Take This Handyman Quiz And See How Good You Are At Fixing Things With Your Own Two Hands!
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 20 min play time
Sure, you could pay someone to fix something or build something for you. Why not do it yourself instead? There are many among us that think doing it yourself is the best way to go, but you have to know what you are doing and the right tools to use. Take this quiz and see if you are DIY ready!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyHandyman Quiz Questions
66 Questions · 363 Plays · No comments
Question 1
Woodworking experts agree that this tool is the one thing every person who works with wood needs.
-
AChisel
-
BScrew driver
-
CPower drill
-
DBlowtorch
Chisel
In writing this quiz, it became clear that the chisel is the most indispensable and widely used tool in a woodworker's arsenal. Most agree that you should have a set of varying measurements, but if starting with just one, make it the 3/4-inch model. Also, don't buy the cheapest version - find something of a higher quality. You will use it THAT much.
Question 2
Where does a good mechanic keep his or her tools?
-
ABackpack
-
BToolbox
-
CUnderground
-
DAt home
Toolbox
Toolboxes come in a number of different designs from portable to large rolling models. A good mechanic stays organized so his or her tools are always readily available.
Question 3
How do mechanics start a vehicle with a dead battery?
-
AHotwiring
-
BJump starter
-
CKick starting
-
DHand cranking
Jump starter
A jump starter, which is also known as a power bank, is basically a large battery that's used to start a car with a nonfunctional power supply. Vehicle owners can buy consumer-grade versions of this tool to keep in the trunk in the event of a breakdown.
Question 4
What is this tool you use to tighten or loosen screws?
-
AScrewdriver
-
BRoto Spanner
-
CPunch
-
DEtcher
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is one of the most basic tools in any mechanic's tool kit. It's used to loosen and tighten screws.
Question 5
An adze was one of the first tools early humans invented. What was it used for?
-
ATo dress timber
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BTo kill animals
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CTo dice fish
-
DTo chop down trees
To dress timber
An adze is like an axe, except the blade is turned 90 degrees. It was used primarily for dressing - or smoothing - large pieces of timber.
Question 6
What all-purpose tool can you use to score drywall?
-
AA hammer
-
BUtility knife
-
CPencil
-
DBypass loopers
Utility knife
Utility knives are best if used to score the front face of the sheetrock before breaking the scribed line. Then they are used for cutting through the backer paper.
Question 7
What do you call this tool that makes a fun noise when you spin it?
-
ASocket set and ratchet
-
BTuner
-
CSpindle
-
DKrieger cylinder
Socket set and ratchet
Sockets are used to turn bolts and other fasteners, and they come in a number of different designs.
Question 8
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 9
What do you call these tools used to loosen or tighten bolts?
-
AScratch awls
-
BOpen end wrenches
-
CPlumb bobs
-
DPliers
Open end wrenches
Wrenches are used to apply torque to objects such as nuts to loosen or tighten them around a bolt.
Question 10
What is this tool that you'll find in a mechanic's garage as well as your home kitchen?
-
AMouth widener
-
BFunnel
-
CDiverter
-
DPour basin
Funnel
Funnels are used to prevent spills of dangerous or messy substances.
Question 11
What is the name of the pictured tool that helps make sure everything is lined up properly?
-
ALaser pointer
-
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 12
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?
-
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 13
What might you use to hold together two pieces of plastic if you're planning to glue them?
-
AHex tool
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BBiscuit joiner
-
CC-Clamp
-
DLever
C-Clamp
When using a C-clamp for this purpose, it is always best to place clamp blocks in place to avoid damaging the material.
Question 14
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 15
This tool lets electricians measure the thickness of wires. What is the name for this wire thickness?
-
AWire substance
-
BWire gauge
-
CWire karats
-
DWire corder
Wire gauge
Wire gauge is measured from size 7/0 at the largest and 50 at the smallest, though standard gauges just measure from 0 to 30.
Question 16
Instead of trying to fit a pencil into a tight space to make a cutting mark, use this little tool.
