a string. Gravity pulls it straight down, creating a perfectly vertical reference line. Used to transfer points from ceiling to floor, check wall plumbness, and align columns. Requires no batteries and is unaffected by sunlight.
Question 5: Which type of wrench is adjustable and fits various nut and bolt sizes?
- Box-end wrench
- Open-end wrench
- Adjustable (Crescent) wrench (Correct answer)
- Socket wrench
Correct answer: Adjustable (Crescent) wrench
An adjustable wrench has a movable jaw controlled by a thumbscrew to fit different sizes.
The adjustable wrench has one fixed and one movable jaw controlled by a worm gear. Apply force to the fixed jaw side. While convenient, adjustable wrenches are more prone to rounding fastener heads than properly sized fixed wrenches. Common sizes: 6", 8", 10", 12".
Question 6: Before using any hand tool, what should a worker inspect?
- The tool's price tag
- The handle for cracks, the head for damage, and overall condition (Correct answer)
- Only that it is the correct size
- Nothing - hand tools do not require inspection
Correct answer: The handle for cracks, the head for damage, and overall condition
Inspect for cracked handles, mushroomed heads, dull blades, and any damage.
OSHA (29 CFR 1926.301) requires pre-use inspection: cracked or loose handles, mushroomed heads on chisels, dull cutting edges, bent wrenches, and damaged insulation on electrician's tools. Defective tools must be tagged and removed from service immediately.
NCCER Core Hand Tool Identification and Use 2
What type of saw is best suited for cutting curves in wood?