Which metal is hard and strong and used for hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers?

• A. High carbon steel
• B. Mild Steel
• C. Stainless steel
• D. Iron

Answer: (A)

Hardness and edge retention are what make a metal suitable for hand tools that must resist wear and hold a sharp edge. High carbon steel has enough carbon to form a hard, wear-resistant structure when properly heat treated, so it can be sharpened and keep its edge under use. The heat treatment—quenching followed by tempering—gives a balance of hardness and toughness, allowing tools like screwdrivers to resist dulling and hammers to absorb impact without brittle fracture. Mild steel, with lower carbon, is softer and dulls more quickly; stainless steel offers corrosion resistance but generally doesn’t combine the same edge-holding and toughness as tool-grade high carbon steel; iron is too soft for durable hand tools.