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ASVAB · Hand Tools

What is the purpose of a tap and die set?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Cutting threads — taps cut internal threads (inside a hole), dies cut external threads (on a rod or bolt)

  1. A Measuring temperature and pressure
  2. B Cutting threads — taps cut internal threads (inside a hole), dies cut external threads (on a rod or bolt)
  3. C Cutting sheet metal
  4. D Driving fasteners

Why this is the answer

Tap: A cutting tool that creates internal (female) threads inside a drilled hole — used to create a threaded hole that accepts a bolt.

Die: A cutting tool that creates external (male) threads on a round rod or bolt blank — used to create or repair external threads. Together, a tap and die set allows a machinist or mechanic to: create new threaded holes in metal; repair damaged threads; and create custom threaded fasteners. Common use: re-threading a stripped bolt hole.

Source: ASVAB SI, Threading Tools

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About this topic: Hand Tools

Hand tools questions ask you to identify a tool from a description or picture and name its job: types of hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, chisels and files. Knowing which tool is the right one for a task is the whole section. This is one of 24 Shop Information questions on hand tools, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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