THE QUESTIONS
Question 1: Plastic covered handles on wire-cutting pliers may be used to cut low-voltage live electrical wire. (True) (False)
Question 2: When tightening a nut with an adjustable wrench, always pull the wrench toward you; never push the wrench away from you. (True) (False)
Question 3: Claw hammers may be used to strike wood chisels. (True) (False)
Question 4: When wood splitting, the flat striking face of an axe may be used to strike a wood splitting wedge. (True) (False)
Question 5: Screwdrivers may be used for purposes other than driving or removing screws, such as prying open can lids. (True) (False)
Question 6: Vises should always be secured to the workbench with screws. (True) (False)
Question 7: Snips are permissible for cutting wire. (True) (False)
Question 8: Open-end wrenches may be used to free a frozen nut. (True) (False)
Question 9: A proper use of the ball pein hammer is striking chisels and punches. (True) (False)
Question 10: Safety goggles should always be worn whenever you are using hand tools. (True) (False)
THE ANSWERS:
Question 1: False. Plastic cover handles are for comfort only. Always cut off electrical power before cutting.
Question 2: True. Pulling gives better leverage and balance. Most importantly, the force of the pulling should be on the fixed jaw.
Question 3: False. Claw hammers are for driving and removing nails only.
Question 4: False. Only sledge hammers or wood-splitting mauls should be used to strike wood-splitting wedges.
Question 5: False. Screwdrivers must be used only to tighten or remove screws and for no other purpose.
Question 6: False. Never screwed. Bolted is correct.
Question 7: False. Wire cutters are correct. Snips are for cutting sheet metal.
Question 8: False. Box open is the correct wrench.
Question 9: True. Ball pein hammers are specifically hardened to strike chisels and punches.
Question 10: True. Safety goggles should always be worn when working with hand tools to prevent eye injury.
About the author:
The Hand Tools Institute (HTI) is the trade association of North American manufacturers of non-powered hand tools and tool boxes. The objectives of the institute are to promote and further the interests of its members relative to manufacturing, safety, standardization, international trade and government relations. For more information, visit www.hti.org.
