Intro to Millwright Practice Exam

The pliers having a series of raised surfaces and slots that engage to position the jaws are called ________ pliers.

1. Adjustable

2. Combination

3. Channel lock

4. Locking

The correct answer is: Adjustable

The correct term for pliers that have a series of raised surfaces and slots allowing for various jaw positions is "Channel lock" pliers. These pliers, also known as tongue-and-groove or slip-joint pliers, feature multiple adjustable positions that enable the user to grip objects of different sizes securely. The design includes grooves along the handles that allow the pivot point to move, thus changing the jaw width effectively. Adjustable pliers typically imply a more general category that includes various types that can be adjusted to grip different-sized objects; however, the specific design described points to channel lock pliers. Combination pliers are primarily used for cutting and gripping but do not have the adjustable feature that the question describes. Locking pliers, often referred to as vice grips, hold objects tightly but rely on a mechanism to lock the jaws in place rather than a series of grooves for adjustment.