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Question

The tool, which is used for laying out diameter is

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Divider

Identifying the Correct Tool for Laying Out Diameter

When working in workshops or technical settings, precisely marking out shapes and sizes on materials is a crucial step before cutting or machining. For tasks involving circles or diameters, a specific tool is typically used for marking or "laying out." Let's examine the given options to understand which tool is best suited for laying out diameter.

Understanding the Function of Each Tool Option

Let's look at what each tool is primarily used for:

  • Scriber: This tool has a sharp point and is used to draw lines on surfaces, especially metal, acting much like a pencil does on paper. It's for general marking of lines.
  • Divider: A divider is a tool with two legs, usually hinged, that can be adjusted to set a specific distance between their points. It is commonly used for transferring measurements, comparing distances, or scribing circles and arcs.
  • Outside micrometer: This is a precision measuring instrument used to measure the external dimensions of objects, such as the diameter of a rod or the thickness of a plate. It provides accurate numerical readings.
  • Tri square (or Try square): This tool consists of two parts, a stock and a blade, joined at a right angle (90 degrees). It is used for checking the squareness of an edge or surface and for marking lines perpendicular to an edge.

Why the Divider is Used for Laying Out Diameter

Laying out a diameter essentially involves marking a circle or an arc of a specific size. The divider is the ideal tool for this purpose among the given options. To lay out a circle with a specific diameter, you would set the distance between the legs of the divider to half the desired diameter (which is the radius). Then, with one leg placed at the center point, the other leg is used to scribe the circle or arc onto the material surface.

While a scriber makes the mark, a divider controls the radius/diameter of the mark based on a central point. A micrometer measures an existing diameter, and a tri square checks or marks 90-degree angles.

Therefore, the tool specifically designed and commonly used for the task of laying out diameter (by marking the corresponding circle or radius) is the Divider.

Comparison of Tools for Laying Out Diameter

Tool Primary Function Use for Laying Out Diameter?
Scriber Marking general lines Indirectly, as part of other tools (like dividers or compasses) or freehand marking guide. Not the primary tool for precise diameter layout.
Divider Transferring distances, scribing circles/arcs Yes, commonly used to lay out circles/arcs of a specific radius/diameter from a center point.
Outside micrometer Measuring external dimensions No, used for measurement, not marking/layout.
Tri square Checking/marking 90° angles No, unrelated to circular layout.

Based on their functions, the Divider is the tool used for laying out diameter.

Revision Table: Key Tool Functions

Tool Name Main Purpose
Scriber Marking lines on material surfaces
Divider Transferring dimensions, drawing circles and arcs, dividing lines/arcs
Outside Micrometer Precise measurement of external dimensions (e.g., diameter, thickness)
Tri Square Checking and marking 90-degree angles (squareness)

Additional Information on Layout Tools

Layout tools are essential in manufacturing and fabrication for transferring design specifications onto raw materials. Accurate layout ensures that subsequent operations like cutting, drilling, and machining are performed correctly according to the desired dimensions and shapes. Besides the tools mentioned, other layout tools include center punches (for marking hole centers), surface plates (as a reference datum), height gauges (for vertical measurements and scribing), and compasses (similar to dividers but often used for larger circles and may accommodate a pencil or pen). Each tool serves a specific purpose in the overall process of preparing a workpiece for manufacturing.

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Similar Questions

  1. A centre punch is used for:  

  2. What is the point angle of the center punch?

  3. Identify the point angle of a Centre punch from the given options.

  4. What is the part of the universal surface gauge which helps to draw a parallel line along a dotted edge known as?

  5. What is the other name for Jenny spanners?

  6. Scribers are made of _______.

  7. 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?

  8. 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?

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

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


Important Questions from Marking and Marking Tools

  1. A centre punch is used for:  

  2. What is the point angle of the center punch?

  3. Identify the point angle of a Centre punch from the given options.

  4. What is the part of the universal surface gauge which helps to draw a parallel line along a dotted edge known as?

  5. What is the other name for Jenny spanners?

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