North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the minimum distance from the edge of a bored hole to the edge of the stud?

1. 1 inch

2. 2 inches

3. 4 inches

4. 4 feet

The correct answer is: 4 feet

In building construction, especially when dealing with framing and the drilling of bored holes in studs, adhering to minimum distance requirements is critical for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring safety. The correct distance from the edge of a bored hole to the edge of the stud is 4 inches. This requirement helps prevent weakening of the stud, which could occur if a hole is too close to the edge. A hole that is placed too near the edge could compromise the stud’s load-bearing capacity, potentially leading to structural failures. The 4-inch guideline is established to provide sufficient material on either side of the hole, thus maintaining the stud's effectiveness in the framing system. In contrast, the other distances proposed do not provide the necessary safety margin. While 1 inch and 2 inches may seem adequate for minor penetrations, they do not adequately account for the potential risks associated with larger bored holes or the stress that can be placed on the stud when it is loaded. The 4 feet option is well beyond what is necessary, making it impractical for this application. Therefore, 4 inches is the accepted minimum distance that balances safety and structural integrity in construction practices.