Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

Is it safe to run an impact wrench with a universal joint and socket attached?

1. Yes, it is completely safe

2. No, it may throw off attachments

3. Only for light-duty applications

4. Yes, but with caution

The correct answer is: No, it may throw off attachments

Running an impact wrench with a universal joint and socket attached can introduce safety risks due to the potential for components to loosen or detach during use. Universal joints are designed to allow for angular movement, which can lead to increased stress on both the wrench and the attachments. Under high torque conditions typical of impact wrenches, there is a chance that the socket could come loose, particularly if it is not properly secured or if the tools are not rated to handle such dynamics. This could result in attachments being thrown off, posing a danger to the operator and bystanders. Therefore, while using a universal joint might be practical in some scenarios, the inherent risk of detachment means it isn't considered completely safe without taking precautions. Regarding other options, while light-duty applications may mitigate some risks, they do not eliminate the fundamental concerns associated with a universal joint’s ability to maintain a secure connection under impact conditions. Running an impact wrench with caution generally implies awareness of potential hazards, but it may not resolve the primary safety concern of attachments being thrown off. The belief that it is completely safe under any circumstance does not consider the possible mechanical failures that can occur with improper use of such tools.