Can You Handle All The DIY Facts In This Quiz?
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 22 min play time
If you are going to fix anything around the house, from the air conditioner to a pantry shelf, you have to know what you are doing. Home improvement requires a lot of knowledge, let's see how you fare with these DIY facts!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyHome DIY Facts Quiz Questions
62 Questions · 12.7K Plays · 8 Comments
Question 1
If you are not qualified to work with electricity, who should you hire?
-
AElectrician
-
BAny subcontractor
-
CCarpenter
-
DHandyman
Electrician
A qualified contractor is always a good idea when dealing with electricity. With electrical, a lack of knowledge is a dangerous and potentially deadly thing. Where there are some processes that can be done by homeowners, having a pro check your work is never a bad idea.
Question 2
What is the most popular tool people have in their garage?
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AAuger
-
BHammer
-
CTable Saw
-
DDrill
Hammer
Almost every homeowner has a claw hammer somewhere in their garage or junk drawer. It may not get used on a weekly or even monthly basis for people who don't work in construction, but it does get some use. Those who like to woodwork have at least one if not more in their toolboxes.
Question 3
What tool should you use to remove trim or paneling in your home?
-
AKnife
-
BPry Bar
-
CStaple gun
-
DFlamethrower
Pry Bar
A pry bar is smaller and flatter than a gooseneck bar, making it a better alternative when working with thin, indoor paneling and small trim nails. The thin nature of a pry bar allows you to easily maneuver it beneath paneling, while the nail slots make it easy to lift out trim nails.
Question 4
The building material made out of laminated sheets of wood is called:
-
APlywood
-
BLumber
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CStudwood
-
DTimber
Plywood
Plywood comes in many grades and is accompanied by letters denoting the quality of the exterior surfaces. Grade A being the best grade and D the worst. ACX plywood would have one surface with the A grade, one with a C grade and the X indication it is laminated with exterior glue.
Question 5
What is the name of the pictured tool that helps make sure everything is lined up properly?
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ALaser pointer
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BLevel
-
CGeoscope
-
DRuler
Level
A level is something not only every woodworker should have, but every homeowner too. It is used to ensure lines are horizontally even and not lopsided. Some of its more popular uses are making sure pictures are hung evenly and that a cut in a piece of wood will be straight.
Question 6
It's compact. It's speedy. It's precise. It's about 30 feet long. And best of all, you will use it all. The. Time. What is it?
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ATape measure
-
BLevel
-
CSquare
-
DDrill
Tape measure
If you don't own a tape measure, tape rule, measuring tape or any other similarly-named gadget, do you even own a home? As a homeowner, you will use this device to measure everything from how much space you have in which to fit a new couch to what length deck boards you need to how much your kid has grown in the last year. When you're done taking measurements, clip the tool to your belt.
Question 7
Wood can get rough, especially after it gets cut. You should have one of these to smooth it out so it doesn't continue to splinter.
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ABench plane
-
BSander
-
CSaw
-
DChisel
Sander
A sander is vital to ensure that your wood doesn't have any sharp elements that can cause someone to get a splinter. You can choose a simple hand sander, but electric sanders will make the process go smoothly. (Get it?)
Question 8
What is a socket wrench used for?
-
AInstalling electrical sockets
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BTightening nuts
-
CFastening drywall screws
-
DSecuring pipes
Tightening nuts
Socket wrenches fit around a hexagonal nut to tighten them. They come in different sizes for an exact fit.
Question 9
Pictured here is an all-purpose power tool no homeowner should go without. What is it?
-
AOscillating tool
-
BRouter
-
CCordless drill
-
DNail gun
Cordless drill
While just about any power drill will come in handy at one point or another during homeownership, one tool you'll find yourself turning to time and time again is the power drill. Ditch the handheld screwdriver and drive an anchor into just about any surface with ease.
Question 10
When building things from wood, it's a good idea to have this large flat surface to work on.