-
AEraser
-
BMarker
-
CMarking knife
-
DScrewdriver
Marking knife
A marking knife is usually about the size of a paring knife, but it allows the user to indicate where you need to place cuts. It can be used in smaller spots and often without too much movement of the wood, so the accuracy is precise.
Question 17
Which tool is typically use to replace a hammer's function?
-
ADrill saw
-
BChainsaw
-
CNail gun
-
DHex nuts
Nail gun
Nail guns can be pneumatic, battery, electric, or fuel operated. They fire with a trigger pull and can be set for a depth of penetration. Finish, framing, siding, roofing and other specialty nailers are now available in the industry.
Question 18
The fundamental tools electricians use include pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters.
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ATrue
-
BFalse
True
Although these tools have uses in many other disciplines, there are few tools more fundamental to an electrician's job than pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters.
Question 19
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 20
What is this tool that's used to loosen adhesives and make shrink wrap contract?
-
AThermablast
-
BHeat gun
-
CContractor
-
DTensioner
Heat gun
A heat gun is essentially a souped-up version of the hairdryer you probably use at home. Heat guns can emit temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees, which is more than enough to strip paint and loosen most adhesives.
Question 21
What does this pictured tool do?
-
AReplaces pliers
-
BCuts glass without shattering it
-
CMainly used for gardening
-
DStripping wire
Stripping wire
The notches down the jaws of a wire stripper are set for different wire gauges. Note that the larger the number, the smaller the wire.
Question 22
How do mechanics power all of their pneumatic tools?
-
AHand cranking
-
BFire
-
CSolar
-
DAir compressor
Air compressor
Pneumatic tools are powered by a gas that's put under high pressure. An air compressor performs this function while also serving other functions such as inflating tires.
Question 23
A metal detector is a useful tool around the woodshop because it can do this.
-
AFind the hardest rock music
-
BFind bands like Iron Maiden
-
CFind out whether a person has won at the Olympics
-
DFind pieces of metal embedded in wood
Find pieces of metal embedded in wood
You may think of buried treasure when you hear metal detector, but in terms of woodworking, this is not the correct use. The metal detector you should keep around the shop is a small handheld device, much like an ice scraper, that you can run over wood to find any pieces of metal that may have found its way in.
Question 24
This fixed tool is mounted to a workbench securely and has jaws to hold pieces of wood in place.
-
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 25
What do you have to periodically do to cutting tools to keep them working properly?
-
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 26
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 27
When you purchase a tool it comes with a manual. What should you do with it?
-
AThrow it out - you don't need directions
-
BUse it to line a hamster cage
-
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 28
Which of these tools looks like a double "F"?
-
AScrewdriver
-
BCaliper
-
CCompass
-
DDrill
Caliper
A caliper is used in measuring the space between openings and the thickness of a piece among other things. It is shaped like a double "F".
Question 29
What is this doctor's tool that mechanics often use to diagnose engine problems?
-
AX-ray machine
-
BUltrasonic microphone
-
CHeadphones
-
DStethoscope
Stethoscope
Your doctor listens to your ticker with a stethoscope, and your mechanic does the same thing for the heart of your car's engine. While mechanics started off using the medical model, modern versions are wireless and allow the technician to diagnose problems while driving the vehicle.
Question 30
What is the proper name for these cutting tools that have a lot of different uses?
-
AJaws
-
BScissors
-
CTrimmers
-
DSliceitizors
Scissors
A pair of scissors is essentially two knife blades that swing together around a fulcrum point.
Question 31
What is something special you can make with a lathe?
-
AA table
-
BTable and chair legs
-
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 32
Which tool makes cuts at an angle to wood using a circular blade?
-
AChainsaw
-
BMiter saw
-
CDrill saw
-
DWonder saw
Miter saw
A miter saw is quite useful for cutting angles, moldings and repetitive cross cuts for smaller material.
Question 33
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 34
How do mechanics tell if a surface is cool enough to touch?
-
AFlicking water onto the surface
-
BLaser infrared thermometer
-
CGet close enough but don't touch it
-
DNight vision googles
Laser infrared thermometer
Many people refer to infrared thermometers by the laser used to aim the device, but this tool actually uses radiation to measure heat. This allows mechanics to get an accurate temperature reading of a surface or liquid without touching it or dirtying the probe of a conventional thermometer.
