North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

Weld washers are recommended for metal thickness less than ______ gage.

1. 4

2. 6

3. 8

4. 10

The correct answer is: 6

Weld washers are specifically designed to provide increased strength and support in applications where metal thickness is less than a certain gage. In this case, the recommendation is for metal thickness less than 6 gage. This is because metal at this thickness tends to be more susceptible to warp and provides less structural integrity when welding without additional support. Using a weld washer helps distribute the load more evenly and reduces the risk of damage or failure at the weld site. It also minimizes the potential for burn-through in thinner materials, thus ensuring a more secure and robust joint. This practice aligns with standard engineering practices when working with thin metal sections, which require careful consideration to maintain integrity and performance. Choosing a gage less than 6 ensures that the structure maintains its strength and durability, particularly in applications where stress and strain may be factors. In this context, options representing thicker metal gages would be less relevant since those materials typically do not require additional support mechanisms like weld washers.