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ASVAB · Hand Tools

What is the purpose of a file (such as a metal file)?

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

To smooth, shape, or remove small amounts of material from a surface by abrasion

  1. A To check voltage
  2. B To smooth, shape, or remove small amounts of material from a surface by abrasion
  3. C To drive nails
  4. D To measure distance

Why this is the answer

A FILE is used to SMOOTH, SHAPE, or remove small amounts of material from a surface by ABRASION (the hardened, ridged surface scrapes away material as it's pushed across). ASVAB Shop Information tests shaping/finishing tools. Files come in various shapes (flat, round, half-round, triangular) and coarseness; used on metal, wood, and plastic to deburr edges, smooth surfaces, sharpen, and shape. A RASP is a coarse file for wood. Files cut on the push stroke. Knowing the file's purpose (smoothing/shaping by abrasion) is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB Shop Information — Files

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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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