Blade Varieties
What is the most common, general-purpose utility blade with two usable cutting edges?
The standard straight-edge (trapezoid) blade.
In carpentry, what is the primary purpose of scoring drywall with a utility knife?
To enable a clean snap (faster and less dust than sawing).
A carpenter might use a hook blade to specifically cut these two roofing materials.
Roofing shingles or felt.
On a standard trapezoid blade, what can you do when one edge becomes dull?
Flip and reverse it to use the second sharp edge.
What is the primary safety feature of a rounded-tip utility blade?
It reduces the risk of accidental punctures or injury.
Which type of utility blade is specifically designed to cut a top layer without damaging the underlying surface?
A hook blade.
Besides cutting, what common marking tool can a carpenter sharpen with their utility knife?
A carpenter's pencil.
serrated blade is a good choice for cutting rope, twine, rubber, or certain _____.
Plastics.
How is the spare blade storage compartment accessed on a Stanley retractable knife?
Pop open a button on the handle and pull down.
What piece of safety equipment is recommended if you are going to be using utility knives frequently?
Cut-resistant gloves.
What type of blade has a toothed edge to better grip and cut tough or fibrous materials?
A serrated blade.
Utility knives are commonly used to trim what type of building material to fit tight spaces, such as fiberglass or foam board?
Insulation materials.
Snap-off blades are popular for high-volume cutting of foam board, vinyl, and _____.
Wallpaper.
To change the blade on a Stanley retractable knife, what is the first step after extending the blade?
Press the yellow button to release the blade.
When handling a utility blade for a change, how should you grip it to avoid injury?
Always grab it by the back (the non-sharp edge).
Which blades are segmented, allowing the user to snap off a dull tip to expose a fresh, sharp edge?
Snap-off blades.
When marking wood, what advantage does a utility knife have over using a pencil?
It scores a fine, accurate line that eliminates the gap left by a pencil.
Carpenters use utility knives for trimming excess materials such as caulk, adhesive, or _____.
Plastic sheeting.
On a foldable Kobalt utility knife, how is the blade released for a change?
Press a small button which lifts a lever, allowing it to slide out.
What are four common materials used to make utility knife blades?
Carbon steel, stainless steel, carbide, and ceramic.
What are the four primary categories of utility blades based on their shape/edge configuration?
Straight, hook, serrated, and snap-off.
For small, detailed projects, a utility knife can be used for light _____ or shaping of small wood pieces.
Carving.
Hook blades are ideal for cutting flooring materials like carpet, vinyl flooring, and _____.
Linoleum.
What must be removed to change the blade on a non-retractable, fixed utility knife?
A screw that holds the two halves of the case together.
Why is the non-retractable, fixed utility knife considered "pretty actually dangerous"?
Because the blade cannot be retracted or folded, leaving it always exposed.