Question

Mechanics sometimes put a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench when trying to remove a very tight bolt. How does this help? (It is also hazardous since it can break the bolt.)

a) Pipe increases torque; helps in bolt removal.
b) Pipe reduces torque; hinders bolt removal.
c) Pipe has no effect on torque; does not affect bolt removal.
d) Pipe increases torque; has no effect on bolt removal.

Answer 1

A length of pipe over the handle of a wrench increases the lever arm, which in turn increases the torque applied to a bolt, assisting in its removal. The correct answer is a) Pipe increases torque; helps in bolt removal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When mechanics put a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench to remove a very tight bolt, they are effectively increasing the lever arm of the wrench. This increase in lever arm length results in a greater torque being applied to the bolt. Torque is a measure of the turning force on an object and is calculated as the product of the force applied and the distance from the pivot point (in this case, the bolt).

By using a longer pipe, the mechanic can apply the same force at a greater distance from the bolt, thus increasing the torque and making it easier to loosen the bolt. The correct answer to the question is a) Pipe increases torque; helps in bolt removal. However, caution is advised since the increased torque might also increase the risk of breaking the bolt.