Question 35
What tool do mechanics use to prevent overtightening of sensitive screws and nuts?
-
ASpinning scale
-
BTorque wrench
-
CTightness coil
-
DRotational caliper
Torque wrench
A torque wrench allows a mechanic to tighten a screw or bolt to a specific level of tightness without risking breakage due to too much pressure.
Question 36
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 37
What is this pictured tool mainly used for?
-
ACutting edges
-
BMetal work
-
CLeverage
-
DGeneral Safety
Cutting edges
A router is used for many processes. It can be used for rounding over, creating decorative edges, creating rabbets and dadoes, cutting recesses, mortises, and plunge cutting.
Question 38
What is the technical name for this tool that's used to hold pieces together during welding?
-
AWelder's aid
-
BCurved jaw vice grips
-
CPlate clip
-
DLever wrench
Curved jaw vice grips
Locking pliers, which are usually known by the brand name Vise-Grip, allow the user to hold two objects together while also providing full use of both hands. Mechanics often use them during the welding process, which can't easily be done one-handed.
Question 39
What is this electrical measurement tool called?
-
AWattometer
-
BVoltmeter
-
CPlugometer
-
DAmpometer
Voltmeter
Electricians use a number of measurement tools, including this one which is called a voltmeter.
Question 40
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 41
Which one of these tools is most commonly used to attach an electrical connector to the end of a wire?
-
AGlue gun
-
BElectrical tape
-
CPincher
-
DCrimper
Crimper
Crimpers work by creating a deformation in one piece of metal in order to affix it to another. You'll often see electricians using this tool, but mechanics also use them when dealing with automotive electrical systems.
Question 42
The name of this tool is shared with an instrument used in navigation.
-
ARadar
-
BGPS
-
CCompass
-
DRudder
Compass
You might have used a compass in a drafting class in school. It might have a pencil at one end and a sharp point at the other for widening out to draw perfect circles. In woodworking, a compass or divider may be used relatively the same way - for ensuring perfect symmetry when dividing wood up into equal sections.
Question 43
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 44
What is the function of the electrical tool called a fish tape, pictured here?
-
AStore wires neatly
-
BSolder wires
-
CMeasure electrical current
-
DPull wires through thin areas
Pull wires through thin areas
A fish tape is a tool which can be used to pull wires into areas that your hand won't fit, such as through a PVC pipe.
Question 45
What do you call this tool mechanics use to loosen oil filters?
-
ADisengager
-
BLuber
-
COil-filter wrench
-
DTension wrap
Oil-filter wrench
An oil-filter wrench uses a rubber strap to create a circle of tension around the entire piece for easy removal.
Question 46
Which tool spins to create a symmetrical object?
-
ARotary tool
-
BGrinder
-
CChainsaw
-
DLathe
Lathe
Wood lathes are used to turn table legs, knobs, bowls etc. Metal lathes are used for milling and machining parts, creating screws, bolts, and myriad of everyday items.
Question 47
What is the function of the woodworking tool called a plane?
-
AAdd finish to wood
-
BPrep wood for painting
-
CRemove a layer of wood
-
DCut wood in half
Remove a layer of wood
The plane is used to remove the outer layer of wood, which is useful for reducing the thickness or smoothing out the wood.
Question 48
What tool should be used to make sure shelves are level when hung?
-
ABubble Level
-
BPlumb Level
-
CBalloon Level
-
DRuler
Bubble Level
Available in various sizes and used anytime you need to determine plumb or level for your project. If the air bubble floats in the liquid perfectly in the middle, you know that you have a level shelf.
Question 49
What action do you take with this pictured tool?
-
ATightening
-
BCutting
-
CClosing
-
DGapping
Gapping
A spark plug gap gauge is used to set the appropriate space between the electrodes. This insures proper firing.
Question 50
What is the function of this plumbing tool?
