What is a utility knife?

• A. A common tool used in various trades and crafts for cutting purposes.
• B. A heavy hammer for demolition.
• C. A measuring instrument for diameter.
• D. A clamp for holding materials.

Answer: (A)

A utility knife is a small, versatile cutting tool used across trades and crafts for trimming and slicing a wide range of materials. The best description fits because it emphasizes its primary purpose: cutting. In practice, you’d reach for a utility knife to cut cardboard, insulation, drywall, vinyl, carpet, or similar materials, using a retractable, replaceable blade for safety and efficiency. The other options describe tools that aren’t for cutting—an instrument of demolition, a device for measuring diameter, and a clamp for holding work—so they don’t match the function of a utility knife.