Auto and Shop Information Study Guide for the ASVAB

Shop: Fastening Tools

Ring Fasteners

Ring fasteners, also known as “retaining rings” or “snap rings,” are mechanical fasteners that hold components or assemblies onto a shaft or in a housing/bore when installed in a groove. They come in two main types: internal and external snap rings.

Internal snap rings are designed to fit into a housing or bore, while external snap rings are designed to fit over a shaft. They both function to keep parts in place, preventing lateral movement and controlling the position of the assembly.

Soldering

Soldering is a process of joining two or more items together by melting a filler material (solder) into the joint. This process is primarily used in electronics, plumbing, and metalwork.

Solder

Solder is a metal alloy usually made from a combination of tin and lead, silver, or copper. It has a lower melting point than the parts being joined.

• Lead-based solder is commonly used due to its low cost and ease of use, but environmental concerns have led to an increase in use of lead-free alternatives.

• Silver solder has a higher melting point and is typically used for stronger joints and higher temperature applications.

• Copper solder has a lower melting point than silver solder but higher than lead-based solder. It is often chosen for its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications in electronics and plumbing.

Preparation

Preparation for soldering involves cleaning the surfaces to be soldered and applying flux. Flux is a chemical cleaning agent that helps prepare metal surfaces for soldering by removing oxidation and promoting wetting, ensuring a clean, strong bond.

Tools

The two primary tools used in soldering are the soldering iron and the soldering gun. Both tools should be handled with care, as they generate high heat and can cause burns or start a fire if not used properly.

Soldering Iron

A soldering iron is a hand-held tool that is primarily used for the soldering process. It has a metal tip that is heated to a high temperature, usually by an electric current passing through it. Here are some more details:

structure and design—The soldering iron consists of a heated metal tip and an insulated handle. The tip can come in various sizes and shapes for different types of work and can be replaceable for flexibility in different tasks.

heat control—Some advanced soldering irons offer temperature control, allowing the user to adjust the heat for different types of projects. This feature can be crucial for sensitive electronic components that could be damaged by excessive heat.

use—The heated tip of the iron is applied to the joint area between the two items to be soldered. The heat from the iron then melts the solder, which flows into the joint and makes the connection. Once cooled, the solder hardens and forms a sturdy joint.

Soldering Gun

A soldering gun is another type of soldering device, but it is usually larger and more powerful than a soldering iron. It’s designed for applications where more heat is required. Here are some specifics:

structure and design—The soldering gun has a distinctive pistol-like design with a trigger control. The tip of the gun is usually a loop of thick copper wire, which gets hot when electricity is applied.

heat control—The trigger on the soldering gun allows for quick heat control. When the trigger is pressed, the gun heats up almost instantly. Releasing the trigger allows it to cool down just as quickly. This feature prevents damage to the tool and the workpiece from prolonged exposure to heat.

use—Due to its high power, a soldering gun is typically used for heavy-duty soldering applications, such as working on thick wires, metal objects, or larger electronic components. However, it’s too powerful for delicate electronic work, such as soldering circuit boards, where a soldering iron is more appropriate.

Welding

Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool, causing fusion. It’s commonly used in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing.

Oxyacetylene Welding

Oxyacetylene welding, also known as gas welding, uses a flame produced by gas (usually a mixture of acetylene and oxygen) to melt the base metal. A filler rod, often coated in flux, is then manually guided along the joint and melted into the joint to fill the gap.

Electric-Arc Welding

Electric-arc welding uses an electrical current to create an arc of electricity between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point.

Stick Welding

Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated with flux to lay the weld. This method is popular due to its versatility and simplicity, making it ideal for both professional welders and hobbyists. It can be used on various materials, including steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, and it’s effective even on rusty or dirty surfaces.

stinger—The stinger, also known as the electrode holder, is an essential component of the stick welding process. It is designed to securely hold the welding electrode and conduct the required current to it. The stinger is connected to the welding machine via a welding cable, providing the electrical energy necessary to generate the heat for welding. Its design allows for easy electrode replacement and accommodates a wide range of electrode diameters.

welding rod—The welding rod, or the electrode, is a crucial part of the stick welding process. It is a metal rod coated in flux, which serves a dual role. The core of the rod melts due to the intense heat, creating the filler metal for the weld. The type of rod selected can affect the ease of welding, the weld’s strength, and the appearance of the weld. Different types of rods are suitable for different metals and welding positions.

flux—Flux is a material that’s coated on the outside of the welding rod. When the rod is heated, the flux melts and produces a gas that shields the weld area from atmospheric gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen. This shielding is critical because these gases can cause defects in the weld, like porosity or inclusions. Additionally, the flux also forms a slag on the weld bead, which protects the weld from contamination as it cools. The slag must be chipped away after welding.

