In basic workshop and engineering practice, the cross section of the shank of a typical metal cutting cold chisel used by fitters is usually of which shape?

Introduction / Context:
In mechanical workshops and basic engineering practice, hand tools such as cold chisels are commonly used for cutting metal, removing rivets, or chipping away unwanted material. The shape of the tool shank is important for strength, ease of handling, and preventing slipping when the tool is struck with a hammer. Technical and trade exam questions often ask about the standard cross sectional shape of a typical cold chisel to test familiarity with basic tools.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The tool in question is a metal cutting cold chisel used by fitters and mechanics.
- The cross section being discussed is that of the shank or body of the chisel, not the cutting edge.
- Options include octagonal, rectangular, hexagonal, and circular cross sections.
- We assume standard tool design as taught in workshop practice courses.

Concept / Approach:
A cold chisel is designed to be held in one hand while being struck with a hammer on its head. The cross section of the shank is commonly made octagonal. This shape provides several advantages: it offers multiple flat surfaces for a firm grip, reduces the chance of the chisel rolling on the workbench, and gives good strength distribution. A purely rectangular cross section is more typical of flat bars or some striking tools but is less common for standard cold chisels. A hexagonal cross section is widely used for bolts and some other tools but is not the textbook answer for a typical chisel shank. A circular cross section would be more likely to slip in the hand and roll away, making it less practical for a struck tool. Therefore, octagonal is the most appropriate choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about the cross sectional shape of the shank of a standard cold chisel. Step 2: Recall from workshop practice diagrams that cold chisels are often shown with an octagonal body. Step 3: Consider why an octagonal shape is used: multiple flat faces improve grip and help prevent rolling. Step 4: Compare this with rectangular, hexagonal, and circular options, which are less typical for standard chisels. Step 5: Choose octagonal as the correct cross sectional shape.

Verification / Alternative check:
Workshop technology textbooks and training manuals commonly label the parts of a cold chisel and show cross sectional views. In these diagrams, the shank is usually drawn as octagonal. Explanations emphasise that the octagonal form provides a comfortable hand grip and helps avoid slipping when the chisel is struck. Tool catalogues from manufacturers also frequently describe standard engineer's chisels as octagonal in section. These consistent descriptions support octagonal as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Rectangular cross section similar to a flat bar is not the common standard for a typical cold chisel shank and may be less comfortable to hold.
- Hexagonal cross section like that of some bolts is used widely for fasteners but is not the typical design taught for metal cutting chisels in basic workshop courses.
- Circular cross section like a smooth rod would provide poor grip and could easily roll, making it unsuitable for a tool that must be held securely while being struck.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may assume that any hand tool shank is circular or rectangular because those shapes are familiar from other tools or stock materials. Others may recall hexagonal bolts and wrongly generalise that shape to chisels. To remember correctly, it helps to picture a standard engineer's cold chisel: the sides are flattened to form eight faces. Visualising the tool in the hand and the need for a non rolling, comfortable grip reinforces why the octagonal cross section is commonly used.

Final Answer:
The cross section of a typical metal cutting cold chisel shank is usually Octagonal cross section for a good grip and strength.