Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Tool Identification and Use 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of screwdriver is required for a fastener with a six-pointed star-shaped recess?
- Phillips
- Torx (Correct answer)
- Robertson
- Pozidriv
Correct answer: Torx
Torx (star-drive) screwdrivers fit six-pointed star-shaped recesses and are commonly used in automotive and electronics applications.
Question 2: What is the function of a reamer?
- Cutting external threads on a rod
- Enlarging and finishing a drilled hole to an exact diameter (Correct answer)
- Driving rivets into metal
- Measuring hole depth
Correct answer: Enlarging and finishing a drilled hole to an exact diameter
A reamer is a rotary cutting tool used to enlarge and smooth a previously drilled hole to a precise, finished diameter.
Question 3: A snap ring pliers (circlip pliers) is designed to:
- Cut wire rope
- Install or remove snap rings from grooves in shafts or bores (Correct answer)
- Crimp electrical terminals
- Hold nuts while tightening bolts
Correct answer: Install or remove snap rings from grooves in shafts or bores
Snap ring pliers have specially tipped jaws that fit into the holes of snap rings, allowing them to be expanded or compressed for installation and removal.
Question 4: Which measuring tool uses an anvil and a spindle to measure small thicknesses with very high accuracy?
- Vernier caliper
- Micrometer (Correct answer)
- Dial indicator
- Steel rule
Correct answer: Micrometer
A micrometer uses a calibrated screw mechanism between its anvil and spindle to measure dimensions to 0.001 inch or 0.01 mm.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a wire stripper tool?
- Cutting wire to length
- Removing insulation from electrical wire without damaging the conductor (Correct answer)
- Twisting wires together
- Measuring wire gauge
Correct answer: Removing insulation from electrical wire without damaging the conductor
Wire strippers have notched blades sized to various wire gauges that cut through insulation cleanly without nicking the copper conductor.
Question 6: A cold chisel is best used for:
- Chiseling wood joints
- Cutting or shaping metal that is not heated (Correct answer)
- Carving stone sculptures
- Scoring glass for cutting
Correct answer: Cutting or shaping metal that is not heated
A cold chisel is made of hardened steel and is used with a hammer to cut, shape, or break metal at room temperature.
Question 7: Which tool is used to check the flatness of a machined surface by detecting high spots?
- Surface plate and bluing compound (Correct answer)
- Depth micrometer
- Combination square
- Thread gauge
Correct answer: Surface plate and bluing compound
A surface plate provides a reference flat surface; bluing compound is applied to the workpiece and transferred to high spots, revealing irregularities.
Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Tool Identification and Use 3
Which type of screwdriver is required for a fastener with a six-pointed star-shaped recess?