433A Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield 433A facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What type of hydraulic valve uses a spool to direct fluid flow? → Spool-type directional control valve
2. What is the primary goal of precision shaft alignment? → To ensure the centerlines of two coupled shafts are collinear within tolerance
3. Which factor most directly affects the L10 life rating of a rolling element bearing? → Applied load relative to the dynamic load rating
4. What type of gear arrangement is used when shafts are at right angles and do not intersect? → Worm and worm gear
5. What condition is indicated by a blue discoloration on a bearing race? → Overheating has occurred
6. What should be checked first when a hydraulic system operates slowly? → The fluid level, pump output flow, and system pressure
7. What does the free air delivery (FAD) rating of a compressor specify? → The volume of air delivered per unit time, corrected to atmospheric (free air) conditions
8. What is the purpose of a flexible coupling in a drive system? → To accommodate minor shaft misalignment and absorb shock loads
9. Why are jackscrews (jacking bolts) important during alignment? → They allow precise, controlled horizontal positioning of the machine without hammering
10. What type of compressor uses rotating helical screws to compress air? → Rotary screw compressor
11. What type of air dryer uses two towers with desiccant material? → Regenerative desiccant air dryer
12. When rigging a load with an off-centre (eccentric) centre of gravity, where must the crane hook be positioned? → Directly above the load's centre of gravity
13. What advantage does a synchronous belt drive have over a V-belt drive? → No speed loss due to slip
14. When replacing a V-belt on a multi-belt drive, what is the correct practice? → Replace all belts as a matched set
15. What is the purpose of a mechanical seal in a centrifugal pump? → To prevent fluid leakage along the shaft where it exits the pump casing
16. What is the minimum number of wire rope clips (Crosby-type) required when forming an eye in 1/2" (13 mm) diameter wire rope? → 3
17. What type of lubrication regime provides a full oil film separating bearing surfaces with no metal-to-metal contact? → Hydrodynamic lubrication
18. Which gear tooth profile is most commonly used in industrial power transmission? → Involute
19. What is the purpose of crowning on a conveyor pulley? → To track and center the belt on the pulley
20. What is 'two-blocking' in overhead crane operations? → The hook block rising until it contacts the upper head block, creating a sudden shock load
21. What is the primary purpose of a keyway in a shaft-to-hub connection? → To transmit torque between the shaft and the component
22. Which sling type is most suitable for lifting loads with sharp edges without using edge protection? → Alloy chain sling
23. What are the common causes of excessive vibration in a centrifugal pump? → Misalignment, imbalance, cavitation, bent shaft, or worn bearings
24. What is the maximum fleet angle generally accepted for wire rope spooling onto a hoist drum? → 2° 30'
25. What is the significance of the dew point in compressed air systems? → It is the temperature at which moisture in the compressed air condenses into liquid water
26. When checking a roller chain drive for wear, at what percentage of elongation should the chain typically be replaced? → 3%
27. In a multi-element machine train (e.g., motor-gearbox-pump), what is the correct alignment sequence? → Start with the fixed machine (usually the driven end) and work back toward the driver
28. What is the typical operating temperature range for industrial hydraulic systems? → 38°C to 60°C (100°F to 140°F)
29. Which hitch configuration provides the highest effective WLL when using a single-leg sling? → Basket hitch
30. What is the most common cause of premature failure in sealed bearings? → Contamination ingress through damaged or worn seals