-
AThe ground
-
BThe wall
-
CA garage
-
DWorkbench
Workbench
A workbench is something a novice woodworker may not be able to afford. Luckily, one can easily and rather inexpensively build something that can take a beating while still holding strong.
Question 11
You can use a power auger to:
-
AClean sanded items
-
BSharpen your drill bits
-
CDrill holes
-
DPolish metal
Drill holes
Question 12
You can't have a power drill without this pictured essential accessory. What is it?
-
ASolar charger
-
BCord
-
CAdapter
-
DDrill bit set
Drill bit set
A power drill doesn't need a cord or adapter, and power tools haven't yet come so far as to utilize solar. That said, your drill would be useless without all the necessary bits to match your variety of screws. Most kits come with Phillips, flat heads, star bits, hex bits, extensions and so much more, in a variety of sizes.
Question 13
What should you avoid cutting through in pine wood?
-
ATermites
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BThe bark
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CThe grain
-
DKnots
Knots
Natural wood, like pine, has knots. You can see some of them from the surface of the wood, but others may be harder to find. Trying to cut through a knot, especially in pine, can be particularly messy due to the sap.
Question 14
This fixed tool is mounted to a workbench securely and has jaws to hold pieces of wood in place.
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AHammer
-
BPliers
-
CTable saw
-
DVise
Vise
A vice comes in handy when you need to use two hands to work on a piece or if the work you need to do on said piece is intricate. It should be bolted into a surface - like a table or a workbench. The jaw is then squeezed shut on the wood thereby freeing up your hands.
Question 15
What do you have to periodically do to cutting tools to keep them working properly?
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AThrow them away
-
BSharpen them
-
CUse them
-
DGet them wet
Sharpen them
If you feel like your chisel isn't working as well as it did just a week ago, you may want to sharpen it. Most times when a bladed tool doesn't seem to be performing well, chances are it's dull. Invest in a sharpening tool, so you will never have a dull moment. (Get it?)
Question 16
Taking measurements is made easier with the help of this retractable instrument.
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ASlide rule
-
BYard stick
-
CTape measure
-
DRuler
Tape measure
While all of the above take measurements, a tape measure is the most helpful when working with wood. The retractable tape allows you to go from centimeters all the way up to many feet. You also don't need someone else helping when trying to take a lengthier measurement.
Question 17
When you drop a screw in a tight place or need to work with extreme care, which type of tool should you turn to?
-
AGutter tongs
-
BChisel
-
CNeedle-nose plier
-
DLocking plier
Needle-nose plier
Needle-nose pliers are delicate and have a nose that may not be as thin as a needle, but that is pretty narrow nonetheless. Use this sturdy yet delicate tool to fish tools out of tight places and perform intricate tasks, such as producing a hook at the end of a wire and hooking that wire under the terminal screw.
Question 18
You should invest in some of these items that attach to your project together and hold it steady while glue dries.
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AClamps
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BPliers
-
CClothespins
-
DVise
Clamps
Clamps attach firmly to any surface, such as your workbench, and can then hold just about anything else you need them to hold. They are particularly handy when you want to keep the pressure on two pieces of wood until the glue dries.
Question 19
When you purchase a tool it comes with a manual. What should you do with it?
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AThrow it out - you don't need directions
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BUse it to line a hamster cage
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CGive it to a neighbor
-
DRead it and keep it
Read it and keep it
Instruction manuals are provided for a reason, and you would do well to not only read them but hang on to them. Develop a system in your shop for filing them in case anything comes up that you aren't sure about. Sometimes they include troubleshooting guides as well.
Question 20
What holds a ceiling fan onto the ceiling?
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ARomex cable
-
BA mounting bracket
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CMagnetic force
-
DThe electrical wires
A mounting bracket
A ceiling fan needs to be attached to a mounting bracket; the wires alone will not hold it in place.
Question 21
These type of pliers can get into tighter spaces and help cut things like wire or remove staples.
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ALocking
-
BTongue and groove
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CSlip joint
-
DNeedle-nose
Needle-nose
Needle-nose pliers come in real handy when you need to cut wire, pull out staples or get their pointy top into tight spaces. They can also help grip small items steadily without them slipping.
