Self-Test B-2.1: Describe Portable Power Tools Used in the Pipe Trades

Complete Self-Test B-2.1 and check your answers.

  1. Which power drive requires a support arm when it is used with a drop head threader?

  2. What power vise model can be mounted on a geared threader?

  1. With a portable circular saw, what controls the depth of cut?
    1. Altering the speed of the motor
    2. Changing the size of blade
    3. Varying the cutting speed
    4. Raising or lowering the base
  2. To make a bevel cut with a portable circular saw, you need to
    1. Tilt the lumber
    2. Use a special saw blade
    3. Tilt the base
    4. Raise the blade
  3. The carbide metal used for carbide-tipped saws is hard and .
    1. Magnetic
    2. Very brittle
    3. Able to withstand rough treatment
    4. Virtually indestructible
  4. Abrasive circular saw blades can be used to cut ferrous metals and what other material?
    1. Wood
    2. Plastic
    3. Non-ferrous metals
    4. Masonry products
  5. What does a variable speed switch allow the drill operator to control?
    1. Direction of rotation
    2. Speed of rotation
    3. Danger or risk of jamming
    4. Size of the hole
  6. The slowest speeds are normally found on what type of drills?
    1. ¼ in. drills
    2. 3⁄8 in. drills
    3. ½ in. drills
    4. Drills with forward-reverse switches
  7. You must always wear eye protection when drilling.
    1. True
    2. False
  8. What is the smooth round portion of the twist drill that fits into the chuck known as?
    1. Body
    2. Chuck-end
    3. Shaft
    4. Shank
  9. Which twist drill is the largest?
    1. #1
    2. #60
    3. #80
    4. #100
  10. Which of the following bits would you use for drilling deep holes in wood?
    1. Auger bit
    2. Spade bit
    3. Spur bit
    4. Carbide-tipped bit
  11. What device supplies power to a pneumatic (air-powered) portable tool?

  12. An air hose to a portable power tool must be free of water.
    1. True
    2. False
  13. Why should regular hand-tool sockets not be used with a pneumatic impact wrench?


  14. How is the size of an impact wrench designated?


  15. Name three uses for a portable grinder.



  16. At what speed does the fastener move in a low-velocity, powder-actuated tool?


  17. At what speed does the pin move when a high-velocity tool is used?

  18. What device does a low-velocity tool have that is not found in a high-velocity tool?

  19. Which kind of powder-actuated tool is most commonly used in the piping industry?




  20. Besides the captive piston, what are two safety features of the low-velocity, powder-actuated tool?




  21. What cartridge colour produces the second strongest impact?

  22. Cartridges are available in two shapes. What are they?

  23. Some cartridges for powder-actuated tools are centre fired. How are other cartridges fired?

  1. Name the colour of the Hilti cartridges from strongest to weakest.


  2. When selecting a cartridge for a fastening job, what cartridge do you start with?

  3. For fastening into concrete, the tip of the pin must be knurled.
    1. True
    2. False
  4. What must be remembered about the number code on the piston and the number code on the nail?.



Answer Key: Self-Test B-2.1 is on the next page.

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