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About This Quiz
Construction sites are playgrounds for big kids. From massive pieces of machinery that seem to do anything in the world, to small handheld tools and gadgets. But, how well do you think you could do trying to identify this equipment? Do you think you could tell the difference between a paver and a backhoe? Would you be able to identify a dump truck as opposed to a bulldozer? What about smaller equipment such as a prybar and a nail pryer?
While this equipment may look fun and exciting, it can also be extremely dangerous. Luckily job sites are loaded with safety equipment from hard hats to toe boards. But, do you think you'd be able to figure out what each one is from an image -- more importantly, would you know what each one does?ÂÂ
This quiz is loaded with some of the most popular machines, tools and equipment you'd find at a construction site. It's your job to figure out what this equipment does. From something as simple as cutting a wire to massive equipment which can lift tons of materials hundreds of feet this quiz is going to be fun.ÂÂ
Take this quiz and see how much you really know about construction equipment.ÂÂ
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This equipment can look intimidating, but do you know what it does?
Transports large crews across the site.
Moves material such as sand and dirt.
The first bulldozer model was developed in the 1920s, drawing on the tractor for inspiration in creating it. The bulldozer is typically used to move large amounts of material, like dirt or sand.
Digs deep holes.
Provides shelter in the rain.
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This equipment looks dangerous, but what in the world does it do?
Grinds sand.
Breaks up large rock.
Rocks that are too big to be broken up by a smaller crusher machine are put through machines known as rock breakers. This piece of construction equipment is most often used by miners.
Used as a lift for heights.
Pulls equipment.
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You might find these in a warehouse or construction site. Do you know its job?
Tosses boulders.
Grinds down stone.
Lifts and transports equipment.
The forklift's roots can be traced to 1917 with the invention of the Tructractor, which was a simple truck used to move materials around. A few years later, the first hydraulic lift was added to select trucks. In 1923, the company, Yale, expanded upon the original designs by adding a fork-shaped lift capable of lifting heavy loads off the ground to above the height of the truck.
Digs holes.
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Whoa, this machine looks awesome. What does it do though?
Its a place for dumping material.
The Dumper is distinguishable by where its load skip is - on the front of the vehicle - and the cab (driver's area) is behind it. Whereas a dump truck has its cab up front and the load skip behind.
Transports the crew to the site.
Is a giant tool box.
Carries water.
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Possibly the tallest construction equipment built. Do you know how they are used on construction sites?
Breaks up material.
Moves heavy material.
The Ancient Greeks are credited with inventing the first model of the crane, which was operated by human and animal strength, rather than by engines, motors, or hydraulic systems. The crane differs from a hoist in that it can move heavy materials both vertically and horizontally , whereas the hoist can only lift materials vertically.
Levels the ground.
Removes nails from wood.
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This tool may leave you a little shaky, do you know why?
Is used as a crazy Pogo stick.
Knocks down walls.
Breaks up stone and concrete.
A jackhammer is the mechanized combination of a chisel and a hammer. This heavy (up to 100 pounds) piece of machinery is used to break up hard materials, like rock or concrete. The jackhammer is considered a pneumatic device, which means it operates using pressurized (compressed) air or gas.
Massages arms.
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Small, but effective, what is the purpose of this tool?
Subs as a dart after work.
Cuts thin material.
The utility knife is usually a fixed blade, which can be retracted into the handle for safe keeping when not in use. The blades of the modern utility knife are typically replaceable.
It's a digging tool.
Cuts sandwiches.
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Interesting...But do you know what it is for?
A walkway on unlevel surfaces.
Rig mats are most frequently used in oil fields under drilling rigs, other heavy equipment, and for walkways. The lightweight durability of the rig mat allows it to be used on flat, rocky, and unstable ground.
Levels rough ground.
Is great for hide and seek.
Transports large payloads.
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This equipment comes in varying sizes. Do you know what it is for?
Cleans hard hats.
Used to make chocolates and jelly beans.
Mixes concrete.
The first patent for a motorized cement mixer was granted in 1916. It used wooden paddles to stir the cement mixture, but could only do so when the cart wheels were physically moving, and it was super slow. The modern model of concrete mixers was introduced following WWII, during an industrial boom.
Carries drinkable water for the crew.
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What do you think this construction equipment does?
Digs or scoops material.
With roots dating back to the 19th century, excavators can be used for everything from home landscaping to large scale construction. Its main use is to dig or scoop out material. The first hydraulic excavators were used in the 20th century.
Builds walls.
Lifts people high up.
Digs equipment out of snow.
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This machine looks awesome. Do you know what it is used for?
Digs deep.
Levels the ground.
The grader also goes by the names: road grader and motor grader. It is a vehicle equipped with a large blade, used to cut into the earth to grade or level the ground to a flat surface according to a certain degree.
Carries heavy equipment.
Pulls the crew out of a hole.
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This is one of the most popular construction tools, but why?
Helps to demo walls.
Its a big drinking cup.
Stores a wallet and keys.
Personal protection.
