Steamfitter Equipment and Tools Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a pipe alignment clamp when joining flanged connections?
- To cut the pipe to the correct length
- To hold mating flanges in proper axial alignment during bolting (Correct answer)
- To measure the pipe wall thickness
- To pressure-test the joint before welding
Correct answer: To hold mating flanges in proper axial alignment during bolting
Pipe alignment clamps hold flanges in correct axial and angular alignment so bolts can be installed without binding or inducing stress.
Question 2: A chain pipe vise is preferred over a yoke vise when working with pipe larger than approximately:
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
- 4 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 inches
Correct answer: 4 inches
Chain vises accommodate large-diameter pipe (typically above 4 inches) because the chain wraps around the pipe rather than relying on fixed jaw width.
Question 3: Which type of pipe cutter is specifically designed for use in confined spaces where a full rotation cannot be made?
- Wheel cutter
- Oscillating pipe cutter (Correct answer)
- Soil-pipe cutter
- Rotary pipe cutter
Correct answer: Oscillating pipe cutter
An oscillating (or ratchet-action) pipe cutter advances the cutting wheel with back-and-forth strokes, allowing use where full rotation is impossible.
Question 4: When using an oxyacetylene torch for brazing copper piping in a steam system, the flame type should be:
- Carburizing (reducing) flame
- Neutral flame (Correct answer)
- Oxidizing flame
- Backfire flame
Correct answer: Neutral flame
A neutral flame provides clean heat without adding excess carbon or oxygen, preventing oxidation of the copper and filler metal.
Question 5: A hydraulic pipe bender is used instead of a mechanical bender primarily because it:
- Produces tighter radius bends on smaller pipe
- Generates greater force allowing bending of heavier-wall pipe (Correct answer)
- Works only on plastic pipe
- Eliminates the need for a back shoe
Correct answer: Generates greater force allowing bending of heavier-wall pipe
Hydraulic force multiplies operator input significantly, enabling bends in heavy-wall or large-diameter steel pipe that mechanical benders cannot handle.
Question 6: What tool is used to verify that a newly cut pipe end is perfectly square (90° to the pipe axis)?
- Speed square placed across the bore
- Combination square against the pipe OD (Correct answer)
- Pipe level
- Micrometer
Correct answer: Combination square against the pipe OD
A combination square's blade is held against the outside diameter of the pipe; a gap indicates the cut is not square to the axis.
Question 7: Which hand tool is used to remove burrs from the inside diameter of a freshly cut pipe?
- Half-round file or reamer (Correct answer)
- Pipe dope brush
- Thread die
- Flaring tool
Correct answer: Half-round file or reamer
A half-round file or dedicated pipe reamer removes the interior burr created by cutting, which could otherwise restrict flow or catch debris.
Steamfitter Equipment and Tools Knowledge 2
What is the primary purpose of a pipe alignment clamp when joining flanged connections?