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Question

A workshop supervisor needs a tool for scribing and layout work in a confined space. Which feature of the Hermaphrodite Caliper makes it different from other calipers?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2025 CBT 2 Wiremen Question Paper (28-Jul-2026) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

One leg ends in a pointed tip while the other has a caliper jaw

A hermaphrodite caliper, also called an odd-leg or jenny caliper, is a marking-out tool used to scribe lines parallel to an edge and to find the centre of round or flat stock, especially where working space is confined.

Its distinctive feature comes from having two unlike legs, which is where the name comes from.

One leg ends in a sharp, straight scriber point that marks the metal, while the other leg is bent inward to form a caliper jaw that hooks against and rides along the edge of the work.

Running the bent jaw along the edge keeps the point at a fixed distance from it, so the scribed line stays parallel to that edge.

Two identical pointed legs (option 2) would make it a divider, used for stepping distances, not for gauging from an edge.

A flat measuring edge (option 3) or two straight parallel legs (option 4) do not match its build, since one leg is always a bent jaw and the other a point.

This mixed pair of legs is exactly what sets it apart from dividers and ordinary calipers.

Hence, the answer is One leg ends in a pointed tip while the other has a caliper jaw.

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Similar Questions

  1. A fitter is tasked with marking accurate parallel lines on a metal plate before cutting. He must select a divider with tips made of a suitable material for this job. Which divider tip material would be most appropriate to use to avoid rapid wear and ensure precise marking on the metal surface?

  2. In a workshop, a mechanic needs to determine the length of the diagonal support for a rectangular metal plate with sides of 9 cm and 12 cm. Which value represents the correct length of the diagonal support needed?

  3. Why is centre punching necessary on curved or cylindrical surfaces?

  4. Which operation most benefits from using a V-block with a clamp?

  5. In marking operations, a V-block is mainly used to:

  6. Why are V-blocks often used in pairs when supporting long cylindrical workpieces?

  7. Which tool is most appropriate for marking parts before removing them during diesel engine dismantling to ensure correct reassembly?

  8. If a flat chisel is used instead of a center punch before drilling, what problem might occur?

  9. Which of the following is a correct use of a centre punch during layout work?

  10. A student marks a line with a scriber, but the line is barely visible. What might be the most likely cause?


Important Questions from Marking and Marking Tools

  1. What is the point angle of prick punch which is used for making light punch marks?

  2. The point angle of scriber is

  3. The angle of the punch used for witness marks is

  4. A fitter is tasked with marking accurate parallel lines on a metal plate before cutting. He must select a divider with tips made of a suitable material for this job. Which divider tip material would be most appropriate to use to avoid rapid wear and ensure precise marking on the metal surface?

  5. In a workshop, a mechanic needs to determine the length of the diagonal support for a rectangular metal plate with sides of 9 cm and 12 cm. Which value represents the correct length of the diagonal support needed?

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