Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

Step drills are commonly used for which purpose?

1. Only for drilling

2. Only for countersinking

3. To drill and then countersink

4. For measuring drill depths

The correct answer is: To drill and then countersink

Step drills are designed to perform two functions effectively, which is why they are commonly used for both drilling and countersinking in a single operation. A step drill features multiple diameters along its length, allowing it to create holes of various sizes as it penetrates the material. This functionality makes it particularly versatile for applications where a specific hole diameter is required, followed by a countersink to prepare the hole for a fastener. The countersinking capability is important for ensuring that screws or bolts sit flush with the surface of the material, which can enhance aesthetics and prevent snagging on edges. The design of step drills streamlines the process, allowing millwrights and operators to drill and countersink without needing to change tools, thus saving time and maintaining precision in hole preparation. While other options refer to limited uses of step drills, such as only drilling or countersinking, or measuring depths, they do not encompass the full functionality of step drills, which is to effectively combine both drilling and countersinking in one tool.