All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Why is centre punching necessary on curved or cylindrical surfaces?

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

Drill bit tends to slip more easily on curved surfaces

Centre punching is a crucial step when drilling on curved or cylindrical surfaces. This process involves creating a small indentation at the drilling point using a center punch tool. Let's explore why this step is necessary:

  1. Stability and Accuracy: The primary reason for center punching is to provide a stable starting point for the drill bit. On curved surfaces, the drill bit tends to slip and skid due to the uneven terrain. By creating a small indentation, the center punch provides the drill bit with a guide to follow, minimizing the risk of slipping.
  2. Increased Friction: The indentation increases the friction between the drill bit and the surface, helping to stabilize the bit as it begins to cut into the material.
  3. Prevents Damage: Without center punching, the slipping of the drill bit can lead to unwanted scratches or damage on the workpiece, especially on finished surfaces.
  4. Reduces Errors: A center-punched mark ensures that the hole will be drilled in the correct location, reducing the risk of errors in alignment that could result from the bit wandering.

Among the given options, the correct answer is: "Drill bit tends to slip more easily on curved surfaces." This accurately describes the challenge of drilling on curved surfaces and the reason why center punching is necessary.

The other options can be ruled out because they do not accurately describe the mechanical or physical properties of curved surfaces that affect the drilling process:

  • Curved surfaces always contain soft metal layers: This is not true for all curved surfaces; the material properties are independent of the surface shape.
  • Curved surfaces increase drilling speed automatically: Surface shape does not impact the speed of drilling; rather, it is impacted by tool speed and material cut.
  • Curved surfaces reduce hardness of metals: The shape of a surface does not affect the inherent hardness of the material.
Was this answer helpful?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  10. Which feature distinguishes a centre punch from a prick punch in terms of construction?


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?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
RRB NTPC
September 27, 2026
Test Series
RRB ALP img
Railways
RRB ALP 2026 Mock Test series
1035 Tests 1 Tests Free
887 Attempts
4.3(235)
English, Hindi
More Questions from RRB ALP

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App