Question 22
What is something special you can make with a lathe?
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AA table
-
BTable and chair legs
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CA door
-
DDinner
Table and chair legs
A lathe is an interesting tool to have around the shop. It has the unique ability to turn wood into table and chair legs. After inserting the wood onto the holder, the lathe spins it smoothing it and cutting it as it spins.
Question 23
There will be times when your home maintenance project requires a high extended reach. Which tool will best help you to get the job done?
-
AStep Ladder
-
BTelescoping Hanger Retriever
-
CExtension Ladder
-
DEZ Reacher
Extension Ladder
Reachers and retrievers won't help you when you need to make a hands-on repair, and while step ladders are handy for reaching up into out-of-reach cupboards, they won't be very helpful when you need to make, say, a roofing or gutter fix. For more extensive projects, you need an extension ladder.
Question 24
Pictured here is the most common roofing used in the US. What type of roofing are we looking at in this image?
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AVinyl shingles
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BAsphalt shingles
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CStucco shingles
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DCanvas shingles
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt roofing comes in 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 year rated material. It is so common in North America because it has a relatively inexpensive installation cost.
Question 25
What would you use a "rawlplug" for?
-
AMake an electrical repair
-
BFix a leaky faucet
-
CSecure a screw in porous or brittle material
-
DWashing machine repair
Secure a screw in porous or brittle material
Rawlplugs, otherwise known as "wall plugs" or "anchors", are small plastic inserts that you insert into porous or brittle material in the place in which you also want to insert a screw. Once you drive the screw in, the "wings" of the plug open up and secure the screw and whatever load you hope for the screw to bear.
Question 26
What's the purpose of a pilot hole?
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AThey help prevent measuring errors
-
BThey allow beginners to practice drilling cleanly
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CThey aren't actually necessary with modern tools
-
DThey prevent wood from cracking under the pressure of a screw
They prevent wood from cracking under the pressure of a screw
Pre-drilling helps reduce cracking when you add a screw. Though wood might not crack without them, pilot holes are a good insurance policy for strong joints. (Photo: manmadewood.com)
Question 27
This pictured saw is a favorite among contractors and homeowners alike. What kind of saw is this?
-
AReciprocating saw
-
BTable Saw
-
CHack Saw
-
DCircular Saw
Reciprocating saw
Reciprocating saws have a variety of uses including demolition, cutting metals, plastics, wood, and sheetrock. They are best at straight cuts and gentle curves.
Question 28
When working with a chisel, you sometimes need to use something to force it into place. This is the tool that you should have on-hand to do the trick.
-
ASledgehammer
-
BMallet
-
CAxe
-
DClaw Hammer
Mallet
A mallet is a smaller, lighter hammer. Its lightweight design makes it much easier to use on more sensitive areas when you don't want to damage the surface or want better control. Many professional woodworkers prefer a wooden mallet, but a rubber mallet will actually work just as well with a chisel.
Question 29
Millwork materials come from a:
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AHammermill
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BGristmill
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CWoodmill
-
DMillionaire
Woodmill
Millwork includes moldings, doors and flooring produced by a woodmill and then sold to retailers or consumers.
Question 30
This handy tool comes as either a manual, or you can get the type that is powered by either a battery or electricity.
-
AAxe
-
BDrill bit
-
CScrewdriver
-
DHammer
Screwdriver
The screwdriver comes in handy when you need to insert a screw to hold the corners of your shadowbox together or when you need to tighten a doorknob. It comes in two most basic types - a flathead or a Phillip's. The Phillip's head is the most often used since most screws come in a cross-shaped pattern.
Question 31
What tool makes it oh-so-easy to mark straight lines while ripping long boards or laying out wall plates while framing?
-
ANail gun
-
BCarpenter's pencil
-
CChalk Line
-
DScrewdriver
Chalk Line
Technology is pretty cool, but sometimes, something as simple as chalk combined with an old-fashioned hand-cranked spool does the trick. This is especially the case when trying to mark straight lines during a construction project.
