Cutting Tools

24 Grade 8 Pre-Technical Studies questions on Cutting Tools, with worked marking schemes. 24 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   A learner in the workshop needs to cut a metal rod and reaches for a saw designed specifically for cutting metal. Which saw should the learner choose?

   A. Hacksaw

   B. Rip saw

   C. Coping saw

   D. Tenon saw

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A teacher reminds learners that a blunt chisel is more dangerous than a sharp one. Why is keeping cutting tools sharp considered a safety measure?

   A. A blunt tool cuts faster

   B. A blunt tool needs more force and can slip, causing injury

   C. A sharp tool is cheaper to buy

   D. A sharp tool looks more attractive

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A snips (tin snips) tool is mainly used for cutting:

   A. Thin sheet metal

   B. Thick timber

   C. Concrete

   D. Glass

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   5 marks

   Describe how a hacksaw blade should be fitted and used correctly to cut a metal bar.

   (5 marks)

   Marking scheme

   1 mark: Fit the blade with teeth pointing forward, away from the handle. 1 mark: Tighten the blade in the frame so it is taut. 1 mark: Secure the metal bar firmly in a vice. 1 mark: Apply cutting pressure on the forward stroke and release on the return stroke. 1 mark: Use steady, even strokes using the full length of the blade.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Which tool is used together with a hammer to cut cold metal by chipping?

   A. Firmer chisel

   B. Coping saw

   C. File

   D. Cold chisel

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Which cutting tool has a curved cutting edge and is commonly used to cut and trim vegetation or hedges in agriculture?

   A. Cold chisel

   B. Secateurs

   C. Hacksaw

   D. Coping saw

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   When carrying a sharp cutting tool such as a chisel across the workshop, you should:

   A. Point the sharp edge towards other people

   B. Run while holding it

   C. Throw it to the next person

   D. Carry it with the cutting edge pointing down and away from the body

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a wood-cutting tool used mainly for cutting along the grain of timber?

   A. Bolt cutter

   B. Hacksaw

   C. Rip saw

   D. Tin snips

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   (a) State two examples of cutting tools used for cutting wood.

   (b) State two examples of cutting tools used for cutting metal.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) 2 marks (1 each): Any two of - rip saw, cross-cut saw, tenon saw, coping saw, chisel, panel saw. (b) 2 marks (1 each): Any two of - hacksaw, tin snips/snips, cold chisel, bolt cutter, file (for shaping).

10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Which cutting tool would a learner choose to make a straight, fine cut across a small piece of timber, such as in joinery?

    A. Hacksaw

    B. Tenon saw

    C. Rip saw

    D. Bolt cutter

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    3 marks

    State three ways of maintaining cutting tools to make them last longer.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each (any 3): Clean tools after use; sharpen blunt edges regularly; oil metal parts to prevent rust; store in a dry place/tool rack; protect cutting edges with covers; replace worn or damaged blades/handles.

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Before storing a cutting tool such as a chisel, the correct practice is to:

    A. Remove its handle

    B. Clean, dry and oil it to prevent rust

    C. Leave it wet on the bench

    D. Bang it against the vice

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    A learner in the workshop needs to cut a metal rod into two pieces. Which of the following hand tools is most appropriate for cutting metal?

    A. Coping saw

    B. Hacksaw

    C. Tenon saw

    D. Crosscut saw

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    A learner must hold the workpiece firmly while cutting. The workshop device best used for this is a:

    A. Mallet

    B. Try square

    C. Vice

    D. Screwdriver

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A learner needs to cut a metal rod in the workshop. Which cutting tool is most appropriate?

    A. Coping saw

    B. Rip saw

    C. Hacksaw

    D. Tenon saw

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    6 marks

    A learner in the workshop is given a hacksaw to cut a thin metal rod. (a) State the main use of a hacksaw. (2 marks) (b) Explain two safety precautions the learner should observe when using the hacksaw. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) A hacksaw is used for cutting metal and other hard materials (such as plastic pipes or thin metal rods) by means of its fine-toothed replaceable blade. (b) Two safety precautions: (i) Firmly clamp/hold the workpiece in a vice before cutting so that it does not move or slip, which prevents the blade from jerking and injuring the hands. (ii) Fit the blade correctly with the teeth pointing forward (away from the handle) and at the right tension, and apply pressure only on the forward stroke; this prevents the blade from binding or snapping and causing injury. (Other acceptable answers: keep fingers clear of the cutting line; use a sharp, undamaged blade.)

17. Question 17

    1 mark

    A blunt cutting tool is dangerous because it:

    A. Cuts too quickly

    B. Cannot rust

    C. Requires more force and can slip causing injury

    D. Is lighter to hold

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    4 marks

    A learner notices that the wooden handle of a chisel is loose and cracked.

    (a) State why it is unsafe to use the chisel in this condition.

    (b) Suggest what should be done before using it.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 2 marks: A loose/cracked handle can slip off or break during use, causing the tool to slip and injure the user. (b) 2 marks: Repair or replace the handle / report to the teacher for repair before using; do not use the tool until the handle is firm and safe.

19. Question 19

    6 marks

    Explain three safety precautions a learner should observe when using cutting tools in the workshop.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    2 marks each (any 3): Always keep cutting tools sharp because blunt tools slip and cause injury; secure the workpiece firmly in a vice before cutting; cut away from the body/hands to avoid injury; use the correct tool for the correct material; store tools safely with edges protected; do not distract others while they are cutting.

20. Question 20

    1 mark

    The process of making a cutting tool's edge sharp again is called:

    A. Sharpening (grinding/honing)

    B. Tempering

    C. Riveting

    D. Annealing

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    1 mark

    After using a chisel for several lessons, a learner notices it cuts poorly and tears the wood. What should be done to restore the tool's cutting ability?

    A. Make the handle longer

    B. Sharpen (grind and hone) the cutting edge

    C. Paint the blade

    D. Heat it until it is red hot

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    1 mark

    The main reason for oiling metal cutting tools after use is to:

    A. Make them heavier

    B. Change their colour

    C. Make them blunt

    D. Prevent rusting/corrosion

    (1 mark)

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23. Question 23

    1 mark

    When using a hacksaw, the teeth of the blade should point:

    A. Away from the handle in the direction of the forward stroke

    B. In both directions equally

    C. Towards the handle

    D. Downwards only

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    1 mark

    Which cutting tool is best suited for cutting curves and shapes in thin wood or plywood?

    A. Coping saw

    B. Hacksaw

    C. Cross-cut saw

    D. Cold chisel

    (1 mark)

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