Prior to the invention of the hard hat, tar and leather were used to protect laborers' heads. The "hard-boiled hat" - made of glue, steamed canvas, and black paint - was patented in 1919. Starting in 1931, select projects, like the Hoover Dam, began requiring workers to wear hard hats as a safety precaution.
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This equipment saves laborers hours of back breaking work, but how?
Lifts people to elevated levels.
Can be fitted with many different accessories.
The skid-steer loader was invented in 1960 to answer a need for making physical labor both easier on laborers and more efficient. It gets its name from the way its wheels and steering system work. The loader turns by moving either the right side tires or left side tires while the wheels on the opposite side skid.
Lays grout.
Inspects the job site.
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This futuristic tool has a specific purpose, do you know what that is?
Blinds crew workers.
Uses a laser to measure level angles.
The model most commonly in use today was patented in the late 1990s, with an earlier model being patented in the late 1980s. The idea for a laser level has been around since the early 1970s.
It's a time clock.
Used as a paper weight.
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This machine dates back nearly 100 years, do you know what it's used for?
Levels sandy roads.
Builds walls.
Demolition.
Excavation.
The first official Crawler Loader was invented in the '50s, but earlier, incomplete versions date back to 30 years earlier, in the '20s. The machine reached its peak popularity in the '60s, and has since been replaced by hydraulic excavators in most places.
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This equipment is critical to an ending process. Why?
Creates bricks.
Transports individuals.
Breaks up concrete.
Lays concrete.
The paver can also be called: paver finisher, asphalt finisher, and paving machine. There is a specific paver for laying concrete, called the slipform paver, which smooths out pre-laid concrete using a screed.
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What is the specific purpose of this handheld tool?
Helps lay sod.
Shoveling gravel.
Specific for creating straight trenches.
The military issues folding trench shovels, called a folding entrenchment tool, which are usually available for civilians to purchase at Army surplus stores and online. Trenching shovels were vital to soldiers' survival in WWI with the introduction of trench warfare, and were often used as weapons for close combat in the trenches, as the other weapons available were too long for the narrow quarters.
Helps to create foundations.
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Do you know what this equipment is used for?
Grinds up small stone.
Scores concrete.
Polishes concrete.
The power trowel is also commonly referred to as a power float, helicopter, whirlybird, and trowel machine. It's a smaller, lighter piece of construction equipment used to polish concrete with a smooth finish. Power trowels can be ride-on or push-behind.
Melts ice.
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You've likely seen this while driving at night. Do you know why?
Tows equipment.
Blinds anyone trying to steal from the job site.
Provides light while working at night.
Light towers are used for construction, mining, demolition, emergency services, motion picture production, sporting events, oil refining, and agricultural needs. Some are powered by generators, others by electricity and solar power.
Loosens up the soil.
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Hobbits are probably fans of this tool. Do you know why?
Drags equipment up steep hills.
Bores through the earth to create tunnels.
The modern-day Tunnel Boring Machine can power through pretty much anything, including rock. The first TBM was built in 1845, commissioned to dig the Frejus Rail Tunnel in Europe.
Carries tools.
Stores water.
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Worth its height in gold, what do you use it for?
Helps workers reach heights.
The first recorded societal use of ladders is by the ancient Egyptians and Hebrews. Extension ladders are useful for construction purposes, but not so much for use around the average-sized household. When it comes to daily needs, step-ladders are much more popular, since they're self-supporting.
Helps workers cross large craters.
Breaks up wood.
Cuts down trees.
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You probably recognize this tool, but why is it important to construction?
Pours tar.
Helps to lay pavement.
Breaks up hard material.
Sledgehammers are used to break up hard materials in construction, and they are also a weapon of choice for many thieves looking to break into homes.
Mixes concrete
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How is this equipment used in the construction process?
Its a writing utensil.
Cuts wood.
Helps workers safely work at heights.
Daniel Palmer-Jones is considered the "grandfather" of scaffolding, having invented and patented in the early 1900s many of the parts still in use today. However, the history of scaffolding dates back much further than that, with evidence of scaffolding system over 17,000 years old from the Paleolithic era.
Carries workers away from the job site.
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Kaboom! Why is this equipment so important?
Older equipment used to demolish buildings.
The wrecking ball was most commonly used in the '50s and '60s, but lost popularity with the rise of machinery like hydraulic excavators. Most recently, the machine made a comeback in Miley Cyrus's 2013 hit, "Wrecking Ball."
It's a giant swing.
Pulverizes fine material.
Digging tool.
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Fits in your pocket, but why would a construction worker need one?
All-purpose personal knife.
The jack knife is also known as a pocket knife, since most are small enough to fit in pants' pockets. The oldest jack knife found is believed to have been made around 600-500 BC.
Used for cutting wire.
Cuts stone.
Cuts rounded corners in wood.
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Simple, effective and important. Do you know why?
Penalizes bad workers.
Prevents tools from falling over an edge.
A toe board is usually a simple 2x4 nailed down horizontally across a roof so that laborers can use it as a safety precaution for walking across the roof. The plank of wood would stop laborers from falling off the roof if they were to lose their footing. This allows roofers to ditch their safety harnesses, which allows them to remain cool while moving freely.