Question 32
Should you run most portable generators indoors?
-
AOnly if you set it up in an unoccupied space.
-
BNo!
-
CYes.
-
DOnly if you keep it near an open window.
No!
Portable generators should be set up at least 15 feet from your home, preferably in a sheltered area. Using one indoors can lead to potentially fatal carbon monoxide build-up. Some exist that are specifically built for indoor usage, but make sure yours is before setting it up this way.
Question 33
What tool will help you cut everything from rubber to copper, and from aluminum to sheet metal?
-
APneumatic tool
-
BPincers
-
CJapanese saw
-
DSnips
Snips
All-purpose snips can cut through copper, steel, aluminum rubber. Have heavy duty cardboard you need to cut through? Use your snips! Pro models are designed for singular types of cuts such as left curves, right curves, and straight cuts, but all-purpose is ideal for homeowners who have odd jobs they want to complete around the house.
Question 34
In a home's electrical wiring, current can be AC or DC. What does AC power stand for?
-
AAbsolute current
-
BAnchor cord
-
CAlternating current
-
DAlternating conduit
Alternating current
While it is less common, AC power is still a standard type of wiring, and stands for "alternating current". As the name suggests, its flow changes direction occasionally.
Question 35
What material is most drywall made from?
-
AGypsum
-
BGranite
-
CQuartz
-
DPumice
Gypsum
Gypsum is a calcium sulfate that is widely mined and used in drywall, plaster, and as a fertilizer. The United States and Mexico have some of the highest quality gypsum deposits in the world.
Question 36
What do the "H" and the "V" in HVAC stand for?
-
AHeating and Vacuums
-
BHeating and Ventilation
-
CHomes and Villas
-
DHomes and Valves
Heating and Ventilation
The first two letters in the acronym stand for heating and ventilation.
Question 37
This funny looking saw has a name that also means "dealing with".
-
ACoping saw
-
BJigsaw
-
CHandsaw
-
DCircular saw
Coping saw
A coping saw looks like something out of a medieval torture set, but in reality, it has many applied uses around the workshop. It is a type of bow saw that is used to make intricate cutouts during projects.
Question 38
What's the best way to attach a drawer front?
-
ADovetail joints
-
BFinish nails
-
CBiscuit joints
-
DGlue and screw
Dovetail joints
Dovetail joints are the gold standard when in comes to attaching drawer fronts, thanks to their superior tensile strength.
Question 39
What is a closet flange?
-
AThe place where the sewer line exits the home
-
BAn old-fashioned pipe connector
-
CAn anchoring ring for a toilet
-
DA pipe chase hidden in a closet
An anchoring ring for a toilet
The closet flange anchors the toilet over the drain pipe in the floor. It should rise about 1/4-inch above the finished floor to help keep the toilet in place.
Question 40
What should you do if you're out of wood putty?
-
AAllow matching paint to dry out to a thick consistency
-
BUse joint compound instead
-
CMake a mixture of wood glue and sawdust from the same species
-
DFill the holes with sand
Make a mixture of wood glue and sawdust from the same species
Make your own wood filler with sawdust and glue for a quick, inexpensive wood putty. (doityourself.com)
Question 41
What would you use an awl for?
-
AFixing a clogged toilet
-
BStarting off nail or screw holes
-
CScrewing in tiny screws
-
DPrying up floorboards
Starting off nail or screw holes
An awl is sharp object with a tiny head that you can use to start off nail or screw holes. You can also use an awl to detect studs or block in stud work.
Question 42
What is this pictured tool?
-
AHot poker
-
BAwl
-
CA screwdriver
-
DA tack blunter
Awl
An awl is used for poking holes into leather for sewing and it can also be used to decorate metal with divots and hole punches.
Question 43
You want to install a door or skylight--which tool should you use to make the hole?
