Intro to Millwright Practice Exam

Which tool is used to transfer points from one elevation to another?

1. Level

2. Plumb Bob

3. Chalk Line

4. Caliper

The correct answer is: Plumb Bob

A plumb bob is designed specifically to transfer points vertically from one elevation to another. It consists of a weight suspended from a string, which does not move and thus directly shows the vertical line from its point of suspension down to its point of contact with a surface below. When you hang a plumb bob from a height, it will always point directly to the earth due to gravity, allowing you to accurately mark a point directly below the point of suspension, effectively transferring the elevation. In contrast, while a level is used to determine horizontal surfaces and can help in leveling work between two points, it does not directly transfer vertical points. A chalk line is useful for marking long straight lines on flat surfaces but does not provide vertical reference points. A caliper is primarily used for measuring the dimensions of objects and is not intended for transferring elevation marks.