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding

MIG welding, also known as wire-feed welding, uses a continuous solid wire electrode that is fed through a welding gun and into the weld pool. The MIG gun feeds the electrode, and the type of gas used (usually a mix of argon and carbon dioxide) shields the weld area from the atmosphere to prevent oxidation.

Protective Equipment for Welding

Welding can be hazardous, and it requires the proper protective equipment to ensure safety. Some key items include:

welding helmet—This is arguably the most important piece of safety gear. It protects the eyes and skin from the intense light and heat produced by welding, as well as from sparks and spatter. Some helmets have auto-darkening features that adjust to the light level.

safety glasses—Worn under the welding helmet for additional eye protection, safety glasses shield from debris when chipping slag or grinding.

welding jacket—Made from durable, flame-resistant materials like leather, welding jackets protect the welder’s body from heat, sparks, and spatter.

welding gloves—Welding gloves are designed to protect the hands from heat, electrical shock, and radiation. They’re typically made from leather and other materials that resist heat and electricity.

welding boots—High-top leather shoes or boots protect the welder’s feet from sparks and hot metal, as well as from falling objects.

Shop: Gripping Tools

Gripping tools are essential in any mechanic’s toolbox. They are used to hold, bend, twist, cut, and manipulate various types of materials. The following are some of the most common types of gripping tools used in a shop.

Pliers

Pliers are versatile tools designed to grip, twist, bend, and cut a variety of materials. They come in different types, each designed for specific tasks:

combination slip-joint pliers—These pliers have a slip joint rather than a fixed rivet at the fulcrum, making them adjustable to grip objects of different sizes. They also have both flat and curved areas for gripping and a cutting edge, making them quite versatile.

adjustable joint pliers—Also known as tongue-and-groove pliers, these have an adjustable lower jaw that can be moved to several positions by sliding along a tracking section under the upper jaw. They offer a large capacity and are commonly used for plumbing work.

Channellock® or water pump pliers—These are a type of adjustable pliers that are used primarily for gripping and turning nuts and bolts, as well as for holding and turning objects of various sizes.

lineman pliers—Also known as combination pliers, these have a gripping joint at their snub nose and cutting edge in their craw. They are used mainly by electricians and other tradesmen for bending, cutting, shaping, and gripping wire and cable.

diagonal cutters—These are pliers intended for the cutting of wire. The plane of the cutting edge is diagonal to the plier’s handles to allow the cutting of wires close to flat surfaces.

needle-nose pliers—These have long, thin noses that are excellent for reaching into tight spaces. They can bend wire, hold small parts, and grip where fingers can’t.

Vise-Grip® or locking pliers—These are pliers that can be locked into position, allowing them to grip without the user needing to apply constant pressure. They are versatile and can be used as pliers, a wrench, or a clamp.

Clamps

Clamps are used to secure objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation. They are often used in carpentry, woodworking, and metalworking. A popular clamp type is the C-clamp, named for its C-shaped frame. It is typically used to hold a wood or metal workpiece and often used in carpentry and woodworking. The size of the clamp is determined by the width of the frame.

Vises

A vise is a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. It has two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, threaded in and out by a screw and lever. The jaws are the parts of the vise that come into direct contact with the workpiece. They are typically made of hardened steel for durability. Some vises have removable or replaceable jaws (often called “faces”) that can be changed depending on the work being done. Some jaw faces are serrated for extra grip, while others are smooth or have a soft cover (like plastic or rubber) to prevent damage to delicate workpieces.

Shop: Cutting Tools

Cutting tools are a fundamental aspect of any shop or workshop, offering a variety of ways to cut, shape, and manipulate materials to the required specifications. From manual saws to power saws and drills, each tool has its specific use and application.

Manual Saws

Manual saws are hand-operated cutting tools that have been used for centuries to cut a variety of materials. These saws come in different types, each designed for specific tasks:

crosscut saw—This type of saw is designed to cut wood at a right angle to the direction of the wood grain. The teeth of a crosscut saw are specially shaped to cut cleanly through the wood fibers, resulting in a smoother, cleaner cut.

rip saw—The rip saw is designed to cut wood along the direction of the grain. The term “kerf” refers to the width of the cut made by the saw, which is determined by the thickness of the saw blade.

coping saw—This is a type of saw used for cutting intricate external shapes and interior cut-outs in woodworking or carpentry. The thin, narrow blade is held under tension in a U-shaped frame.

backsaw—A backsaw is a precision miter saw, used for making fine cuts. It has a stiffening rib on the edge opposite the cutting edge, helping the saw to remain straight.

hacksaw—This is a fine-toothed saw, originally and mainly made for cutting metal. The blade is held in a frame, making it both strong and adjustable to accommodate different blade lengths.

miter box—This is a tool used in conjunction with a backsaw to make precise miter cuts in a workpiece.