-
ASledgehammer
-
BDrywall saw
-
CReciprocating saw
-
DBandsaw
Reciprocating saw
While a sledgehammer would certainly work for demo, it would be messy demo. A drywall saw is far too small to cut a hole, and a bandsaw is a type of table saw. A reciprocating saw works like a precise and aggressive carving knife, perfect for clean demo.
Question 44
What signifies that an electrician's training is complete?
-
APermission to use electrician equipment unsupervised
-
BBegin working
-
CGraduate trade school
-
DAcquire an electrician's license (if required)
Acquire an electrician's license (if required)
Not all states require it, but acquiring an electrician's license will be the last thing an electrician does before being considered a full-fledged part of the industry. If it is required, someone cannot work in this field on their own without a license.
Question 45
What would you work on with this pictured tool?
-
AScreens
-
BFabric
-
CWires
-
DBricks
Screens
This style of screen roller is for light duty and homeowner use. One end has a concave wheel and the other end a convex wheel. The convex wheel is used for setting metal screening into the frame and then a rubber spline is rolled in with the concave end.
Question 46
What rule of gun safety also applies to power saw operation?
-
ACheck the safety often
-
BFinger off the trigger until you are ready
-
CNever point the barrel at someone
-
DUse the right size bullets
Finger off the trigger until you are ready
With both guns and power saws, you should always keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to operate the tool. Another rule these two items have in common is being away of what is around and behind your target.
Question 47
Need to cut electrical cable or steel wire? Which type of plier should you rely on?
-
ASide cutting pliers
-
BLocking pliers
-
CFencing plier
-
DTongue and groove pliers
Side cutting pliers
Side cutting pliers go by many other names, including wire cutters, wire snips, lineman pliers, electrician's pliers and diagonal pliers. The heavy jaws and sheers set at a diagonal angle make these shears ideal for cutting through electrical wire and steel wire. Some heavier-duty models can cut through bolts and nails.
Question 48
Which of these is not one of the 12 standard types of sanders?
-
ADisk sander
-
BDrywall sander
-
CTable sander
-
DCoral sander
Coral sander
The drywall, table, and disk sanders are all real. Coral sanders, however, do not exist.
Question 49
What does a basin wrench do?
-
AMakes it easier to install new toilets
-
BInstalls circuit wires
-
CTightens plastic screws
-
DMakes it easier to change faucets
Makes it easier to change faucets
A basin wrench has a head that can be used to either tighten or loosen the riser nuts and the faucet lock nuts. They come in multiple sizes and some telescope for ease of use. Basin wrenches are designed to be used in difficult spaces that would be unable to reach with most other wrenches.
Question 50
What is a Forstner bit good for?
-
AMaking large, clean holes in wood.
-
BSharpening regular drill bits
-
CPolishing other tools
-
DMaking holes in metal
Making large, clean holes in wood.
Forstner bits have a wide outer edge designed to drill large holes with clean, smooth edges.
Question 51
What is the purpose of a drain trap?
-
ATo keep sewer gases from backing up into your home
-
BTo stop the drain from running away
-
CTo keep valuables from accidentally washing down the drain
-
DTo keep sewer lines from becoming clogged with hair and other waste
To keep sewer gases from backing up into your home
All drains need a trap, or a curved bit of pipe, to keep sewer gases from entering the home. It works because a bit of water stays in the bend and serves as a plug.
Question 52
This resort town in Italy that was destroyed by a volcano was home to several furniture shops.
-
ARome
-
BPompeii
-
CVenice
-
DSicily
Pompeii
Pompeii was famously buried in volcanic ash and many of the town's people and buildings were preserved. Archeologists uncovered wooden furniture shops selling intricately carved pieces for use in homes across the area.
Question 53
What is the designed use for a center punch?
-
ACreate holes in brick
-
BStart holes in metal
-
CStart holes in drywall
-
DPut holes in paper
Start holes in metal
In theory, a center punch is used to start holes in metal. However, this tool is so much more useful than that. You can use it to tighten a loose handle on a shovel, hammer or knife, use it as a pencil in a pinch or countersink a large nail head with it.
