Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

What is the typical use of an 18-pitch hacksaw blade?

1. Cutting wood materials

2. General shop use

3. Precision cutting of metals

4. Heavy-duty cutting tasks

The correct answer is: General shop use

An 18-pitch hacksaw blade is commonly used for general shop applications due to its versatility. The pitch of a blade refers to the number of teeth per inch; in this case, an 18-pitch blade offers a balance that is suitable for cutting a variety of materials, particularly metals. This balance allows for effective cutting efficiency while still providing a sufficient level of precision for many general-purpose tasks. Such blades can handle a range of sizes and types of materials, making them an excellent choice for standard cutting operations in most workshop settings where a variety of tasks may be performed. While precision cutting of metals (C) may require blades with a finer pitch to achieve cleaner cuts, this isn't the primary use of an 18-pitch blade. Heavy-duty cutting tasks (D) often necessitate more aggressive teeth spacing for faster removal of material, which isn't characteristic of a general use blade. Similarly, cutting wood materials (A) typically requires a different type of saw blade designed specifically for wood, emphasizing different tooth geometry and spacing. Hence, the designation of the 18-pitch is most appropriately aligned with general shop use.