Red Seal Steamfitter/Pipefitter Practice Exam

The tool typically used for cutting metal pipes is a pipe cutter or hacksaw. A pipe cutter is specifically designed for this purpose, featuring a sharp wheel that scores the pipe’s surface and creates a clean, precise cut. This tool allows for accurate cuts without distorting the pipe, which is essential for maintaining fit-up quality in piping systems. It is particularly useful for achieving clean edges that are needed for proper welding or fitting.

A hacksaw is another viable tool for cutting metal pipes, especially in situations where accessibility may be limited or where a pipe cutter is not available. While it may require more effort and might not produce as clean of a cut as a pipe cutter, it is versatile and widely used for various cutting tasks in a pinch.

Other options, such as a pipe bender, are designed to bend pipes rather than cut them, making them unsuitable for cutting tasks. A wrench is used for gripping and turning fasteners or fittings, and a drill is primarily for creating holes; neither is meant for cutting pipe material. Hence, the correctness of this choice lies in the recognition of the specific function of the tools in question, aligning with the requirements in metal pipe cutting.