Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

What welding method is commonly used to join two pieces of metal at a right angle?

1. Bead weld

2. Fillet weld

3. Tack weld

4. Butt weld

The correct answer is: Fillet weld

The fillet weld is specifically designed for joining two pieces of metal that meet at a right angle, making it ideal for applications like corner joints and T-joints. This method involves creating a triangular cross-section of weld material to fill the space between the two pieces, providing strength and reinforcement to the joint. Fillet welds are particularly beneficial because they can be applied in various positions, making them versatile and widely used in structural applications and fabrication. They are typically stronger than other joints at right angles when properly executed, and they can accommodate any discrepancies in the fit-up of the materials being joined. In contrast, other welding methods like the bead weld, which is primarily for covering a surface or filling a groove, and the tack weld, which is used for temporarily holding parts in place, do not inherently provide the joint strength or structural integrity needed for right-angle connections. The butt weld, while strong and useful for joining pieces edge to edge, is not intended for right-angle applications. Thus, the fillet weld is the most suitable choice for creating secure right-angle joints in metal fabrication.