Power Saws

Power saws (or electric saws) use electricity to move the cutting blade, reducing the manual labor needed to cut through materials. They come in a variety of types:

circular saw—A circular saw uses a toothed or abrasive disc or blade to cut different materials using a rotary motion spinning around an arbor.

miter saw—A miter saw is a specialized tool that lets you make cuts at a variety of angles. It has a blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left or right to produce angled cuts.

table saw—This is a woodworking tool consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, providing support for the material being cut.

band saw—A band saw uses a blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal rotating on two wheels to cut material. It is used for woodworking, metalworking, or for cutting a variety of other materials.

Tools for Drilling and Boring

Drilling and boring are both methods of removing material to create holes, but they have different applications. Drilling is the process of creating a hole using a bit, while boring is enlarging that hole with a different tool after the initial hole has been drilled.

Drill Bits

These are cutting tools used to remove material to create holes. Drill bits come in many sizes and shapes and can create different kinds of holes in many different materials. Right-hand drill bits turn in a clockwise direction, while left-hand drill bits turn counterclockwise.

Hole Saws

A hole saw is a type of bit used to cut larger holes in thin materials. It has a circular cutting edge and is used in a drill.

Electric Drill

An electric drill is primarily used for making round holes or driving fasteners. It is fitted with a bit, either a drill or a driver, depending on the application.

chuck—This is the part of the drill that holds the bit. Some chucks require a chuck key to tighten and loosen drill bits, while others are keyless and can be adjusted by hand.

reversible drill—A reversible drill has a switch that allows the drill bit to rotate in either direction. This feature is useful for removing screws or when a bit becomes stuck.

variable speed drill—This type of drill allows the user to adjust the speed of the drill bit, offering more control for different types of tasks.

cordless drill—A cordless drill is powered by a rechargeable battery rather than a power cord. This provides greater mobility but may not offer the same power as a corded drill.

Drilling Safety

Safety is paramount when using any tool, and drills are no exception. Always wear appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that could become entangled in the drill. Always ensure the drill bit is securely fastened in the chuck before starting to drill. Use clamps to secure the workpiece to a stable surface. Hold the drill with both hands for control, and stop drilling if you encounter resistance or if the drill bit stops moving. Unplug a drill before changing the bit, and ensure cordless drills are turned off or have their safety lock engaged.

Finishing Tools

Finishing tools allow for the refinement and finesse that separate a rough piece of material from a polished final product. They help to smooth, shape, and detail your work, allowing for a higher level of finish and precision.

Planes

A plane is a tool designed to flatten or shape wood. It consists of a flat base, or “sole,” with a sharp blade extending a small amount from this base. The blade shaves off thin layers of wood when the tool is pushed along the surface of the piece.

A particular type of plane, the jack plane, is a versatile tool often used for rough work. Its size and design make it suitable for both smoothing and straightening edges. The jack plane is typically the first plane used on a rough piece of timber and is considered a general-purpose plane.

Wood Chisels

Wood chisels are tools with a shaped cutting edge on the end for carving or cutting a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal. The handle and blade of some types of chisel are made of metal or wood with a sharp edge on it.

Chisels are used in woodworking to remove large sections of wood to create the initial shape, then refined with other tools for the final shaping and smoothing. The chisel’s cutting edge is used in a variety of ways, including straight, sideways, and even in a circular motion for deepening holes or hollows.

Files

Files are tools used to remove fine amounts of material from a workpiece. They are common in woodworking, metalworking, and similar applications. Most are hand tools made of a case-hardened steel bar with a rectangular, square, triangular, or round cross-section, with one or more surfaces cut with sharp, generally parallel teeth.

A file’s teeth run from one end of the tool to the other and determine the tool’s coarseness or fineness. A coarse file, also known as a rasp, removes material quickly and leaves a rough surface. A fine file, on the other hand, removes less material but leaves a smoother surface.

Rasps

A rasp is a type of file with distinct, individually cut teeth used for coarsely removing large amounts of material. Rasps are used in woodworking for rapidly removing wood from curved surfaces. They remove less material than a drawknife but more than a file.

Rasps come in various shapes, including flat, round, and half-round, and various levels of coarseness. The choice of shape and coarseness depends on the specific task at hand. Despite their aggressive cutting action, with careful use, rasps can create fine, detailed work.