Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Level I Practice Exam

The main idea here is removing slag to reveal a clean weld surface. After welding with flux or filler, a layer of slag forms on top of the bead. The chipping hammer is used to crack and knock off this slag so you can inspect the weld and ensure the metal underneath is properly fused and clean. Its design—with a chisel-like end to pry and a hammering end to break slag—is specifically for this task. It isn’t used to strike the arc (that’s the electrode holder’s job), nor to grind the weld, nor to measure weld depth. Removing slag is a normal step in the welding process to meet quality standards.