Answers
1. If a screwdriver bit becomes rounded or broken, can’t it be reground?
Yes. If enough of the hardened tip of the bit remains to be reshaped, it can be reground and used again. Be careful to avoid overheating, which destroys the temper.
2. What kind of hammer should be used on machined surfaces?
A soft hammer. Examples: lead, brass, plastic, rawhide or rubber hammers.
3. Can pliers be used for tightening and loosening small nuts?
No. Pliers are for holding work, not for loosening or tightening.
4. Should you normally pull or push on a wrench?
Pull, do not push. This will avoid injuring your knuckles. If you must push, use the base of your palm and keep your hand open.
5. Why are the heads of open-end wrenches made with an offset?
The offset allows more swing space in crowded places by “flipping” the wrench.
6. Can adjustable wrenches be used exactly like open ones, by flipping them over for a new swing?
No. Adjustable wrenches should be placed on the nut so that the pulling force is applied only to the fixed jaw-side of the wrench.
7. Which is the higher strength bolt – one with 3 dash marks on its head or one with 6 dashes?
The bolt with the six-dash head is higher strength.
8. When grinding a chisel or a screwdriver bit, why shouldn’t you hold it against the grinding wheel for any great length of time?
Heat caused by friction with the grinding wheel will draw out the temper of the metal and soften it so as to make it useless.
9. How many teeth should be in contact with the material when using a hacksaw?
At least two teeth should always contact the material being sawed.