During pipe preparation, when should clamps be installed?

During pipe preparation, when should clamps be installed?

• A. After the pipe ends are aligned
• B. Before aligning
• C. Before cleaning
• D. After beveling

Answer: (A)

The central idea is to lock in an exact joint once the pipe ends are properly lined up. Installing clamps after you’ve achieved the alignment ensures the ends stay in that precise position and gap during the next steps. If clamps were placed before aligning, they could fix the pipes in a biased or misaligned way, making it hard to true the ends and maintain proper fit. Once alignment is confirmed, clamps hold the ends steady through handling and the subsequent weld preparation, preventing movement that could ruin the joint.

The central idea is to lock in an exact joint once the pipe ends are properly lined up. Installing clamps after you’ve achieved the alignment ensures the ends stay in that precise position and gap during the next steps. If clamps were placed before aligning, they could fix the pipes in a biased or misaligned way, making it hard to true the ends and maintain proper fit. Once alignment is confirmed, clamps hold the ends steady through handling and the subsequent weld preparation, preventing movement that could ruin the joint.