-
AMeasure pipes
-
BCut pipes
-
CBend pipes
-
DClean pipes
Cut pipes
This tool is used to cut pipes. It has an incredible amount of power and must be used carefully or you could cut off your finger!
Question 51
What is the function of this tool?
-
ABend wires
-
BInsulate wires
-
CCut wires
-
DStrip wires
Strip wires
This is a wire stripper, which is used, of course, for stripping wires.
Question 52
What are these tools mechanics use to pry apart small objects such as electrical connectors?
-
APinchers and Scrapers
-
BPunches and Claws
-
CNeedles and Slips
-
DPicks and Hooks
Picks and Hooks
You might be most familiar with picks at your dentist's office, but auto mechanics also use them for similar reasons. When there's a space that's too small for fingers to safely enter, a mechanic will use a pick to carefully pry it open.
Question 53
What does this pictured tool do?
-
AChecks levels
-
BSet blade heights
-
CFinds depths
-
DAll of the above
All of the above
This combination square set has 3 different heads. Each is slightly different and those uses include leveling, making patterns, and setting up tools for precision work.
Question 54
What do you call this tool that attaches to an air compressor so your tires can get a boost?
-
ATire inflator
-
BFlow maximizer
-
CCirculating pump
-
DRe-leveler
Tire inflator
If you've ever gone to a gas station and inflated your tires, you've used this tool. A tire inflator connects to your mechanic's air compressor to quickly add enough gas to reach the desired level. This device also includes a pressure gauge to prevent overfilling.
Question 55
What is the loud tool you often see NASCAR pit crews using when changing tires?
-
AImpact wrench
-
BRoto-ratchet
-
CJackhammer
-
DDrill
Impact wrench
An impact wrench is a pneumatic tool that closely resembles a drill. Not only can these wrenches loosen and tighten bolts extremely fast, but they can also apply much more torque than a human can with manual tools.
Question 56
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 57
What tool is most often used to remove rust from a vehicle?
-
AFile
-
BGrater
-
CSandpaper
-
DAngle grinder
Angle grinder
An angle grinder spins an abrasive disk at high speeds to eat away at unwanted / rusted material. This tool is a must-have for mechanics who work in a collision repair center.
Question 58
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 59
Which of these popular tools are the Romans NOT credited with inventing?
-
AElectric screwdriver
-
BClaw hammer
-
CAuger
-
DNails
Electric screwdriver
The Romans liked to improve things, and in doing invented tools that we still use today. They are credited with inventing the claw hammer, auger, and for being the first to create and make iron nails.
Question 60
What do mechanics use to remove dashboards, door panels and other interior components?
-
AHammer
-
BCrowbar
-
CAllen wrenches
-
DTrim removal tool
Trim removal tool
Mechanics sometimes need to get behind interior surfaces to access wires and other important components. Do do this gently without damaging connectors, most technicians use trim removal tools that come in a wide range of sizes.
Question 61
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 62
What is a "Dog's Leg" chisel used for?
-
ACutting away wood in hard to reach areas.
-
BScrubbing off grime and rust from pipes.
-
CChipping away at cement or other breakable materials.
-
DTrick question. There's no such thing!
Cutting away wood in hard to reach areas.
For those hard to reach places. An indispensable tool for relief carving.
Question 63
What is the name of this pictured tool?
-
AEdge-banding guide
-
BWindow panel clamp
-
CVise
-
DFish tape
Fish tape
A fish tape is used to pull wires and cables through conduits and through other enclosed spaces. It "fishes" them through the pipes.
Question 64
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 65
What tool is used to cycle brake fluid through the system to remove any possible air bubbles?
-
ASqueeze ball
-
BVacuum pump
-
CSiphon
-
DGrease gun
Vacuum pump
Vacuum pump brake bleeders are used for a number of different procedures including purging and flushing. The vacuum pump bleeder attaches to the output valve to forcibly remove fluid.
Question 66
What is the function of a router in woodworking?
-
AHollow out a space
-
BMark cutting lines
-
CAttach pieces together
-
DSoften wood
Hollow out a space
The router is a tool, usually powered, that hollows out an area. It is commonly used when making cabinets.
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