Free NCCER Carpentry Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Joist hangers are used for which of the following?

Supporting joists against beams (Correct answer)
Keeping joists straight during delivery
Inspection
There is no such thing as a joist hanger.

Correct answer: Supporting joists against beams

Joist hangers are specialized metal connectors used in construction to provide strong, secure connections between joists and supporting beams or ledgers. They cradle the end of the joist, ensuring it is properly supported and preventing it from pulling away or twisting. This is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of floors and decks.

Question 2: The smallest mark on an imperial ruler is:

Millimeter
1/16 inch (Correct answer)
1/4 inch
1/2 inch

Correct answer: 1/16 inch

On a standard imperial ruler, the smallest common increment marked is 1/16 of an inch. These fine divisions allow for precise measurements in construction and woodworking. While some specialized rulers might have smaller markings, 1/16 inch is the most common smallest unit for general use.

Question 3: What type of hammer is commonly selected for trim work?

Framing hatchet
28-ounce long handle waffle-head
20-ounce long handle straight claw
16-ounce wood handle curved claw (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 16-ounce wood handle curved claw

A 16-ounce wood handle curved claw hammer is a versatile and commonly preferred tool for trim work. Its lighter weight allows for more control and less fatigue during delicate tasks, while the curved claw is excellent for carefully prying and removing nails without damaging finished surfaces. This makes it ideal for precision and finishing applications.

Question 4: What are plywood clips used for?

Straightening floor sheathing
Keeping plywood straight in stacks
Supporting roof sheathing edges between the trusses (Correct answer)
There is no such thing as a plywood clip.

Correct answer: Supporting roof sheathing edges between the trusses

Plywood clips, also known as H-clips, are small metal connectors used to support the unsupported edges of roof sheathing panels between trusses or rafters. They help to prevent deflection and provide rigidity to the sheathing, ensuring a stable and level surface for roofing materials. This is particularly useful when sheathing spans more than one rafter bay.

Question 5: What is PL-400?

Drill bit size
Type of construction adhesive (Correct answer)
Number of teeth on a hacksaw
Plywood specification

Correct answer: Type of construction adhesive

PL-400 is a well-known brand and type of heavy-duty construction adhesive. It is widely used in building for bonding various materials, including wood, concrete, and metal, providing a strong and durable hold. Its specific formulation makes it suitable for demanding construction applications.

Question 6: Which is not a rule for laying out stairs?

The product obtained by multiplying one rise height by the tread width should be between 70 and 75 inches.
The sum of the two risers is always the same.
The sum of one riser and one tread should be between 17 and 18 inches.
The number of treads and risers is always the same. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The number of treads and risers is always the same.

When laying out stairs, the number of treads is always one less than the number of risers. For example, if you have 10 risers, you will have 9 treads. This is because the top landing serves as the final 'tread' for the last step. The other options represent common rules or guidelines for comfortable and safe stair design.

Question 7: A wood auger bit marked 10 will drill with what diameter?

1 inch
1/3 inch
5/8 inch (Correct answer)
10/32 inch

Correct answer: 5/8 inch

Wood auger bits, particularly those in older or specific sets, are often marked in 1/16 inch increments. A mark of '10' indicates a diameter of 10/16 of an inch, which simplifies to 5/8 of an inch. This system allows for clear and consistent sizing of the bits.

Question 8: The path a saw blade cuts in a piece of wood is called:

Waste
Kerf (Correct answer)
Clearance
Set

Correct answer: Kerf

The 'kerf' refers to the width of the cut made by a saw blade in a piece of wood or other material. It is the material removed by the saw teeth as they pass through the workpiece. Understanding the kerf is important for accurate measurements and cuts, as it accounts for the material lost during sawing.

Question 9: When squaring up a large rectangular object, which method would be the least acceptable to use?

6,8,10 method
Calculate a diagonal measurement
Measure diagonally both ways
Framing square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Framing square

While a framing square is excellent for squaring smaller components or checking corners, it is generally too small and limited in reach to accurately square up a large rectangular object like a wall or foundation. Methods like the 3-4-5 (or 6-8-10) method or measuring diagonals are more effective for ensuring squareness over larger distances, as they rely on geometric principles across the entire object.

Question 10: When nailing 2x6 inch joists, what nail should be used?

12 d (Correct answer)
18 d
20 d
All of the above can be used.

Correct answer: 12 d

For fastening 2x6 inch joists, a 12d (12-penny) nail is typically the appropriate size. The 'd' refers to the penny system, which historically indicated nail length. A 12d nail is long enough to provide sufficient penetration and holding power when joining two pieces of dimensional lumber like 2x6s, ensuring a strong structural connection.

Question 11: What saw would be used to cut a 2x4?

Table saw
Circular saw (Correct answer)
Saber saw
Band saw

Correct answer: Circular saw

A circular saw is a highly versatile and commonly used power tool for cutting dimensional lumber like a 2x4. It is efficient for making straight cuts across the grain (crosscuts) or along the grain (rip cuts) and is portable, making it suitable for various construction tasks on a job site.

Free NCCER Carpentry Test 1

Joist hangers are used for which of the following?