NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What tool can be used to ensure a pipe is cut exactly square?

1. A hacksaw

2. A pipe cutter

3. A sawzall

4. A miter saw

The correct answer is: A pipe cutter

A pipe cutter is specifically designed to provide a clean and precise cut on pipes, ensuring that the cut is exactly square. This tool works by clamping around the pipe and using a rotary cutting action to slice through it. This method allows for a consistent cutting angle, resulting in an end that is perfectly squared off, which is essential for making proper connections in plumbing or mechanical work. While a hacksaw can cut through pipes, it requires a steady hand and can sometimes result in cuts that are not perfectly square due to the operator's technique. A sawzall, though versatile, is generally more suited for demolition and can create uneven cuts if not carefully handled. A miter saw is designed for wood or other materials but is also not ideal for cutting pipes as it lacks the mechanism to ensure the pipe is held firmly in place, which could lead to an imprecise cut. Thus, the pipe cutter stands out as the most reliable tool for achieving a perfect square cut on pipes.