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Shop Tools and Practices

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ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

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1 Introduction

About the ASVAB AFQT Score and Military Eligibility Line Scores and Military Jobs (MOS) How to Use This Guide

2 Verbal Domain (WK + PC)

Word Knowledge Basics Word Knowledge Practice Paragraph Comprehension Basics Paragraph Comprehension Practice

3 Mathematics Domain (AR + MK)

Number Operations Word Problems Algebra Geometry Test Strategies

4 Science & Technical Domain (GS + EI + MC)

Life Science Physical Science Electronics Fundamentals Mechanical Principles Applied Science Questions

5 Technical Skills Domain (AI + SI + AO)

Automotive Basics Automotive Systems Shop Tools and Practices Shop Safety and Materials Assembling Objects

Shop Tools and Practices

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

Wrenches come in types: open-end, box-end, combination, adjustable, socket, and torque wrenches.

Screwdrivers match screw types: flathead (slotted), Phillips (+), Torx (star), and hex (Allen).

Power tools include drills, grinders, sanders, and saws requiring proper safety precautions.

Fasteners are measured by diameter, thread pitch, and length; SAE (inches) vs metric (mm).

Measuring tools include tape measures, calipers, micrometers, and levels for precision work.

Last updated: January 2026

Quick Answer: The Shop Information (SI) subtest has 11 questions in 6 minutes on CAT-ASVAB. It covers hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, fasteners, and shop practices.

  • Hand Tools
  • Wrenches

Wrenches apply torque to turn fasteners (nuts and bolts).

  • Wrench Type Description Best Use
  • Open-End U-shaped opening at each end Quick access, tight spaces
  • Box-End Enclosed ring, 6 or 12 points More grip, less rounding
  • Combination Open-end on one side, box on other Versatile, most common
  • Adjustable Jaw width can be adjusted Various sizes, one tool
  • Socket Detachable socket on ratchet handle Fast work, deep access
  • Torque Measures applied torque (ft-lbs or N-m) Precise tightening to spec
  • Allen/Hex L-shaped for hex socket screws Furniture, machinery
  • Pipe Adjustable with serrated jaws Round pipes, plumbing
  • Socket Set Components
  • Component Function
  • Sockets Fit over bolt heads; various sizes
  • Ratchet Handle with reversible mechanism
  • Extensions Lengthen reach to recessed bolts
  • Universal Joint Allows angled access
  • Breaker Bar Long handle for extra leverage
  • Screwdrivers
  • Type Head Shape Identifier
  • Flathead/Slotted Single slot (-) Oldest, most basic
  • Phillips Cross shape (+) Most common today
  • Pozidriv Star with extra grooves Similar to Phillips, more grip
  • Torx 6-point star Automotive, electronics
  • Hex/Allen Hexagonal Furniture, machinery
  • Robertson Square recess Canadian standard, less cam-out
  • Pliers
  • Type Function
  • Slip-Joint Adjustable jaw opening
  • Needle-Nose Reach into tight spaces; grip small objects
  • Locking (Vise-Grips) Lock onto object; hands-free holding
  • Channel-Lock Adjustable, parallel jaws for pipes
  • Diagonal Cutters Cut wire and small fasteners
  • Wire Strippers Remove insulation from electrical wire
  • Hammers and Mallets
  • Type Head Material Use
  • Claw Hammer Steel General purpose, nail pulling
  • Ball-Peen Steel Metalwork, riveting
  • Sledge Hammer Steel Heavy demolition, driving stakes
  • Rubber Mallet Rubber Gentle force without marring
  • Dead-Blow Sand/shot-filled Controlled impact, no rebound
  • Power Tools
  • Drilling and Driving
  • Tool Function
  • Electric Drill Drills holes; drives screws with bit change
  • Drill Press Stationary drilling; precise, perpendicular holes
  • Impact Driver High torque for driving screws; rotational impact
  • Impact Wrench Removes/installs lug nuts; high torque output
  • Hammer Drill Drilling into masonry; hammering action
  • Cutting Tools
  • Tool Function
  • Circular Saw Straight cuts in wood, powered rotating blade
  • Reciprocating Saw Demolition, cuts in tight spaces
  • Jigsaw Curved cuts in wood, thin materials
  • Miter Saw Angled cuts, precise crosscuts
  • Band Saw Curved cuts in thick material
  • Table Saw Ripping long boards; adjustable fence
  • Angle Grinder Cutting and grinding metal
  • Shaping and Finishing
  • Tool Function
  • Belt Sander Rapid material removal, flat surfaces
  • Orbital Sander Fine finishing, minimal swirl marks
  • Router Decorative edges, grooves, patterns
  • Planer Flattens and thicknesses wood
  • Lathe Rotates workpiece for shaping (wood or metal)
  • Measuring Tools
  • Length Measurement
  • Tool Precision Use
  • Tape Measure 1/16 inch General measurement, flexible
  • Steel Rule 1/32 inch Short, precise measurements
  • Folding Rule 1/16 inch Rigid, carpentry
  • Caliper 0.001 inch Inside/outside dimensions
  • Micrometer 0.0001 inch Extremely precise measurement
  • Angle and Level
  • Tool Function
  • Level Checks horizontal and vertical alignment
  • Combination Square 90 and 45-degree angles; measuring
  • Speed Square Quick 90/45-degree marking; roof pitch
  • Protractor Measures any angle
  • Bevel Gauge Transfers and copies angles
  • Fasteners
  • Bolt and Screw Measurement

Fasteners are identified by:

  • Diameter - Major width of threads
  • Thread Pitch - Distance between threads (TPI for SAE, mm for metric)
  • Length - From under head to tip (screws) or overall (bolts)
  • SAE vs Metric
  • System Diameter Thread Pitch Example
  • SAE (Imperial) Fractions or decimals (inches) Threads per inch (TPI) 1/4-20 x 1" (1/4" dia, 20 TPI, 1" long)
  • Metric Millimeters Millimeters between threads M6 x 1.0 x 25mm (6mm dia, 1.0mm pitch, 25mm long)
  • Common Fastener Types
  • Fastener Description
  • Machine Screw Threads into tapped hole or nut
  • Wood Screw Tapered, coarse threads for wood
  • Sheet Metal Screw Sharp threads, self-tapping
  • Lag Screw Heavy-duty wood fastener
  • Hex Bolt Hexagonal head, with nut
  • Carriage Bolt Round head, square shoulder
  • Stud Threaded both ends, no head
  • Machine Nut Threads onto bolts/studs
  • Lock Nut Resists loosening (nylon insert or deformed)
  • Washer Distributes load, prevents loosening
  • Bolt Grade Markings (SAE)
  • Grade Marking Material Use
  • Grade 2 No marking Low carbon steel Non-critical applications
  • Grade 5 3 radial lines Medium carbon, quenched General purpose
  • Grade 8 6 radial lines Alloy steel, quenched High-strength applications

Tip: More lines = stronger bolt. Count the lines and add 2 for SAE grade.