AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

If a nut or bolt is too tight to loosen with a wrench, what is the suggested action?

1. Apply heat with a torch

2. Use a longer wrench

3. Soak it in lubricant

4. Tap it with a hammer

The correct answer is: Use a longer wrench

Using a longer wrench is the suggested action when encountering a nut or bolt that is too tight to loosen with a standard wrench. The principle behind this is mechanical leverage: a longer wrench provides more torque, making it easier to turn the fastener. This increased leverage can help overcome the resistance of a tight or rusted connection, allowing for easier loosening without causing damage to the bolt or nut. Other options may provide solutions but have their limitations or risks. For example, applying heat can be effective in loosening rusted components, but it also carries the risk of damaging surrounding materials or causing warping. Soaking the fastener in lubricant can take time to penetrate and may not work effectively if the bond is very tight. Tapping with a hammer can sometimes help break loose a stuck nut or bolt, but it might also result in damage to the fastener or surrounding components. Using a longer wrench directly addresses the problem by maximizing the force applied to the fastener with less risk of damaging anything.