Question 54
Welding helmets do more than just keep sparks from hitting the eyes. What is the other thing this essential piece of safety equipment protects welders' eyes from?
-
AGas
-
BLight
-
CMetal
-
DElectricity
Light
Just like how the sun can damage your eyes, the light emitted from welding is sometimes bright enough to damage the eyes. Welding masks use a dark lens to prevent this.
Question 55
Walls that separate rooms are known as:
-
ADividers
-
BAesthetic walls
-
CParty walls
-
DPartition walls
Partition walls
You might have one, several or none of these dividing walls in your home, but if you work in an office, they will likely be everywhere. These non-bearing walls can be fixed or movable, and are made from building materials such as glass, fabric, and masonry.
Question 56
You need this most basic tool to guide your way. Common brands are Maglite, Fenix, and SureFire.
-
AMounted Overhead Light
-
BUtility Shop Light
-
CFlashlight
-
DCandle
Flashlight
Overhead and utility shop lights are great when you plan on working in one area, but when you own a home, you can't count on maintenance issues always arising in the same place. You may need to crawl through an attic, maneuver through your basement or peer beneath the kitchen sink. Each of these jobs requires one basic yet essential tool: a flashlight.
Question 57
You have a small hole in your wall and you want to make the repair ASAP. What kind of material do you use?
-
ATopping Compound
-
BAll Purpose Compound
-
CTaping Compound
-
DQuick Setting Patching Compound
Quick Setting Patching Compound
Quick setting patching compound is, as its name implies, quick to set. It's ideal for finishing small repairs and filling holes within minutes. However, you should not use this compound for large jobs.
Question 58
What value does gold provide for conductors?
-
AIt is abundant
-
BIt is safe
-
CIt resists tarnishing
-
DIt is valuable
It resists tarnishing
While gold is not nearly as rare as many people think, the main reason it is sometimes used as a conductor is because it resists tarnishing quite effectively.
Question 59
What is this pictured tool used for?
-
ARemoving paint
-
BCombing carpet
-
CStraightening fins on an air conditioner condenser
-
DPrying planks apart
Straightening fins on an air conditioner condenser
Fin combs come in various sizes. They are used to straighten damaged coil fin sections, thus restoring the efficiency of the condenser coil.
Question 60
Name that tool! What is this angular device called?
-
AA 90-degree ruler
-
BA level
-
CA right angle
-
DA square
A square
Though this tool is designed to provide you with accurate right angles for any projects, it's not called a 90-degree ruler or a right angle. It's a square, plain and simple.
Question 61
What is a unique feature of a Shop-Vac?
-
AIt can suck up wood shavings
-
BIt doesn't work well at all
-
CIt can suck up dirt
-
DIt can suck up water
It can suck up water
Woodworkers and DIYers almost always have a Shop-Vac among their most prized possessions. This vacuum was built for heavy work around the garage and can suck up just about anything. The unique feature, however, is it does something no other vacuum can: Sucks up water.
Question 62
What tool would you use to measure the voltage and resistance of an electrical connection?
-
AContinuity Tester
-
BVolt/Ohmmeter
-
CSolenoid Voltage Tester
-
DMultimeter
Volt/Ohmmeter
Electrical resistance is measure in terms of "ohms," hence the name of this tool. Modern ohmmeters do more than just measure voltage and resistance - they also measure current electrical flow (amperage) and emit a signal when it comes across a complete circuit.
Comments (8)
We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.
Wayyy too difficult!
..yes, some can be misleading, which is why I read the questions..the pic is not always correct..it's meant as an example, only..if I miss, I miss..I am certified in electrical repairs..I choose to do these..
@Flybouy..not if they were only asking for one, LOL..
It was OK but the last question was definitely misleading. The picture was of a MULTI-METER.
The plier is not a needle nose but rather a long nose.
Actually kinda stupid and WAY to easy, just look at the % of people who get them right.
I just know tools
Last question asked regarding the MULTIMETER was misleading and had 2 correct answers.