Provides a step stool.
Collects swept up debris.
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You'd probably love to have access to one of these. Do you know what it does?
Transports a lot of crew members all at once.
Carries drinking water.
Used to dump and unload material such as garbage and sand.
The hydraulic dump truck, the only model in use today, was introduced in the early 1900s by Wood Hoist Co. Small dump truck manufacturing companies grew exponentially during WWI due to increased wartime demand.
Mixes concrete.
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Surprisingly, this equipment is smaller than other similar equipment. What does it do?
Lifts workers.
Digs and moves dirt and sand.
Backhoe loaders are smaller and more precise than other machinery serving similar purposes, which makes them most suitable for urban areas, where there is limited space available for construction activities. The first backhoe was produced by Wain-Roy Corporation in 1947, and the first hydraulic backhoe was sold in 1948.
Breaks up boulders.
Lifts pallets.
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This tool requires refined handling. What does it do?
Cuts wires.
Breaks away and edges metals and wood.
The chisel is most commonly used in working with metal, wood, and stone. There are specific techniques to using the chisel, and it's not an easy craft to master.
Polishes metal.
Lays grout.
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This tool would be fun to play with. Do you know what it's for?
Chisels wood.
Pries metal and wood apart.
The crowbar has quite a few other names, including: Jimmy, Jimmy bar, gooseneck, pry bar, and wrecking bar. A crowbar is usually referred to as a Jimmy when it's being used in a robbery. The tool comes in a variety of shapes, including: cylindrical, hexagonal, oval, and I-beam.
MIxes concrete.
Flattens pavement.
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What does this familiar tool do?
Cuts edges in the sidewalk.
Lifts workers.
Pries wood apart.
Cuts wood.
The handsaw can be either "push-cut" or "pull-cut," but there's no consensus on which method is more efficient. Handsaws are often used when cutting wood. In some countries, handsawing is an actual sport.
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Does this tool look familiar? It's probably not what you think, so what does it do?
Helps steer the backhoe.
Moves soil.
Breaks up ground in landscaping.
The Mattock is similar to the pickax, but differs in the direction in which the ax cuts. Its design makes it most suitable for use in landscaping, where it is used to break up the ground.
Digging.
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What would a construction worker use this tool for?
Helps grout.
Helps to cut wire.
Cleaning and polishing metals.
In addition to their uses in construction, wire brushes are also used to clean the teeth of large animals, like crocodiles. They are usually made of steel wire.
Scores the pavement.
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What does this small tool do?
Smooths out wet cement.
Digs into the ground.
Scores slippery ground.
Drills holes in wood and metal.
Humans switched from using wood and bone to craft bits to metal in the 13th century. Tools which served similar purposes (extensions/attachments) can be traced back to prehistoric times.
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How does a construction worker use this to keep things right?
Acts as a paperweight.
Tapes wood pieces together.
Measures distance.
The first spring-loaded measuring tape was patented in 1868 in the U.S. The first recorded use of a standardized ruler was by the ancient Romans in 29 BC. At the time, it was called a measuring rod.
Can wrap around equipment to hold it together.
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Interesting tool. What would a construction worker use it for?
Holds two pieces of metal or wood together.
Clamps are just as important today as they were in ancient Egypt, where one of their uses was to hold tombs shut while the "glue" was setting. Clamps first appeared in ancient Egyptian illustrations. Today, G or C-clamps are most popular with woodworkers and hobbyists.
Is used to hang clothing.
Acts as an antenna for wi-fi.
Used for writing names in wet cement.
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More useful than you think. What is this tools task?
Pokes holes in the ground.
Pulls nails from wood.
When nails used to be handmade (more than 100 years ago), nail pullers were intentionally hand-crafted so that the nail would not be damaged in the process of being pulled. Now, it's all about getting the nail out as fast and efficiently as possible.
Pries open hinges.
Is a replacement for a hammer.
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You probably have these at home, but at a construction site? What is it used for?
Cuts wire.
Needle-nose pliers allow users to cut wire, a unique feature of this type of pliers. The origins of the pliers is unknown, as many civilizations throughout human history have used a version of them, but it is known that they are an ancient invention, very ancient.
Can screw screws into wood.
Hammers nails.
Pokes holes into the foreman's ideas.
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It may cause a mess, but it's worth it. Do you know why?
Scrubs surfaces clean.
Breaks up large rock.
Helps in mixing concrete.
Portable sanding.
Belt sanders can be portable/mobile or stationary. Portable belt sanders are run over the surface or material needing to be sanded, while stationary sanders require users to run the material needing to be sanded over the sanding belt. This sander was not designed for precision, but for use at the beginning of a project when the material is still quite rough. The belt is too fast and aggressive to use for detailed sanding.
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Hmm, what is this for?
It's a place to hang your hat.
Hammers nails into wood.
Can be used as a makeshift table.
Today, sawhorses are constructed according to specific measurements, using highly accurate machinery. In the 1800s, this was not the case - halved logs were used as the sawhorse base, usually not exactly level with one another. In addition to their important role in construction, sawhorses are also used by law enforcement as barricades.
Pours concrete.
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