National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Carpentry Practice Exam

Which tool can be used to layout a 45-degree angle?

1. Speed square

2. Framing square

3. Combination square

4. Builder's level

The correct answer is: Combination square

The combination square is an essential tool for layout work, especially for marking angles. It typically features a ruler and a 90-degree and 45-degree angle blade, making it versatile for various tasks, including carpentry. When you need to mark a 45-degree angle, you can simply align the ruler with one side and use the 45-degree edge of the blade to make your mark. This precision is critical in carpentry, where accurate angles contribute to the overall quality of a project. In contrast, while a speed square and framing square can also be used to mark angles, they are more commonly used for layout and framing tasks rather than detailed layout work like the combination square. The builder's level is primarily used for establishing a level line across distances and is not designed for laying out angles. Therefore, the combination square stands out as the most suitable tool for laying out a 45-degree angle in carpentry.