Other Skilled Trades Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Other Skilled Trades facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What material is most commonly used as an underlayment beneath asphalt shingles? → Tar paper (15 lb felt)
2. Which electrode is used for welding stainless steel with the SMAW process? → E308-16
3. Which of the following best describes a 'Dutch gable' (gablet) roof? → A gable roof with a small hip at the top of each gable end
4. What is the purpose of using a notched trowel when setting tile? → Creating uniform ridges in adhesive mortar for better tile bonding
5. What certification is required by federal law for HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants? → EPA Section 608 Certification
6. What is re-keying a lock? → Changing the internal pin configuration so a new key operates it
7. In AWS welding certification, what does the 'D1.1' designation refer to? → Structural welding code for steel
8. What is the primary purpose of a knee kicker in carpet installation? → To stretch carpet onto tack strips
9. What is the term for the horizontal distance a roof travels from the outside wall to the ridge? → Run
10. What type of lintel is most commonly used over openings in brick veneer walls in US construction? → Steel angle lintel
11. Which type of subfloor material is most commonly used in modern US residential construction? → Oriented strand board (OSB)
12. What test is performed on a newly installed DWV (drain-waste-vent) system to check for leaks before closing walls? → Air pressure test or water test (ball test)
13. What is an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)? → Two or more glass panes with a sealed air or gas space between them
14. What does key cutting mean in locksmithing? → Duplicating or originating a key by machining cuts to specific depths on a blank
15. When tearing off an old roof, what is the proper method for disposing of asphalt shingle waste in most US jurisdictions? → Placing shingle waste in a rented roll-off dumpster for landfill disposal
16. In the US, what is the standard rough opening width for a 2/0 (24-inch) pre-hung interior door? → 26 inches
17. What is the purpose of a power stretcher in carpet installation? → To stretch carpet across large rooms
18. What is the purpose of preheating steel before welding? → To reduce the risk of cracking and residual stress
19. What is the function of a wet saw in tile installation? → Cutting tiles with a continuously water-cooled diamond blade for clean precise cuts
20. What is typically required before installing ceramic tile over a wood subfloor? → Cement board
21. Why does grain direction in upholstery fabric matter? → Aligning the warp grain prevents distortion uneven wear and an unprofessional look
22. Which paint sheen has the lowest light reflectance? → Flat or matte
23. How does a bump key open a pin tumbler lock? → By using impact to momentarily jump pins to the shear line
24. What shielding gas is most commonly used for MIG welding mild steel in the US? → 75% Argon / 25% CO2
25. When qualifying a welder under AWS D1.1, passing a 3G vertical position test also qualifies the welder for which position? → 1G flat and 2G horizontal
26. What product is commonly used to clean and degrease surfaces before painting? → TSP trisodium phosphate cleaner
27. What is the term for the horizontal board installed at the lower edge of a roof to which gutters are attached? → Fascia
28. What is the purpose of expansion gaps in hardwood floor installation? → To allow for wood movement with humidity changes
29. What does 'spreading rate' mean on a paint product data sheet? → The area covered per gallon at the recommended dry film thickness
30. What are glazier's points used for? → Holding glass in the frame before putty is applied and cures