Question 43 QMED05 - Machinist-Pump Technician

The Correct Answer is B A **tubing cutter** is the best tool for cutting copper coil tubing because it is specifically designed for this purpose. It uses a sharp cutting wheel and a screw mechanism to score and cleanly cut the soft metal tubing with minimal burr formation. This ensures a straight, clean end crucial for proper fitting, flaring, or soldering in HVAC, plumbing, or refrigeration applications. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) hand hacksaw:** While it can cut copper, a hacksaw creates a rough, jagged edge and a significant amount of internal burr (swarf). This requires extensive deburring and sanding, increasing labor and potentially contaminating the system if not removed entirely. * **C) pipe cutter:** A standard pipe cutter is typically larger and designed for rigid, thicker-walled metal pipes (like steel or iron). Using it on soft copper tubing can easily deform, crimp, or crush the relatively thin tubing walls, making the end unusable for fittings. * **D) flare cutter:** A "flare cutter" is not a standard tool name for cutting tubing. A flaring tool is used to expand the end of a tube to create a mechanical seal, and a tubing cutter (Option B) is sometimes incorporated into a flaring *kit*, but the cutting action itself is performed by the tubing cutter.